Equity in the provision of active travel infrastructure - learning from a city-region approach

There has been a recent acceleration of global policy interest in the promotion of active travel, and Sheffield is pioneering efforts to radically improve provision for active travel. Whilst much of this effort and associated investment focuses on creating new and improved spaces for active modes, there is a challenge in delivering the benefits of such interventions equitably. Certain populations are traditionally underserved by the provision of transport infrastructure and services. It is vital that efforts to increase active travel are not to the detriment of social and spatial equity.

The aim of this research is to contribute to how we understand and address equity with regards to active travel, particularly in the context of the increasingly significant investments being made. Working in partnership with the SCR Mayoral Combined Authority and Living Streets, this research will use an innovative mixed-methods design to understand issues of equity across the Sheffield City Region, and to consider how policies and funding mechanisms can adapt to better promote equity in active travel benefits.

Funded in collaboration with ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (Collaborative Award).

Supervisors

Ed Ferrari (Main supervisor)
Steve Parkes, Rebecca Sharpe (2nd supervisor)