Stakeholders’ experiences of what works in planning and implementing environmental interventions to promote active travel: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

Lawlor, E. R. et al. (2023) Stakeholders’ experiences of what works in planning and implementing environmental interventions to promote active travel: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Transport Reviews, 43(3), pp. 478-501. (doi: 10.1080/01441647.2022.2119298)

Abstract

Infrastructure for active travel (AT) is receiving attention as a low-cost, sustainable transport option that promotes physical activity. However, the planning and implementation of new AT infrastructure often brings challenges. This review synthesises stakeholders’ views and experiences of developing guidance for, designing, commissioning and implementing environmental interventions to promote AT. Eight databases were searched for studies containing qualitative data from stakeholders with direct experience. Results were synthesised thematically. The risk of bias was assessed using the CASP checklist for qualitative research, and evidence quality using the GRADE-CERQual tool. A total of 21,703 articles were identified from database searches, with 35 studies included. Eighteen studies focused on infrastructure promoting walking and cycling, fourteen on cycling and three on walking. Fifteen studies were judged to have no/very minor concerns, 12 had minor concerns, four had moderate concerns and four were of serious concern. A variety of stakeholders were influential, most commonly supportive elected leaders and individuals in public and voluntary sectors. Inter-disciplinary collaboration facilitated sharing of expertise and resources, and upskilling was beneficial. Effective communication methods varied between stakeholders and reason for communication. Persuasive strategies included aligning with stakeholders priorities and making the best use of evidence. Opportune moments to implement AT infrastructure were alongside non-AT projects and exogenous events. Compliance with AT policies could increase by embedding in higher level legislation. Political support was important and fostered through not de-prioritising cars and gaining external funding. The GRADE-CERQual found high confidence in our findings, apart from the sub-themes “Methods of communication” and “Political will” that had moderate confidence. Our findings can assist stakeholders in successfully navigating the process from conception to implementation of AT infrastructure and inform future policy and decision-making.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield; Bristol; Cambridge; Imperial; and University College London; the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM); LiLaC – a collaboration between the Universities of Liverpool and Lancaster; and Fuse – The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, a collaboration between Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities. This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (Grant Reference Number: SPHR-PROG-WSBT-CS2). JP is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC; Unit Programme number MC_UU_12015/6 & MC_UU_00006/7). LF was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (16/137/64) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lawlor, Dr Emma
• Authors: Lawlor, E. R., Ellis, K., Adams, J., Jago, R., Foley, L., Morris, S., Pollard, T., Summerbell, C., Cummins, S., Forde, H., Foubister, C., Xiao, C., and Panter, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Transport Reviews
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0144-1647
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5327
• Published Online: 26 September 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Transport Reviews 43(3):478-501
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence