WALKING and cycling in the Southampton area generates £226.2m in economic benefits for individuals and the region, according to a new report.
The Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index says the two eco-friendly ways of getting around are estimated to have saved 16,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by taking up to 97,000 cars off the road as well as preventing 893 serious long-term health conditions.
The Index, formerly Bike Life, is the UK’s biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in cities and urban areas.
It reports every two years on public travel habits and attitudes as well as outlining infrastructure developments and the impact of walking, wheeling and cycling.
A total of 1,444 people in the Southampton area took part in the latest survey carried out by the charity.
The report says walking has overtaken car use as the most common form of getting about, with 46 per cent of residents saying they walk, compared to 39 per cent who take the car.
READ MORE: Nine-mile cycle route given the green light
More than 70 per cent of respondents said they would get on their bikes more often if there were more traffic-free cycle routes away from roads.
Only 38 per cent thought the level of cycle safety in their area was good.
Sarah Leeming, interim regional director of Sustrans, said: “People want to see safer streets with less traffic.
"They don’t want outdated and unmaintained pavements, crossing points that make walking and wheeling unsafe or inaccessible, and vehicles parked on pavements getting in their way.
“It is especially important to shine a spotlight on walking, given it is the main mode of travel in Southampton City Region."
Pete Boustred, head of green city and infrastructure at Southampton City Council, added: "Our transport priorities for the next three years have and are continuing to be shaped by the ideas and feedback we receive from people living, visiting, and working in the city.
"We will continue to work in partnership with Hampshire County Council to ensure the whole of the Southampton City Region, including Totton and Hythe, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Bursledon, benefits from improved transport infrastructure and road safety schemes.”
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