Heatwaves show UK must do more to promote cycling and walking, campaigners say
Summary
A group of 54 civil society organizations in the UK urged the government to do more to promote walking, cycling, and public transport after this summer’s heatwaves highlighted the need to reduce carbon emissions from transport. They want policies that encourage people to travel more by these methods instead of private cars, which cause nearly a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.Key Facts
- Transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK, making up almost one-third of domestic greenhouse gases.
- Emissions from transport increased by 2% last year compared to the year before.
- The groups are calling for a "modal shift," meaning more trips should be taken by walking, cycling, public transport, or shared rides instead of private cars.
- Before the 2024 election, the Labour Party had plans to set targets for increasing public transport and active travel, but these targets were dropped this summer.
- The campaign is led by the group Campaign for Better Transport and supported by 54 organizations.
- Recent heatwaves and oil price rises have increased urgency to act on climate and transport issues.
- The government says it is making travel cheaper and easier by lowering bus fares, freezing rail fares, and investing £4.5 billion in cycling and walking.
- They are also supporting electric vehicle use and have committed £7.5 billion to zero-emission vehicle programs.
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