Walking and Cycling Benefits: A Tool for Transforming Cities

Cities worldwide are in a race to cut emissions and improve public health, and active travel—walking and cycling—stands out as one of the most effective solutions. But what if cities could quantify the wider benefits of walking and cycling? What if planners, policymakers, and advocates could clearly demonstrate how these activities improve not only health but also boost the local economy? That’s exactly what the Walking and Cycling Benefits Tool is designed to do.

Unlocking the Power of Active Travel

This tool goes beyond theory, helping cities move from ideas to action by giving them the data needed to make the case for walking and cycling as key climate and health strategies. Here’s why this matters:

1. Making the Case for Action
   Whether you’re trying to win over politicians, engage citizens, or counter opposition from businesses, evidence is power. This tool enables cities to quantify the health benefits and economic savings that come from increased physical activity due to walking and cycling. With these insights, cities can build compelling arguments that active travel isn’t just a niche interest—it’s a public good that boosts community health and helps cities meet climate goals.
2. Targeting the Most Impactful Actions
   Not every intervention delivers the same results. Some cities may benefit more from bike lanes; others might see a bigger boost from pedestrian-only streets. This tool helps planners and decision-makers understand which actions will maximize health and climate benefits, ensuring resources are invested where they can make the greatest difference.

A Tool for Everyone

You don’t need to be a health expert to use this tool. Designed for transport and urban planners, health economists, and environmental advocates alike, it provides accessible, indicative results that offer a snapshot of potential benefits without the need for in-depth epidemiological studies or cost-benefit analyses. The simplicity of the tool allows even smaller cities, or those outside major networks like C40, to use it to advocate for a more sustainable and healthier future.

Case Studies: Success in Action

Cities around the world are already seeing the benefits of prioritizing walking and cycling. Here are a few examples of how the tool has been used to drive change:

• Bengaluru Tender SURE Project: In India’s technology hub, streets were redesigned with pedestrians in mind, creating safer, more walkable spaces. The benefits extended beyond traffic management—improved health outcomes and local business growth followed.
• Rotterdam Superblock Oude Westen: Rotterdam’s superblocks, which reduce car traffic in favor of pedestrians and cyclists, have transformed the Oude Westen district into a cleaner, quieter, and healthier neighborhood.
• Mexico City’s Climate Action Pilot: Mexico City used the tool to measure the impact of active travel in reducing emissions and improving public health, demonstrating the far-reaching potential of walking and cycling initiatives.
• White Oak Bayou Greenway, Houston: This project turned underused land into a vibrant greenway that promotes walking, cycling, and community engagement, offering both recreational opportunities and health benefits.

Looking to the Future: The Healthy Neighbourhood Explorer Tool

As of August 2024, cities can now tap into the updated Healthy Neighbourhood Explorer Tool, which expands on the original Walking and Cycling Benefits Tool. This new version allows urban planners to rank neighborhoods on nine health indicators, helping them quickly identify where interventions would be most impactful. With just a few clicks, planners can map out the areas most in need of change and tailor interventions to maximize benefits.

The beauty of these tools is that they don’t just offer data—they offer a pathway to meaningful, community-driven transformation. Whether you’re in a small town or a sprawling metropolis, these tools help cities shape healthier, greener futures by turning evidence into action.

Why This Matters

Walking and cycling aren’t just transport modes; they’re transformative forces. They breathe life into cities, reduce emissions, cut healthcare costs, and foster a sense of community. The Walking and Cycling Benefits Tool and the Healthy Neighbourhood Explorer give cities the insights they need to harness these benefits and design urban spaces where people, not cars, come first.

The time for half-measures is over. Cities have the tools to create a healthier, more sustainable future—and it starts by making room for walking, cycling, and community.

source :

https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Walking-and-Cycling-Benefits-Tool?language=en_US