Active Travel in Wales Committee Report: Living Streets' response 

Ruth Billingham, Head of Campaigns at Living Streets, shares her views on the Active Travel in Wales Committee Report: 

Living Streets supports the recommendations in the Active Travel in Wales Committee Report calling for national direction, multi-year funding settlements, and a renewed focus on inclusivity and behaviour change. As we transition to a new funding model in Wales, we need to ensure that active travel is a key priority.

The Committee heard compelling evidence about the barriers faced by vulnerable travellers, including disabled and older people. These citizens often encounter inaccessible routes and are not consulted enough when schemes are designed. 

If active travel is to be truly inclusive, these voices must be embedded at the heart of planning and delivery. 

Living Streets also believes that engagement with local communities is key to helping make active travel a practical and attractive choice. Integrated planning – such as when new housing is built – can help more people experience the many benefits of walking and wheeling. 

In terms of the next generation, Living Streets wants to see more integration of walking routes and schools. Living Streets supports 200 primary schools, 42 secondary schools and 25 nurseries in Wales through its walk to school programmes. Over two years, WOW – the walk to school programme, saw a 20 per cent increase in walking and wheeling all the way to school. 

It's heartening to see many of the same recommendations in the Active Travel Board Annual report, also released on the same day.