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Encourage walking, cycling and public transport |
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Road danger influences transport choice. It can restrict freedoms, especially for children and elderly people, limit active travel, impose unwanted car use and create severance. Fear of traffic is the main reason parents give for accompanying their children to school. Intimidating road conditions also discourage adults from walking and cycling.
Levels of walking and cycling in the UK are among the lowest in Europe. As a result, our cities are noisy and clogged with traffic, the urban environment is degraded. Air pollution from traffic is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospital admissions.
Low rates of walking and cycling are also affecting long term population health. Obesity and overweight resulting from physical inactivity are now major concerns. Health professionals and parliamentary committees have recommended that levels of walking and cycling should be trebled.
Slower speeds on their own will not be the only change needed to boost healthy travel, but they are necessary to avoid imposing unfair risks on those who heed the advice to adopt healthy and environmentally friendly travel modes.
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The Benefits