National Park Active Travel plan could boost health and economy

Active Travel means using your own body and energy to get around. It can offer the health benefits of more exercise and reduce traffic and pollution.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has been exploring how to improve ‘Active Travel’ options, like walking, cycling and horse riding, in and around Exmoor. With local input and special government funding provided by Active Travel England, the Exmoor Active Travel Plan is now complete.

Access and Recreation Manager for Exmoor National Park Dan Barnett is overseeing the project. Dan said:

“We had an online consultation running over several months, where Exmoor residents and visitors shared their ideas and suggestions. We have also looked at data, evidence and national guidance to develop a plan for Exmoor which is the basis for seeking funding to deliver better active travel infrastructure. We want to break down the barriers to active travel and ensure people have better leisure routes and more opportunity to travel without a car. This might include improving path links within villages, providing a road crossing to make it safer for walkers or horse riders, or a building a new cycle route suitable for families or less confident cyclists.

We have worked closely with the active travel teams from Somerset Council and Devon County Council, along with other key stakeholders on this project. This plan is there for everyone to make use of, including local community groups and our Parish and Town Councils.

Active travel is usually used for short trips, such as walking to the shops, cycling to work, or scooting to a local park. Many of the journeys we make by car are under 5 miles, so there is a big potential to swap the car for a more active option.”

Choosing active travel can offer many benefits:

  • Improved health and well-being
  • Reduced air pollution
  • Safer and more pleasant environments
  • Less traffic congestion

The Exmoor Active Travel Plan will now be used as a framework to steer future work and funding bids. Its vision is aligned with that of other strategic documents including the ENPA Management Plan and Local Plan.

Find more information here Exmoor Active Travel Plan