Active-Commuting

During lockdown I couldn’t help but notice how many more runners were out from early mornings to late evenings. I admire those who can run first thing in the morning, I cannot. Lunch time or evening works best for me and getting out of the home and exercising is a big priority. Is there a better way to work through life’s frustrations than a 5km jog? Long may this trend continue as it will improve both our immune systems and mental health. One way to keep running is to be able to run to work combining the commute with exercise. For this to happen the runners need somewhere to shower and change and many employers do not have these facilities. 5km jogs during lunch can be a life saver and translate into productive afternoons. So far, I’ve found endorphins from jogging outside hard to beat.

Ebikes have also been a big seller since lockdown. Some have 40 mile ranges meaning they are just the thing for commuting to work. It’s great there is another option to commuting instead of relying on public transport and our cars. Last summer demand for the Ebikes soared to unprecedented levels and the trend is set to continue this year. We, in the UK are behind, in some European countries Ebikes are out selling traditional pedal bikes. What is often trailing is the right infrastructure to keep up with these positive trends. A secure, yes secure bike parking space is very important as Ebikes are an investment and this can be the missing link to cycling to work. Again, showers and a changing room are also necessary to be work ready after the commute.

Gradually, as workplaces start to open, lockdown cycling and running habits will translate into less car and public transport journeys. And another side effect are more beach ready bodies just in time for the summer.

Nine organisations including Greenpeace and the Transport Action Network have written an open letter to the UK secretaries of state for transport and the environment, as well as the chancellor, leaders of local and regional authorities and city mayors.

“It would be completely absurd if, after the unprecedented efforts and sacrifices made to save thousands of lives from Covid-19, we allowed thousands more to be cut short by the devastating impacts of toxic pollution,” the letter reads.

Greenpeace UK, CPRE, Cycling UK, the Environmental Defence Fund, Global Action Plan, Living Streets, Possible, Transport Action Network, and Transport and Environment have signed an open letter to UK Gov calling for wider pavements, protected cycle tracks and the installation of bus gates, bollards and planters to limit traffic in residential and shopping streets. The letter also calls for networks of low-traffic neighbourhoods and for walking and cycling to be prioritised along main roads.

To read about our own initiatives visit us here:
UK: https://active-commuting.com
Germany: https://active-commuting.net

Grant Shapps announces £2b transport package

“...this is a problem which presents a health opportunity too. An opportunity to make lasting changes that could not only make us fitter but also better off both mentally and physically in the long run.”

He said many people had taken up cycling and walking during the lockdown, saying in some places there has been a 70% rise in the number of people on bikes for exercise or travel.

“Whilst it’s crucial that we stay at home, when the country does get back to work we need to ask those people to carry on cycling or walking and for them to be joined by many others as well.”

He said that better air quality has been one of the few benefits of the current crisis.

To read about our initiatives visit us here:
UK
https://active-commuting.com
Germany
https://active-commuting.net

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO TRAVEL, SUCH AS WALKING AND CYCLING, COULD RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

• largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians
• emergency bike lanes and streets will help support transport network
• trials of rental e-scooters to be brought forward to increase green transport options
• government working with leading tech developers to reduce crowding on public transport

Far more people will be cycling and walking thanks to plans to boost greener, active transport, launched today (9 May 2020) by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .

Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February.

Visit www.active-commuting.com for information about our initiatives.