You’ll hear the term a lot more as we discuss climate change. But what does active travel actually mean?

Active travel simply means making journeys by physically active means – like walking, cycling, wheeling, or scooting.

There is plenty of scope for achieving a significant shift to walking and cycling as the most sustainable forms of transport for short journeys, even in rural areas.

Walking is key to getting more people choosing to not use cars, it is ideal for shorter trips and also forms part of public transport journeys, including walking to and from buses, car share points, and Demand Responsive Transport (DRT).

Cycling has similar benefits but allows you to travel further than walking and offers the same opportunities to link to other transport and mobility hubs.

Positive impacts of an increase in active travel include:

• Reduced congestion
• Reduced air pollution
• Higher quality public realm
• Better physical, mental and social health

Investing in infrastructure and support for walking and cycling can increase economic growth and vibrancy, with participants spending more money locally than car users.

Good infrastructure for walking and cycling is important, but people also need encouragement, support and guidance to change their behaviours and switch their journeys to cycling or walking.

Sustainable Transport

Sustainable transport systems make a positive contribution to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the communities they serve. Transport systems exist to provide social and economic connections, opening up increased numbers of opportunities for people. The advantages of increased mobility need to be carefully balanced against the environmental, social and economic impact that transport systems pose. We need to encourage and support people to find an alternative to the car.

Public Transport, car-share, bike-share, DRT are all considered more sustainable than an individually owned vehicle.

Mobility Hubs

This is where active travel meets sustainable transport. These hubs are places which bring together public, shared and active travel modes with some public realm improvement and an identifying sign. This can range from a bus stop with parking for shared bikes by a cycle route, or where public transport, car share, DRT, bike share and retail all exist to support each other.

They help supply and demand find each other and are natural homes for electric vehicle (car, e-bike, e-cargo bike) charging, for parcel pick up and drop off and broader logistics uses.

How we can help

The Trust can help community groups research their active travel needs, develop plans and achieve recognition through schemes like the Cycle Friendly Community Award. We can help out with come and try days, Dr Bike sessions, route planning and setting up led rides, to support community led activity, source funding and deliver outcomes in Place Plans and Community Action Plans.

So far we have helped Aberfoyle and Callander achieve their silver Cycle Friendly Community Awards and are working with Drymen to achieve similar status. We would love to see a network of Cycle Friendly Communities and businesses where cyclists are welcome created throughout the Park, contact our Active Travel Officer, Jim Riach for more information [email protected]