According to a recent report by Sustrans – a charity that enables people to make ‘greener’ journeys – the UK’s national cycle network has saved the economy over £7 billion since it was first established 20 years ago, which equates to £1m every day.
Claims made in the report focus on the fact that there has been a reduction in congestion on the roads, and people are healthier (meaning less need for medical attention).
It says that the routes have also been responsible for lowering the amount of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which also have an impact on people’s health.
The charity is now calling on the Government to ensure its Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy is fully implemented, so that more people can walk or cycle for their everyday journeys.
£6 billion of savings are said to have been made by reducing health costs, with £22 million also saved by the NHS just from reducing obesity.
Malcolm Shepherd, Sustrans Chief Executive, said: “When we launched the National Cycle Network in 1995 we wanted to show both the huge potential and the enormous benefits of people being able to choose to make healthy journeys.
“The figures speak for themselves – we have demonstrated beyond doubt that many more people walking and cycling is good for our health, and it’s smarter for our economy.”
Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “Air pollution kills 29,000 people a year in the UK, and can lead to diseases like lung cancer, whilst worsening other lung conditions like COPD and asthma.
“Yet, even though cars are responsible for 70% of air pollution in urban areas, this is still how over two thirds of people choose to make journeys of between one and five miles.
