Promoting walking and cycling: a toolkit of policy options
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World Health Organization
Abstract
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xiv, 79 p.
Walking and cycling are foundational modes of transport and physical activity that can substantially improve population health, environmental sustainability and urban liveability. This WHO toolkit provides a comprehensive set of evidence-based policy options to support countries in promoting safe, accessible and inclusive walking and cycling for transport and recreation. Developed as part of WHO’s technical support package on physical activity and road safety, and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, it addresses the persistent under-prioritization of active transport despite its wide-ranging co-benefits for health, equity, climate and economic development. The document outlines seven priority policy action areas, including integration into cross-sectoral policies, development of safe and connected infrastructure, inclusive street design, improved road user behaviour, prioritization of active modes, integration with public transport, and promotion through incentives and communication. It also identifies key enablers for implementation such as governance, financing, legislation, capacity-building and community engagement, and provides guidance on monitoring and evaluation. Intended for policy-makers, planners and stakeholders across sectors, the toolkit supports coordinated, context-adapted action to strengthen health systems, advance sustainable mobility and contribute to achieving broader development goals.
Walking and cycling are foundational modes of transport and physical activity that can substantially improve population health, environmental sustainability and urban liveability. This WHO toolkit provides a comprehensive set of evidence-based policy options to support countries in promoting safe, accessible and inclusive walking and cycling for transport and recreation. Developed as part of WHO’s technical support package on physical activity and road safety, and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, it addresses the persistent under-prioritization of active transport despite its wide-ranging co-benefits for health, equity, climate and economic development. The document outlines seven priority policy action areas, including integration into cross-sectoral policies, development of safe and connected infrastructure, inclusive street design, improved road user behaviour, prioritization of active modes, integration with public transport, and promotion through incentives and communication. It also identifies key enablers for implementation such as governance, financing, legislation, capacity-building and community engagement, and provides guidance on monitoring and evaluation. Intended for policy-makers, planners and stakeholders across sectors, the toolkit supports coordinated, context-adapted action to strengthen health systems, advance sustainable mobility and contribute to achieving broader development goals.
Keywords
Walking, Bicycling, Recreation, Transportation, Health Promotion, Public Policy, Government, Urban Health, Motor Activity, Exercise, Physical Fitness, Mental Health, Community Participation, Internationality, Mexico, Switzerland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Legislation as Topic, Safety, legislation and jurisprudence