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The benefits of sustainable travel

"Sustainable travel" means walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing.


- Environmental benefits:

Exhaust emissions from cars can contribute to climate change and lead to poor air quality, which may cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma. By using sustainable modes of travel, this will reduce emissions of carbon and other harmful substances, benefiting the environment. Sustainable travel also reduces the rate at which we use up non-renewable energy sources, and can reduce the noise generated from road traffic.

- Health benefits:

Walking or cycling to school are excellent forms of exercise, reducing the risk of obesity and heart problems in later life. Parents escorting their children to and from school will also benefit from daily exercise.

- Social benefits:

Walking, cycling, catching public transport or car sharing with friends or family is a great way of socialising and building people skills.

- Tackling congestion:

If we can reduce low occupancy car use through increased sustainable travel then this means fewer cars on our roads. This will help to ease congestion and the environmental, social and economic problems associated with it.

- Road safety benefits:

If more people travel to school and college by modes other than the car, it can improve road safety. In some cases, congestion around the main school entrance is a particular issue, and where schools have successfully tackled this, it has created a more pleasant and safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.


Why not also think about ALL the journeys you make, not just those to school or college. Hertfordshire County Council has a number of initiatives in place to encourage sustainable travel for all journey purposes. A good place to start for more information and advice is by looking at the link on this page entitled 'ACT Travelwise' (on the right hand side)