CamCycle: Cambridge Cycling Campaign Magazine - Winter 2024/25
Talking about #equity
In September, councillors, officers and
those in planning consultancy positions
from across the county gathered for
an empathy workshop led by Melissa
Bruntlett – Royal HaskoningDHV's
sustainable mobility consultant.
The focus was on helping participants
understand why transport planning
must recognise people's varying needs.
Melissa made the case for an empathetic
approach, pointing out that many groups
are left out of conversations around
the development of public space. She
challenged us to think beyond the status
quo, and to begin new projects by asking
where there are opportunities to deliver
a positive contribution to society –
particularly in relation to the 'invisible'
social, health and mental wellbeing
outcomes of transport designs. Here are
the key factors to consider.
AGE EQUITY
Our mobility needs change
throughout our lifetimes
Children need opportunities for safe,
independent mobility to be physically
and mentally healthy and to develop
skills such as risk-assessment, learning
limits and building resilience. High-quality
infrastructure and reduced car speeds
enable more youngsters to be active in
their journeys so they can learn from their
mistakes without serious consequences.
We must also consider how needs for
safety, exercise, social opportunities and
access to shops and medical services
develop as we age. According to the
American Automobile Association,
seniors are outliving their ability to drive
safely by 7 to 10 years, so transport
networks must enable them to move
around without car reliance. Melissa
shared evidence that high traffic volumes
increase stress levels and reduce
opportunities for social interaction,
indicating a need to prioritise walkable
neighbourhoods which support slower
movement and provide places with
benches where people can interact.
GENDER EQUITY
Gender influences mobility choices
and approaches to policy and design
In the UK, the EU an…
CamCycle: Cambridge Cycling Campaign Magazine - Winter 2024/25
Talking about #equity
#bikeped #multimodaltransit #ageequity #access #gender #socialequity