Manchester expert collaborates on major study evaluating active travel improvements
An expert from The University of Manchester has played a key role in a new research study evaluating the impact of active travel infrastructure improvements at Delapre Park in Northampton.
Working in collaboration with researchers from the University of Northampton and Nottingham Trent University, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow Dr Jack Benton helped deliver a year-long study designed to assess how new pathways in the park have influenced public use and perceptions of the area.
The project, funded by Active Travel England, aimed to understand the real-world impact of investment in walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure. It employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating resident surveys, in-depth interviews, on-site observations and GPS tracking to evaluate how improvements to path surfaces and layouts affected accessibility, safety, and comfort for a broad range of users - including those living with long-term health conditions.
Initial findings show that the new routes have led to measurable benefits in terms of increased access, improved feelings of safety, and greater comfort for park users. In particular, small infrastructure changes were found to significantly enhance mobility for those with disabilities and other physical challenges.
Dr Benton emphasised the value of listening to the lived experiences of local people when designing infrastructure to support healthier, more active communities.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been fantastic to collaborate with researchers in Northampton and Nottingham on this natural experimental study, which evaluated the impact of improvements to local walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure,鈥� he said.
Our findings show how small changes - like improving path surfaces - can help enable more active lifestyles, particularly for those with mobility challenges. The research also highlights the importance of listening to communities and drawing on their lived experiences to shape future infrastructure. This kind of evidence is crucial for local councils and national bodies like Active Travel England as they work to design healthier, more inclusive urban spaces.
The study sets out clear recommendations for further improvements, based on direct community feedback. These insights are expected to inform future active travel strategies both locally and nationally.
The full report is available here: .