People Walking And Cycling Spend More In London’s Shops Than Motorists
Fresh research from Transport for London (TfL) has added to a previous paper that revealed that people walking, cycling and using public transport spend more than motorists in local shops. Those not in cars spend 40% more each month in neighborhood shops than motorists, and this finding from 2013 has been bolstered by a new report from Matthew Carmona of University College London’s Bartlett School of Planning.
The research was conducted in areas of London which have benefitted from Dutch-style streetscape improvements, such as the addition of cycleways.
Transport for London's “Healthy Streets Approach” designs streets for people that are easy to access by foot or bike.
TfL's Director of Transport Strategy Lilli Matson said: “This research from our new online hub shows the link between creating enjoyable spaces, where people want to spend time, and the results for better business.”
In those areas improved – such as Bromley – the number of people walking in the streets increased by 93%.
People also spent more time in the street, with a 216% increase in activity such as going into shops and cafés.
Thanks to the increased – and improved – footfall, retail rental values increased by 7.5% and there was a 17% decline in retail vacancies.
London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “With businesses across London really struggling to survive, we have to do everything we can to support them.
He added: “Adapting our streets to enable more people to walk and cycle makes them cleaner, healthier and more welcoming, which encourages more people to shop locally.”
Update, April 6, 2021: This post was updated to more accurately reflect the figures published in the study.
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