Online map for emergency walking and cycling infrastructure

Sustrans has created a live online map for people to share their views on emergency measures that have been put in place to help them walk and cycle safely during lockdown.

The map-based tool has been created by the charity in order to help local authorities gather residents’ feedback and assess the impact that measures to create additional space for safe walking and cycling have had during the coronavirus lockdown. It enables residents across the UK to share their views on temporary cycle lanes, widened pavements and other measures that have been implemented in their local area to allow for physical distancing.

Once data is gathered, an automated ‘dashboard’ report can be sent to the relevant local authority. Evidence suggests such measures can help prevent a spike in car use and pollution after lockdown is lifted.

In recent weeks, councils across the UK have rolled out a number of specific traffic measures to increase space for walking and cycling. Such changes include: street closed to motor vehicles but open for people walking and cycling; the creation of temporary cycleway separated from cars; widening of pedestrian footway (by extending it into the road); the installation of road filters to prevent through motor traffic; and reduced speed limits for motor vehicles.

Transport for London was the latest to do so, announcing fast-track new cycle routes and wider pavements across the capital.

Sustrans has asked the government to support local authorities in England to roll-out active travel infrastructure to support social distancing and to enable a greener, more sustainable recovery from coronavirus.

Andy Cope, director of Insight at Sustrans, said: “Walking and cycling has proved to be an important part of the UK’s resilience against the coronavirus crisis, both in terms of helping keyworkers to travel safely, enabling other essential journeys, and supporting people to maintain their wellbeing through exercise. The implementation of temporary measures has been vital in ensuring the creation of safe walking and cycling routes to help people comply with physical distancing during the lockdown period.
 
“Safe walking and cycling will have a key role to play in getting towns and cities moving safely at different stages of the lockdown, and beyond. We need to understand changes to road layouts that have been made during this time, and how they might work as part of long-term plans to create healthier and pleasant streets for people. This tool will be crucial in helping us to understand what changes to space will be needed in the coming months.”