This project will equip our partner organisation Transport for New South Wales with in-depth empirical evidence to promote active travel as part of an integrated transport strategy by developing an innovative and robust framework to evaluate the impacts of active travel measures. It also actively brings local councils, advocacy groups, and the public into the active travel conversation through a variety of activities such as surveys, workshops, and seminars. The findings from this project will guide policymakers in integrating public health strategies into urban transport planning, including the prevention of both infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and non-communicable diseases by promoting physical activity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed active travel (i.e. walking and cycling) initiatives worldwide, promoting car-dependent cities to transition towards a healthier and more sustainable transport system. For example, policymakers and relevant departments in Greater Sydney and the Outer Metropolitan Area have implemented a range of strategies and infrastructures to encourage active and public transport during the pandemic. These actions provide an opportunity for this project to develop a comprehensive evaluation framework to assess the benefits and costs of active travel measures on behaviour change, public health and the environment, ultimately informing future investment strategies under post-pandemic context.

Zhang, Y., Kent, J., Harris, P., Nelson, J. D., Tong, M. & Vardoulakis, S. 2024. International experiences on active travel planning: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives