The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) has launched an inquiry to investigate social justice in active travel.
Backed by British Cycling and UK law firm Leigh Day, the inquiry will explore the barriers that prevent equal access to walking, cycling and wheeling. Its aim is to understand how policy, infrastructure and social factors impact who benefits from active travel and who is excluded.
These findings will be used by the APPGCW to shape recommendations for policies that improve equal access to active travel.
“The APPGCW will gather evidence through written submissions and an in-person session in Parliament, consulting with experts, campaigners, policy makers and the public to build a comprehensive picture of the barriers to active travel,” Fabian Hamilton, MP for Leeds North East and Co-Chair of the APPG for Cycling and Walking told Zag Daily.
”By actively engaging a diverse range of voices and drawing on real-world examples and successful initiatives, the APPGCW aims to generate insights that are grounded in lived experience and best practices. This evidence will guide the group in recommending policies that can truly transform access to cycling, walking, and wheeling, making them accessible and equitable for all.”
The inquiry is seeking evidence on groups who are currently excluded from active travel and how factors such as poverty, disability and local infrastructure impact access to active travel and safety.
It will also investigate actions and policies that can help overcome barriers to active travel, such as physical barriers like inaccessible footways and unsuitable cycling infrastructure, as well as financial obstacles and social perceptions that prevent certain groups from engaging in active travel.
Earlier this year, WMG’s Principal Engineer for micromobility Mark Urbanowski echoed the Bicycle Association in calling for the UK government to offer financial incentives to accelerate the uptake of e-bikes amongst those who otherwise wouldn’t have considered cycling as a transport option. He flagged Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands as examples of where such schemes have boosted e-bike sales.
Individuals and organisations interested in participating in the APPGCW’s inquiry into the social justice of active travel can submit written evidence or attend an in-person panel session in Parliament on 9 December.
