Active Travel Pilot Helps 2,000 People in Cornwall Choose Healthier Transport

New scheme supports nearly 2,000 people to get active across Cornwall

A two-year scheme encouraging people in Cornwall to choose healthier ways of getting around has supported almost 2,000 people to walk, cycle or wheel instead of relying on cars.

The Active Travel Social Prescribing (ATSP) pilot, which ran from summer 2023 to summer 2025, took place in three key areas: Penzance, St Austell and the China Clay areas, and Bodmin. Cornwall Council was one of only 11 local authorities in England to receive government funding to trial the approach.

What is active travel – and who took part?

Active travel means getting from A to B through physical activity, including walking, cycling or using a wheelchair. The pilot focused on connecting people to these healthier travel choices through social prescribing, where professionals like GPs refer individuals to community-based activities to support their wellbeing.

The scheme primarily targeted people who are in poor health, unemployed, over 50 or living with a disability. The idea was to offer an alternative to car travel that could improve both physical and mental health outcomes.

How the pilot worked

Delivered by Cornwall Council’s public health service, the Healthy Cornwall team and Active Cornwall, the pilot brought together 17 partner organisations. Working collaboratively, they engaged residents through local support networks and community referrals.

Natalie Russell, project manager for Active Travel Social Prescribing at Public Health Cornwall, said:

“I’m delighted that the pilot was successful with almost 2,000 people supported to make cycling, walking and wheeling part of their everyday lives.
We have shown some really innovative ways that social prescribing and active travel can be linked, and I hope this pilot serves as a springboard for further success across more of our communities.”

Why it matters

Early evaluation of the scheme found that more people chose to cycle rather than drive, with a noticeable improvement in overall wellbeing among those taking part. The pilot’s success could pave the way for further investment in active travel support across more communities in Cornwall.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member for community safety and public health at Cornwall Council, said:

“It’s fantastic news that this pilot has proved such a success in Cornwall, and I would like to congratulate everyone who worked so hard on it.
Switching to an active form of travel in day-to-day life not only helps the environment, it also has huge health and wellbeing benefits so I would encourage anyone who likes the idea to speak to their GP or other social prescriber in their area.”

National praise

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner and Olympic gold medallist, said:

“The success of Cornwall’s active travel social prescribing pilot speaks for itself and goes to show that people will embrace the vast benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling in their thousands if given the opportunity to do so.
The evidence is clear — choosing active travel to get from A to B is better for our health and wellbeing, whether that’s through protecting against lifestyle-related diseases or improving mental health. Enabling people to get about under their own steam will help reduce pressure on the NHS, all while boosting local economies and the environment — it’s one of the most vital interventions we can make.”