UK Government Adviser Calls for Boost in Walking and Cycling in Urban Areas

In a notable departure from recent policies favoring cars, a leading government adviser on cities, Nicholas Boys Smith, has urged ministers to refocus efforts on making urban areas more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Boys Smith, who chairs the government’s Office for Space, argues that prioritizing active travel could have far-reaching benefits for prosperity, health, personal freedom, and even help alleviate the housing crisis.

In a report titled “Move Free” by Create Streets, the urban design organization founded by Boys Smith, he emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective, stating, “Don’t hate cars. Don’t wage a war against motorists. But don’t wage a war for them either.” The report challenges the recent emphasis on car-centric policies, noting that cars both enhance and diminish liberty, and that the focus should be on creating vibrant and healthy neighborhoods where people can thrive.

The study comes at a time when there has been a pushback against initiatives promoting walking and cycling, exemplified by Rishi Sunak’s recent “plan for drivers” which prioritizes car use over alternative modes of transport. Despite these challenges, Boys Smith underscores the importance of seeking public consent for changes in urban travel while highlighting the evidence from around the world showcasing the benefits of reducing reliance on cars.

Research cited in the report demonstrates that towns and cities designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists tend to fare better economically and socially. Streets with fewer cars, ample greenery, and pedestrian-friendly features often attract more visitors and businesses. Moreover, the report emphasizes the health and happiness benefits associated with increased walking and cycling, contrasting them with the restrictive nature of car-dominated streets, especially for children and teenagers.

One of the significant arguments put forth in the report is the potential contribution of active travel to addressing the housing crisis. By promoting denser urban environments and repurposing car-centric spaces for housing, cities could accommodate more residents while creating livelier and more sustainable communities.

Boys Smith’s intervention marks a significant departure from current trends in urban planning, especially in England, where there has been a shift away from prioritizing active travel. His appointment to lead the Office for Space, within Michael Gove’s levelling up department, underscores the government’s recognition of the need for innovative approaches to urban development.

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