What interventions increase active travel?
Eleanor Roaf, Emma R. Lawlor and Harriet Larrington-Spencer 2024. What interventions increase active travel? in: Mindell, J.S. and Watkins, S.J. (ed.) Health on the Move 3: The Reviews Elsevier. pp. 89-143
Eleanor Roaf, Emma R. Lawlor and Harriet Larrington-Spencer 2024. What interventions increase active travel? in: Mindell, J.S. and Watkins, S.J. (ed.) Health on the Move 3: The Reviews Elsevier. pp. 89-143
| Chapter title | What interventions increase active travel? |
|---|---|
| Authors | Eleanor Roaf, Emma R. Lawlor and Harriet Larrington-Spencer |
| Editors | Mindell, J.S. and Watkins, S.J. |
| Abstract | This is a systematic literature review of recent evidence for a broad range of interventions aiming to increase active travel, such as infrastructure or environmental changes, provision of cycles, social/behavioural interventions, or a combination of these. For inclusion, studies had to include data collected in or after 2013 and be published in peer-reviewed papers between January 2013 and May 2023. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies had a medium or high risk of bias, often due to small sample sizes or high participant loss at follow-up. Many had short follow-up periods, which may under- or over-estimate long-term impact. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were under-represented, as were people with disabilities. The review found interventions aimed at changing behaviour without any associated environmental or infrastructure changes had little impact and that such behavioural interventions needed to be repeated for any impact to be maintained. Interventions combining infrastructure change with social/behavioural programmes had more impact, as did interventions involving e-bikes, and potentially cycle-sharing schemes. Interventions involving pedal cycles alone were positive in increasing cycling amongst people on low incomes with limited alternative transport options. Therefore, policy makers and planners should stop designing or funding interventions that only address behavioural or social aspects of active travel. Instead, environmental and infrastructure changes are required to make walking, cycling and wheeling feel safer and more pleasant. These should include road space reallocation. Future research should focus on how to develop public and political support for such interventions. |
| Book title | Health on the Move 3: The Reviews |
| Page range | 89-143 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Publication dates | |
| Published online | 11 May 2024 |
| Series | Advances in Transport Policy and Planning |
| ISBN | 9780443237263 |
| ISSN | 2543-0009 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.atpp.2023.11.004 |
| Web address (URL) | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.atpp.2023.11.004 |
| Journal | Advances in Transport Policy and Planning |