Several of the UK’s leading sustainable transport NGOs will showcase the benefits of communities shifting to cleaner modes transportation at COP26.
Under the Sustainable Transport Alliance (STA) banner, Bus Users, Campaign for Better Transport, Community Rail Network, Community Transport Association, CoMoUK, Living Streets, London Cycling Campaign and Sustrans will showcase examples and insights on how local initiatives can help people to achieve climate-safe, healthy and inclusive transport systems and behaviours.
The session, ‘People make transport: communities enabling greener travel’, will take place in Tower Base South, Glasgow Science Centre, 5-6pm, 10 November 2021, and will be part of the UK Government’s Green Zone programme of events.
Supported by Transport Scotland and Go-Ahead Group, the event will focus on the challenges and benefits of reducing private car use and shifting as many journeys as possible onto public and community transport, walking, cycling and shared mobility.
Jools Townsend, chair of the STA, and chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Transport is often neglected in people’s thinking about the climate, but it is coming to the fore at COP26, as it must, with global transport emissions rising faster than any other sector.
“We’re showing that public and community transport, combined with walking, cycling and shared mobility, is fundamental, to enable a shift away from car-dependency. We know through our work that this can unlock all sorts of benefits for people’s health, wellbeing, and access to opportunity.
“We are hoping to get decision-makers from across the globe thinking about how an engaging and empowering approach can work in their localities.”
A panel of government, academic, industry and community figureheads will share expertise for building trust and making change last; look at what policy and funding support can facilitate these initiatives; consider the wider impact on climate goals and co-benefits for health, wellbeing and sustainable development.
Local examples from diverse locations across the UK will be shared, from an employment mobility pilot in South Wales Valleys; to travel confidence with young people in Lancashire; to people-centred street design in East London; to place-making and active travel development in the host city of Glasgow.
The panel will take questions and comments from the audience and relate their experiences to other locations globally.
