We welcome the findings of a new Scottish academic study which outlines the significant health and economic benefits of active commuting.
Sustrans has welcomed the findings of a new Scottish academic study which outlines the significant health and economic benefits of active commuting.
The research by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health is published in the Journal of Transport and Health.
Outlining the health benefits of an active commute
John Lauder, Sustrans’ Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Scotland said:
“This is exactly what Sustrans is promoting. It once again underlines the health benefits of active commuting and the return on investment in walking and cycling."
“As well as being an easy way for people to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives, getting around actively in our daily lives helps reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. It’s a ‘win-win’."
Tackling the climate crisis
Earlier this year a study led by researchers from the University of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit concluded that cycling, e-biking or walking can help tackle the climate crisis.
Even if you swap the car for active transport just one day a week.
Stories from real people making a change
Sustrans Scotland has produced a range of active travel videos with “real-life” case studies .
The videos are being released on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube promoting the active travel message.
One of those featured is NHS worker Cher Dougan who is a maternity care assistant in Dumfries.
She embraced walking and cycling after undergoing open-heart surgery two years ago. She commutes to work by e-bike:
“It’s actually quicker by bike.
"It used to take fifteen minutes to drive, but I can use a bike path which takes just seven minutes and because it’s downhill on the way home, just four minutes.
"I’d urge anyone to try it.”
