Healthy streets key element of Mayor’s transport strategy

The need to create healthy streets is at the heart of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s first transport strategy, which sets out proposals to reshape transport in the capital over the next 25 years.

The Draft Transport Strategy includes proposals for ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ that encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport and to increase opportunities to use streets as public spaces and for play. The mayor wants to create ‘Healthy Routes’ - attractive, safe and accessible walking routes to schools and other local destinations, such as shops, health services and parks, with a particular focus on improving conditions for children, older people and disabled people. 

The Mayor’s aim is for 70% of Londoners to live within 400 metres of a high-quality, safe cycle route by 2041. As part of this, more cycle parking would be provided in residential areas, town centres, public transport interchanges and at key destinations. 

TfL’s analysis of the potential for mode shift suggests that three-quarters of car journeys currently made by London residents could be made by a healthier mode. Healthy Routes would result in more people building walking and cycling into their daily routines, particularly those who are currently inactive, helping to reduce health inequalities, says the document.

Children would reap the benefits from safe and accessible footpath networks and other public spaces. Workplace and school travel planning – incorporating school air quality audits – would be used to support the delivery of Healthy Routes.

Sadiq Khan said: “London must become a city where walking, cycling and green public transport become the most appealing and practical choices for many more journeys. These active and sustainable transport choices not only support the health and wellbeing of Londoners, but also the city as a whole by reducing congestion and providing the most efficient use of valuable street space.” 

The public consultation will be open until 2 October 2017. 

The London Mayor’s proposals will be discussed at a major new event – Healthy Streets 2017 – taking place in the capital on 29 September. The event is being hosted by the London Borough of Waltham Forest and organised by Landor LINKS. 

Alongside the conference, an awards ceremony will recognise projects and people that are aiming to improve public health by promoting active travel and health-led street design.