3 Individual actions: transport

3.1 Walking and cycling

Transport is the fastest growing source of CO₂ emissions in the UK with road transport alone accounting for 26 per cent of emissions. Aviation makes up 13 per cent of our climate impact with people in the UK flying more, per capita, than in any other country on Earth. Emissions are rising because the building of more roads and airports leads people to drive and fly more. Meanwhile, the average cost of a one-way air fare fell by 49 per cent between 1997 and 2006; during the same period, rail fares rose by 7 per cent. (See the Hansard Report on UK transport costs.

Although it depends on where you live and work, there are various changes you can make to reduce the carbon emissions from your travel on land. For example, rather than driving, use public transport if it is available. Alternatively, if you are able-bodied, you could cycle or walk. These suggestions may sound obvious but they are important points – many people want to spend less time in their cars but don't see the alternatives as being viable. However, research suggests that reducing car use can be achieved with the appropriate planning and services.

Walking and cycling are the two least polluting modes of transport and both have huge health benefits. The National Cycle Network consists of over 12,000 miles of walking and cycle routes and 75% of the UK population lives within two miles of a route.

One easy way to cut road use is to use alternatives for short journeys (such as the school run), while the following initiatives can also be set up for the workplace.

• Raise awareness of the health benefits of walking.

• Provide a map showing walking routes to the most common destinations and facilities near your workplace.

• Designate 'walk-in' days.

• Canvass staff about what would encourage them to walk and what barriers they face.

• Ensure footpaths to and on site are direct, well lit and well maintained.

• Prevent car parking on pavements and at dropped kerbs.

• Talk to the local planning authority about improving routes.

• Provide cloakroom facilities with storage lockers.

• Provide a pool of umbrellas (possibly with the company logo).

• Issue pedometers to staff so they can track their progress.

• On larger sites, consider bringing facilities (such as a hairdresser or dry cleaner) on site to reduce the need for people to drive into town at lunchtime.

• For staff who have concerns about personal security, provide personal alarms.

• Flexi-time may encourage more people to walk, particularly if they are constrained by school times.

• Introduce disincentives for driving to work, such as providing parking spaces on only some days, or not at all, to people living within a certain distance.

You may also find the following helpful:

• Walk to School – a campaign run by the charity Living Streets with funding from the government's Department for Transport.

• Cycling England – a campaign run by the Department for Transport.

• CTC cycling instructors.

• Journeys using public transport can be planned with the help of Traveline and Better Transport.