William Eichler 04 January 2019

New roads must prioritise pedestrians, health body says

Local authorities should prioritise pedestrians and cyclists when planning new roads, a national health body says.

New guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that new and upgraded roads should prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over motorised vehicles.

The aim is to encourage physical activity by ensuring that it is safe for people to walk and cycle.

‘Getting people to be more physically active by increasing the amount they walk or cycle has the potential to benefit both the individual and the health system,’ says Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE.

‘As a society we are facing a looming Type 2 diabetes crisis, which is in part caused by people not exercising enough. We need more people to change their lifestyle and to take more exercise.’

People feel less safe when they walk or cycle compared with when they drive, according to Professor Leng.

‘So asking planners to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and those who use public transport when roads are built or upgraded can ensure they are safe, attractive and designed to encourage people to get out from behind their wheel.’

Joe Irvin, CEO of Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, says NICE’s planning recommendations are ‘absolutely necessary’.

‘For decades our towns and cities have been built to prioritise motor vehicles; resulting in unhealthy air, congested roads and a decline in people walking everyday journeys,’ he says.

‘The better planning that NICE is suggesting is absolutely necessary. Those who are the most vulnerable — children and older people — are currently suffering the most from bad air, unhealthy lifestyles and social isolation.

‘It’s time that towns and cities were built for everyone — first and foremost for those on foot. Placing key services like schools, GP surgeries and bus stops within walking distance is vital. More people getting out and walking everyday journeys, such as to work or school, will make us a healthier country.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner