Increased Support for Active Travel
We have an opportunity presented to us to increase our support for active travel in our communities. Whether this be by creating segregated - possibly covered (to deal with the infamous weather) - cycle lanes separating cyclists from both pedestrians and cars; wider pavements to allow for a greater volume of walkers/runners or subsidies of cycles/running footwear etc. Over a longer period of time this could even stretch to certain areas/roads being closed off to motorised vehicles and some car parking spaces repurposed as bike storage.
Why the contribution is important
Active travel has many benefits for physical health, mental health and for the environment. It also can allow for easier social distancing than public transport, a lower burden on emergency services (through less car accidents, breakdowns etc.) and can even shorten journey times. We know that excess fat and lack of exercise are risk factors for so many health issues and, especially if Covid-19 is here for a while, finding ways to encourage better public health could lead more positive health outcomes for Scottish citizens in the future.
It is also possible that in the future, more walkers and cyclists in city/town centres could have an enormously positive impact on our high streets - which have been decimated by both out-of-town retail parks and online shopping - and are likely to struggle with the fallout from the current pandemic. A return of local journeys to local shops may be no bad thing.
by slimbofat on May 08, 2020 at 11:35AM
Posted by Sulphonamide May 08, 2020 at 12:57
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Posted by cos May 09, 2020 at 10:24
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Posted by JohnED May 11, 2020 at 17:46
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