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Why everyday trips matter to walking and cycling

WHO looks at how street design and transport planning can make active travel easier.

Cyclists stopped at a traffic light in Copenhagen
Cyclists waiting for a green light in Copenhagen, Denmark. File photo. Web-sized copy. heb · CC BY-SA 3.0

Walking and cycling can make physical activity part of trips people already take, such as going to school, reaching a bus stop or buying groceries. WHO's active mobility guidance considers how transport systems can make these trips easier and safer.

Connected routes, safe crossings and access to public transport affect which journeys are practical. A route that works for a confident cyclist may still be difficult for a child or someone with limited mobility. Planning for everyday travel therefore calls for attention to different users and destinations.

Sources

  1. who.int