The implementation of walking and cycling policies in British local authorities

This paper looks at walking and cycling policy implementation activities in British local authorities. It presents the main findings of a questionnaire survey of all British local transport authorities on this issue. In the absence of comparable local figures on modal share and modal trends for these two modes an index was developed from the survey for distinguishing between more and less active authorities. The paper also presents a comparison of the characteristics of the top (most active) and bottom (least active) 25% of authorities as determined through this new index. Conclusions are drawn on the most important factors influencing the implementation of policies for walking and cycling by British local authorities. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.