Active travel refers to an approach to travel and transport that focuses on physical activity (walking and cycling) as opposed to motorised and carbon-dependent means. Given that in the UK over 50% of car journeys are under 5 km, there exists considerable scope to replace motor car journeys with more active forms of travel. Doing so would have the multiple benefits of increasing levels of physical fitness and reducing rates of obesity, whilst reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and consequent Carbon emissions.
Global climate change due to fossil fuel usage, and the continued increase in obesity are amongst the most serious health and environmental problems the world is currently facing. A shift towards active travel is being increasingly presented as an effective approach to tackling both these challenges.
A House of Commons of the United Kingdom Health Committee report into Obesity in 2004 made strong recommendations that promoting and facilitating cycling and walking should become key components of an integrated anti-obesity strategy, as this would represent "...physical activity incorporated into the fabric of everyday life."
