Active travel saves NHS millions, says report

Active methods of travel - such as walking, wheeling and cycling - in the Liverpool City Region saves the NHS £53.8m a year, a new report has estimated.

The National Walk Wheel Cycle Trust estimated more than 4,400 serious, long-term health conditions were prevented during the last year alone by people taking up a more active lifestyle.

Since 2019, the city region has developed more than 93 miles (150km) of new and improved active travel routes and there are a further 47 miles (76km) in development.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said "building a modern, integrated transport network is central to our vision for a healthier and more sustainable Liverpool City Region".

"Nearly half of all car journeys in our region are less than 3 miles (5km) and we're committed to changing that, by making walking, cycling and wheeling as safe and easy as possible," Rotheram added.

"Using funds from the £1.6bn transport settlement, we're going to deliver a seismic shift in our active travel infrastructure."

The Walking and Cycling Index is a partnership project between the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Jonah Morris, growth and partnerships manager at the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said walking, wheeling and cycling were "becoming part of everyday life" across the city region.

"It shows strong public support for neighbourhoods designed around everyday journeys that can be made easily on foot, with a wheelchair or by bike, whilst highlighting some concerns around safety and infrastructure," he said.

Simon O'Brien, the city region's walking and cycling commissioner, said additional high quality paths and better connections to public transport had resulted in more residents wanting to travel actively.

"We're heading in the right direction," he explained.

"Thousands of people are already feeling the health and wellbeing benefits - and that there's strong support for safer streets and better routes.

"Active travel isn't just good for individuals, it helps create greener, healthier and more enjoyable places for all of us.".

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