How we travel has a huge impact on on carbon emissions. Reducing car dependency, improving public transport, and making walking and cycling easier all help cut pollution and create healthier communities. By planning developments around sustainable transport, reducing unnecessary travel, and switching low-carbon vehicles, we can build a transport system that works for people and the planet.
Discover practical knowledge, case studies, training and sign posting to help you understand more about what we need to do to reduce carbon emissions in Cumbria.
Dive into each strategic priority below.
The way we design new developments shapes how people travel for generations. This priority focuses on ensuring new roads, car parks, and housing or business developments are planned with sustainable transport at their core. By prioritising public transport, safe walking and cycling routes, and integrated transport hubs, we can cut emissions and make sustainable transport the easiest choice.
We are in the process of gathering stories and data, so please check back soon.
Fewer journeys mean lower emissions. By supporting remote working, improving local services, and encouraging smarter travel habits – like combining trips – we can cut unnecessary travel. Making it easier for people to live, work, and shop closer to home benefits our communities and the climate.
Read about a few of the things people are doing:
This blog by Detrack looks into the factors driving demand for sustainable delivery, and those that make a good eco-delivery model.
Cumbria Tourism’s staff live over a wide geographical area, a flexible working policy was introduced post-Covid and staff were consulted on what actions could be taken to increase sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Read more.
Walking, cycling, and public transport should be the easiest and most attractive way to get around. Investing in better buses, safer cycling routes, and pedestrian-friendly streets make sustainable travel more accessible for everyone. Shifting away from car dependency reduces emissions, improves air quality, and creates healthier communities.
Read about a few of the things people are doing:
Local councils, businesses, and residents have partnered to cut vehicle congestion and reduce carbon emissions in the Ullswater Valley by trialling an innovative solution. Read more
Staveley Community Ebikes gives access to 2 ebikes in the middle of Staveley. Read more
For journeys where a car is needed, switching to electric or zero-emissions vehicles is key. Expanding charging networks, making EVs more affordable, and supporting businesses to transition will accelerate the shift to cleaner transport. This will cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, and future proof Cumbria’s transport system.
Read about a few of the things people are doing:
This webinar from CAfS explores switching to an EV – watch webinar
The Lake District National Park Authority has been progressively reducing their transport emissions by both greening their fleet and reducing their mileage.
