Local 'bikelash' to active travel schemes turn positive when benefits are seen, study shows

The ESRI study said active travel infrastructure had the potential to decrease car dependency and promote healthier, more sustainable communities. Picture: iStock

Locals may be opposed to active travel schemes in their communities, but invariably come round to them once they are put in place, new research has suggested.

For a new paper, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) through its Behavioural Research Unit looked into the evidence internationally on what happens when infrastructure in an area pivots to cycling and walking.