Sustrans
The Pitch
Sustrans built tens of thousands of bike paths across the U.K., making it possible for people to ride their bikes between cities instead of relying on cars. This reduced air pollution and carbon emissions while improving residents’ health.
The Problem
U.K. residents face many of the same issues that citizens around the globe are grappling with: poor health from low physical activity, bad air quality and a lack of green spaces.
The Process
- Created the 13-mile Bristol to Bath Path, an easily navigable bike path that inspired the idea for the National Cycle Network
- Established the National Cycle Network, a comprehensive and accessible network of bike trails that connects U.K. cities and towns
- Funded the project through grants and donations
The Impact
- Delivered 16,000+ miles of cycle paths, 80 new safe road crossings, 100+ new or renovated bridges and 85 local art installations
- Benefits millions of people across the U.K.: In 2017, people rode ~1.9 billion total miles and made 780 million round trips on the National Cycle Network
- Reduced congestion, air pollution, and improved residents’ health by encouraging and improving access to active mobility
- Reduced carbon emissions by removing motorized vehicles from the road
- Facilitated environmental restoration: 270 miles of the Network have been named Greener Greenways, which are hotspots for wildlife
