Research and analysis

Benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling: theoretical framework

Develops a framework for assessing active travel benefits, including health, safety, journey quality and environmental impacts.

• From: Active Travel England
• Published: 9 October 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Active mode benefits: theoretical framework

PDF, 2.69 MB, 76 pages

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Details

This report presents a theoretical framework for assessing the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling schemes. It was commissioned by Active Travel England and the Department for Transport (DfT) to support future updates to active travel appraisal guidance and tools.

The research examines how benefits from active travel should be measured and valued, including:

• travel time savings
• health benefits from physical activity
• safety benefits
• journey quality and ambience
• place quality and public realm improvements

The report focuses on how these benefits interact and sets out a framework for avoiding double-counting when appraising active travel investment. It also identifies evidence gaps and provides recommendations for future research to improve the valuation of walking, wheeling and cycling schemes.

The framework is intended to support the development of future appraisal methods and evidence for the active mode appraisal toolkit (AMAT) and related active travel appraisal guidance.

Published 9 October 2026