A NALC blog by Tom van Vuren, Transport Planning Society’s policy director, explores whether investing in cycling infrastructure leads to more cycling trips. By applying the concept of induced demand, he argues that better cycling facilities, like dedicated lanes and secure parking, can attract new cyclists, leading to health benefits, reduced emissions, and less traffic.
Tom uses studies to show that well-planned cycling programs can significantly boost cycling rates. However, the impact varies by location, with urban areas seeing the most substantial gains. While many new cyclists shift from public transport or walking rather than driving, evidence from the Netherlands suggests that improved cycle access to train stations can increase cycling and rail use. Tom stresses the need for solid, localised evidence to justify investments, advising against relying too heavily on data from other areas. His insights and resources offer a solid foundation for making the case for cycling infrastructure. Read the blog
Making the case for improving rural transport through green infrastructure, the Two Shires Greenway is an ambitious program that could deliver a ten-fold return on investment on social and environmental value. This film looks at the greenways or traffic-free routes in the Stratford-on-Avon District and their potential to link together all of its major centres from Shipston to Southam and everything in between, allowing people to travel right across it ‘without ever going near a road if they don’t want to’. The network could bring multiple benefits to residents, visitors and the environment and make Stratford a role model in the process. To find out more about the Two Shires Greenway go to: https://twoshiresgreenway.org.uk/