Active Travel
To be an Island where cycling and walking are normal and realistic transport choices for people of all ages and abilities.
In early 2017 the Isle of Man Government determined what the Programme for Government. One of the priorities was to increase the number of people using more active forms of travel on a regular basis.
In May 2018 the Active Travel Strategy 2018 – 2021 was launched that set out the strategy for encouraging people to be able to choose to make regular everyday journeys by more active means.
Active travel is defined as “walking or cycling (including the use of electric bicycles) as an alternative to motorised transport (cars, buses, motorcycles etc) for the purpose of making everyday journeys. Terms such as “walking” or “walker” are used as generic terms to include running as well as non-motorised uses for instance wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other mobility aids, scooters and other means of self-propulsion.
Infrastructure
There are many new dedicated cycle lanes and footpaths aimed at removing the hazards of shared roads and additional crossing points have been added , such as at the Quarterbridge making crossing much safer.
Benefits of active travel
Better places for people: By improving the walking and cycling environment, there is an opportunity to create places less dominated by motor vehicles that are generally more welcoming for people to enjoy.
Reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality: Walking and cycling are the ultimate zero emissions forms of transport. Increasing the number of journeys made this way will help improve local air quality. The Isle of Man is committed to net zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in the Isle of Man Government Action Plan for Achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 phase 1, approved by Tynwald in January 2020.
Reducing congestion: By actively travelling the Island will see a reduction in congestion on the busier commuter routes during certain times of the day.
Increasing opportunities to socialise: Actively travelling, particularly walking, will increase social interaction between commuters, colleagues travelling to meetings, parents on the school run, and it could be a much less stressful way to travel to and from work.
Saving money: The running cost for cycling and walking are significantly lower than that of a car or motorcycle. There are also low or zero parking costs.
Health: Increasing the amount of light exercise you do each week. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity reduces the risk of a range of health conditions. The best way to increase physical activity is by making it easy for people to be active within their daily routine, this can include part journeys, for example by parking out of town and walking into work.
