From our 'Thinking outside the box' series, Professor David A. Hensher explores how active modes of transport, primarily walking and cycling, have long been championed for their environmental, health, and social benefits. Yet despite these advantages, they remain marginal in many urban transport settings, often overshadowed by private vehicles and public transport.

The question of whether active modes can ever move beyond being niche is complex, involving infrastructure, policy, culture, and urban design. While challenges persist, there is growing evidence that with the right conditions, active transport can become mainstream.

Several factors contribute to the niche status of active modes:

1. Infrastructure deficiencies: Safe, connected, and accessible infrastructure is essential for walking and cycling. In many cities, footpaths are narrow or poorly maintained, and cycling lanes are either absent or discontinuous. Without dedicated space, active mode users are exposed to traffic risks, discouraging uptake.
2. Urban sprawl: Low-density urban development increases travel distances, making walking and cycling impractical for many trips. Suburban environments often lack mixed land use, meaning homes are far from workplaces, schools, and shops.
3. Cultural norms and perceptions: In car-centric societies, driving is often seen as the default mode of transport. Cycling, in particular, may be perceived as unsafe, inconvenient, or only suitable for the athletic. These perceptions are reinforced by media, marketing, and social norms.
4. Policy and funding priorities: Transport budgets overwhelmingly favour road infrastructure and public transport. Active transport often receives a fraction of funding, limiting the scale and quality of interventions.
5. Weather and topography: Climate and terrain can influence the feasibility of active modes. Hilly cities or those with extreme weather may face additional barriers, though these can often be mitigated with appropriate design and technology.

Despite these challenges, there are compelling reasons to believe that active modes can move beyond niche status:

1. Health and wellbeing: With rising concerns about sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases, active transport offers a low-cost, accessible way to integrate physical activity into daily life. Public health campaigns increasingly promote walking and cycling as part of healthy living.
2. Climate action and sustainability: As cities seek to reduce carbon emissions, active transport presents a zero-emission alternative. It also reduces noise pollution and improves air quality, contributing to more liveable urban environments.
3. Economic efficiency: Active modes are cost-effective for both users and governments. They require less infrastructure investment than roads or rail, and they reduce congestion and wear on existing networks.
4. Technological innovations: E-bikes and shared micromobility services (e.g., scooters and bike-share systems) are expanding the reach and appeal of active transport. These technologies make longer or more challenging trips feasible for a wider range of users.
5. Urban design trends: The rise of 15-minute cities and transit-oriented development prioritises compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods where active modes are the most convenient choice. These planning paradigms are gaining traction globally.

Transforming active transport from niche to norm requires bold leadership and integrated policy. Governments must:

• Prioritise active modes in transport planning and funding.
• Implement land use policies that support walkable, bikeable communities.
• Engage in public education to shift cultural perceptions.
• Ensure equity by making active transport accessible to all demographics.

Importantly, active transport should not be seen as competing with public transport, but as complementary. Walking and cycling are essential for first- and last-mile connectivity, enhancing the overall efficiency of the transport system.