Page 23 - Combined Folders HRHQEII - BPW UK Members Oct. 19th visit - E-news September 2022

PAST EVENT

Wednesday Talk:

What kind of neighbourhood do you want to live in?

We welcomed Sally Copley, Executive Director, External Affairs of Sustrans
th
on Wednesday 7 September.

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle. They aim to
connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and de-
liver a happier, healthier commute. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
Sally discussed with us that the key aims are to not just get us out of our cars but to allow
open, safe spaces to connect with local amenities so that people of all age groups, ethnicities
and abilities can utilise them.

The new cost of running a car has been estimated at £3.5K as a result of the fuel increases
so finding alternative ways to get around is key for our pockets as well as the environment and
our health.
Data collected from over 17 cities clearly shows that 80% of people want to see more ac-
cessible facilities and connections with public transport. Findings from those surveyed by the
WACI – Walking and Cycling Index during the pandemic show some staggering statistics:
The benefits of more people walking, wheeling and cycling within their neighbourhoods

• WACI data: every year walking and cycling across WACI cities takes 2.6mn cars off the road

• This reduces GHG emissions by 310,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to 370,000 people tak-
ing transatlantic flights from London to New York

• Walking and cycling also prevent over 24,000 serious long-term health conditions each year

• Walking in WACI cities alone saves the NHS over £134mn, equivalent to the cost of 4.5mn
GP appointments

For more information on WACI here is the link: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/the-walking-
and-cycling-index/

Interestingly there are a number of barriers as to why women in particular do not cycle as
much as men. A study for Mums for Lungs in Lambeth found that 75% of women never cycle
whilst there are twice as many men cycling as women and they undertake three times as many
trips.

Several barriers exist to prevent women of all ages from cycling:
- Confidence

- Safety
- Cultural issues

- Storage

- Cost

Sustrans have worked with a number of groups from enabling girls in Lambeth to learn how to
cycle to enabling the Forever Young group from sheltered housing into trishaws.