{"id":1916,"date":"2026-02-17T01:02:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T01:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/shifting-steps-more-feet-and-wheels-on-the-move\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T01:02:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T01:02:59","slug":"shifting-steps-more-feet-and-wheels-on-the-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/nl\/shifting-steps-more-feet-and-wheels-on-the-move\/","title":{"rendered":"Shifting Steps: More Feet and Wheels on the Move!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Accelerating Active Travel: Modeshift’s Impact on Walking and Cycling in England<\/strong><\/p>\n

In recent years, England has witnessed a significant surge in active travel, with more individuals embracing walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation. This shift is largely attributed to the concerted efforts of Modeshift, a not-for-profit membership body dedicated to promoting sustainable travel. Through its innovative programmes, Modeshift has been instrumental in fostering healthier, more sustainable communities across the nation.<\/p>\n

Modeshift’s Pioneering Programmes<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the forefront of Modeshift’s initiatives are the STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) and Active Travel Ambassadors (ATA) programmes. These peer-led schemes have been pivotal in encouraging schools and communities to adopt active travel practices, thereby reducing car dependency and promoting environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n

STARS Programme: A Catalyst for Change<\/strong><\/p>\n

The STARS programme has seen remarkable growth, with 8,733 accreditations awarded since its inception in 2008. In the 2024\/25 academic year alone, 1,257 applications were approved, including 1,101 from educational institutions. Data from 802 schools, representing over 318,000 pupils, revealed that 52.14% of students now use active modes of travel\u2014such as walking, cycling, or scooting\u2014for their daily commute. Notably, 64.65% expressed a preference for these modes, highlighting a strong inclination towards sustainable travel among the younger population. Additionally, schools reported a reduction of 2,579,833 car trips annually, underscoring the programme’s effectiveness in decreasing car dependency.<\/p>\n

Active Travel Ambassadors: Empowering the Next Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Launched in 2022 and funded by Active Travel England, the ATA programme has experienced substantial growth. The 2024\/25 academic year saw a 30% increase in participating schools and a 67% rise in student engagement as Active Travel Ambassadors. In total, 1,246 students were trained, reaching a combined student population of 110,906. These ambassadors spearheaded 80 student-led campaigns promoting walking and cycling, resulting in a 0.87 percentage point increase in the adoption of green travel modes and a 2.82 percentage point decrease in single-family car journeys.<\/p>\n

Cost-Effectiveness and Community Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both programmes have demonstrated exceptional value for money. The STARS programme achieved a modal shift at a cost of just \u00a30.28 per active travel stage, while the ATA programme delivered a shift at \u00a31.96 per stage. Success stories abound, such as Applefields School in York, where car use decreased by 8%, and Upper Batley High School, where walking rates increased from 14% to 52% over several years. These outcomes highlight the programmes’ effectiveness in fostering sustainable travel habits.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Modeshift continues to expand its reach, the organisation remains committed to supporting individuals and organisations dedicated to improving everyday journeys. By championing active travel, Modeshift envisions a future where communities are healthier, wealthier, and more inviting, with walking, cycling, and public transport at the forefront of daily life.<\/p>\n

For more information on Modeshift’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit their official website.<\/p>\n

Source link <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Accelerating Active Travel: Modeshift’s Impact on Walking and Cycling in England In recent years, England…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1497,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t