Conservative government official urges cities to prioritize cycling and walking right now

Clapping back at all the “plan for drivers” rhetoric in the UK, Nicholas Boys Smith, chair of the UK government’s Office for Place, is advocating for a significant shift in urban planning to prioritize cycling and walking in cities and towns with the release of a new report.

In the report titled “Move Free,” Boys Smith emphasizes the immense benefits such a move would bring, ranging from enhanced prosperity and health to greater personal freedom. This approach stands in stark contrast to Rishi Sunak’s recent policies, which defend and promote car usage, which can be damaging on so many levels at the expense of active travel and public transportation.

Boys Smith’s report, produced by Create Streets, highlights the idea that cars, while offering certain freedoms, also diminish liberty, particularly in urban settings. He argues against waging either a war against or for cars, instead urging policymakers to focus on creating vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. The report underscores the importance of seeking public consent for initiatives aimed at shifting urban travel away from cars while presenting evidence from various cities worldwide showcasing the economic and social benefits of pedestrian-friendly environments.

“By creating more places in which it is easy to get about by bike, foot or public transport as well as by car and by retrofitting existing places to be like this, we can help create more homes on less land (the gift of ‘gentle density’) than by the infrastructure-heavy route we are currently taking,” the report reads.

One key aspect emphasized in the report is the impact on economic vitality. Research from numerous cities demonstrates that areas with less dependence on fast-moving motor vehicles tend to fare better economically, thus supporting the notion that a 15-minute city should be the planning goal of municipalities around the world.

Boys Smith has also written editorials defending 15-minute cities for conservative platforms.

“An urban neighbourhood in which we are all one hundred per cent dependent on cars to meet every one of our daily needs, is grotesquely outrageously inefficient,” Boys Smith wrote in an article for Conservative Platform. “Car(s) don’t actually move many people, very rapidly become congested, and take up lots of space when parked.”

Contrary to common assumptions, removing parking spaces does not adversely affect retail sales. Moreover, prioritizing walking and cycling has been shown to have significant positive effects on public health and happiness.

Paris and other cities are taking back private parking spaces and turning them over to spaces for people whether via bike lanes, new pedestrian areas, or other options that prioritize cycling and walking.

The report also addresses the issue of freedom, particularly for children. It notes how car-dominated streets limit the ability of children to move around safely, especially when compared to previous generations. Boys Smith argues that a shift towards more pedestrian-friendly urban spaces could help with this issue, in addition to helping to foster healthier and more vibrant communities.

Furthermore, the report highlights the potential role of urban planning in addressing the housing crisis. By prioritizing denser cities and reducing reliance on cars, more space can be allocated for housing, thus helping to tackle the shortage of affordable homes. This approach, commonly practiced in many European cities, stands in contrast to recent trends in England, where policies have favored drivers over pedestrians and cyclists.

Boys Smith’s intervention is significant, given his background as a former Conservative adviser and his current role within Michael Gove’s levelling up department. His call to action underscores the need for a fundamental reevaluation of urban planning priorities, placing greater emphasis on sustainable modes of transportation and community well-being.

Prioritizing cycling and walking in urban areas is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial step towards building healthier, happier, and more prosperous communities.