Active Travel; 2021

Description

This dataset, produced by the Department for Transport, presents two indicators;

- Percentage of adults walking for travel at least three days per week

- Percentage of adults cycling for travel at least one day per week

For most people, the easiest and most acceptable forms of physical activity are those that can be built into everyday life. Examples include walking or cycling instead of travelling by car, and using stairs instead of lifts. ‘Active travel’ (or active transportation or mobility) means walking or cycling as an alternative to motorised transport (notably cars, motorbikes/mopeds etc) for the purpose of making everyday journeys.

Creating an environment where people actively choose to walk and cycle as part of everyday life can have a significant impact on public health and may reduce inequalities in health. It is an essential component of a strategic approach to increasing physical activity and may be more cost-effective than other initiatives that promote exercise, sport and active leisure pursuits.

Walking and cycling for travel are presented separately, rather than as a combined active travel indicator, as walking and cycling are distinct activities which are likely to appeal to different segments of the population and may require different approaches.

There is no Black Country level data for either of these indicators. The information is produced by Department for Transport and derived from Sport England’s Active Lives Survey.

Commentary

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/walking-and-cycling-statistics-england-2021