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Active, healthy and sustainable travel

Find out how encouraging active travel supports healthier, more productive employees and reduces your organisation’s environmental impact.

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Understanding barriers to active travel

While car use has increased significantly over the past few decades, many people are open to changing how they travel, especially when healthier, more active options are made easier and more appealing.

Some employees may face perceived or practical barriers to walking, cycling or using public transport.

However, there are many ways employers can help make these healthier travel choices more accessible, enjoyable and realistic, even in more rural or car-focused locations.

Common barriers and supportive actions employers can take include:

Lack of safe walking or cycling routes

Employers can signpost existing safe routes using tools such as Sustrans Cymru’s walking and cycling maps or work with local authorities to explore improvements.

Limited public transport access or awareness

Providing up-to-date information on nearby services, sharing timetables or promoting travel planning apps can help increase confidence and uptake.

Inflexible work patterns

Flexible start and finish times allow staff to explore active or public transport options that better suit their daily routines.

Lack of facilities

Introducing or improving access to showers, lockers and secure bike storage can make active travel more practical and appealing.

A workplace culture centred around car travel

Employers can lead by example, promote travel champions and run workplace challenges to help shift mindsets and normalise alternative ways of commuting.

Workplace location

While not always within immediate control, employers can support staff by coordinating car-share schemes, promoting park-and-stride options or offering incentives for active or mixed-mode travel.

By recognising these challenges and offering practical solutions, workplaces across Wales can play a powerful role in encouraging more active, inclusive and sustainable travel habits.

Page last reviewed: 8th August 2025

Commuters leaving a train at a train station, one person is pushing a bike.