Photo: Saheli Hub

British Cycling were key supporters as the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) launched a landmark report in Parliament on social justice in active travel on Wednesday 26 March, calling for urgent reforms to address the barriers that prevent many people from walking, wheeling, and cycling.

The report, authored by Dr. Tom Cohen and Dr. Ersilia Verlinghieri of the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, and supported by British Cycling and Leigh Day, highlights the stark inequalities faced by disabled people, women, children, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and those on lower incomes when accessing active travel.

Despite government ambitions for more walking, wheeling and cycling, progress has stalled. The report identifies the high cost of cycles and mobility aids, unsafe streets, lack of inclusive infrastructure, and systemic underinvestment as key obstacles that disproportionately affect marginalised communities.

The report includes nine key recommendations to improve social justice in active travel, which will guide the APPGCW’s campaign efforts in Parliament.

Among the most urgent proposals are:

-    Reforming the Cycle to Work scheme into “Cycle for Health” to help low-income workers, freelance workers and pensioners access cycles. Both groups are currently ineligible for the current Cycle to Work scheme.

-    Tackling pavement parking, which disproportionately affects disabled people and parents with young children. A government consultation on the topic has gone unanswered since 2020.

-    Mandating Inclusive Mobility as a legal design standard to ensure active travel infrastructure works for everyone.

-    Providing stable, long-term funding for grassroots organisations working to increase active travel participation.

-    Removing discriminatory access barriers from cycleways and footpaths while strengthening action against antisocial motorcycle use.

The report also highlights the importance of sustained investment and collaboration across Government departments such as DfT, DCMS and DHSC, to support efforts to tackle inactivity amongst disadvantaged groups.

Following the publication of this report, the APPGCW will meet with Ministers, push for a Parliamentary debate, and advocate for policy changes to ensure active travel is accessible to all.

Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director at British Cycling, commented:

“Cycling has the power to transform lives, but too often, the people who stand to benefit the most are unable to take part. The barriers outlined in this report are therefore a matter of social justice that need to be addressed now.

“We must ensure that cost, infrastructure, and safety concerns make walking, wheeling, and cycling truly accessible to all. Together with our partner, Leigh Day, we wholeheartedly support these recommendations and urge national and local governments to adopt them with urgency.”

Fabian Hamilton MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Party Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) said:

“Walking, wheeling, and cycling should be available to everyone, but right now, too many people are excluded. If we are serious about increasing active travel, we must address the systemic barriers that prevent millions from participating. This report provides clear, actionable solutions to make active travel truly inclusive. We will be working hard in Parliament to push for change.”

To view the full report, click HERE.