How can transport and urban policy makers recognise the importance of short and very short journeys in planning and investment decisions?

There is a Chinese proverb "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".
Urban mobility strategies may not be focused on the journey of a thousand miles, but are almost always predicated on the bases that the longer the journey the more important it is.
This assumption often underlies the justification of investment into large transport schemes.

Whereas focusing on Short & Very Short journeys* can make an important contribution to the health & wellbeing of almost all individuals, help communities social cohesion & local economies viability, and the long term environmental sustainability.
These are all import issues that can help the poor, women, children and older people.

*Defined as: - Very Short = 800 meters / ½ mile (10 minute walk), Short = under 8 km / 5 miles (30 minute cycle ride)

It is important to remember that the majority of journeys are short or very short, this means that the distances are within easy walking or cycling distance.

Why does this have so many benefits?
1st Individual health & wellbeing
There is now a lot of well-established research that shows regular 'exercise' is incredibly good for physical and mental well-being.
- Healthy and stable work force is more productive
- Children who walk and cycle to school achieve better academically
- There is less demand on health resources, and less illness which is needs looking after at home
2nd The communities social cohesion & local economy's viability.
- Those that walk and cycle are more likely to know their neighbours
- Busy streets are safer streets
- Local centres based within a short or very short journey create a local economy, thereby putting money and resources back into those areas
3rd Environmental sustainability.
- Walking and cycling are both nonr carbon forms of transport
- They are quiet, and leave more space for green space
- The levels of particulate pollution are significantly lower than for motorise transport

Dick Daniel richard@daniel28.co.uk

I would like the panel to address the dilemma between urban transport and urban sprawl. It often happens that urban transport in inteneded cosquecies is to encourage settlement far away from the cities thus undermining urban density and potential efficiency gins