The climate change mitigation effects of daily active travel in cities

Brand, Christian; Avila-Palencia, Ione, 1985-; Gascon Merlos, Mireia, 1984-; Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark J.; Rojas Rueda, David, 1979-; Int Panis, Luc

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.102764

The climate change mitigation effects of daily active travel in cities

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Brand C, Dons E, Anaya-Boig E, Avila-Palencia I, Clark A, de Nazelle A et al. The climate change mitigation effects of daily active travel in cities. Transportation Research Part D. 2021;93:102764. DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2021.102764

Abstract

Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is considered the most sustainable form of personal transport. Yet its net effects on mobility-related CO2 emissions are complex and under-researched. Here we collected travel activity data in seven European cities and derived life cycle CO2 emissions across modes and purposes. Daily mobility-related life cycle CO2 emissions were 3.2 kgCO2 per person, with car travel contributing 70% and cycling 1%. Cyclists had 84% lower life cycle CO2 emissions than non-cyclists. Life cycle CO2 emissions decreased by −14% per additional cycling trip and decreased by −62% for each avoided car trip. An average person who ‘shifted travel modes’ from car to bike decreased life cycle CO2 emissions by 3.2 kgCO2/day. Promoting active travel should be a cornerstone of strategies to meet net zero carbon targets, particularly in urban areas, while also improving public health and quality of urban life.