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PATH urges governments to fund active travel commitments at COP31
PATH’s “PATH to Net‑Zero” campaign presented at COP31 in Antalya calls on governments to increase funding and implementation of walking and cycling commitments. The appeal is immediate, targeting national policymakers responsible for active travel programmes.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Governments are urged to boost funding and enforce active travel policies
- Timing
- The call was made during COP31 in Antalya, Turkey
- Who is affected
- National governments and tourism destinations with active travel plans
The details
- Announced by
- PATH (the Partnership for Active Travel and Health)
- New rule
- PATH asks governments to allocate more resources to walking and cycling infrastructure, adopt clear policies and use measurable outcomes to track progress.
Campaign launch at COP31
During the United Nations climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, PATH unveiled its “PATH to Net‑Zero” campaign. The initiative highlights the role of walking and cycling in cutting transport emissions and meeting the Paris Agreement targets.
Why stronger investment is needed
PATH research shows that more than one‑third of UN climate parties mention active travel in their NDCs, yet many lack mechanisms to direct investment or evaluate results. The organisation argues that without dedicated funding and transparent performance measurement, national commitments to sustainable transport will fall short.
- Walking and cycling could halve transport emissions by 2030
- Improved air quality, road safety and public health are additional benefits
Tools for governments
PATH released two resources to support implementation: the Measuring Active Travel Success Implementation Guide and the Active Travel Policy Template. The guide offers a framework for performance indicators, while the template outlines steps for drafting national walking and cycling policies.
- Several national governments have already adopted the policy template
- Resources aim to improve funding decisions and accountability
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel bookings are not directly affected by the campaign
- Future visitors may benefit from improved pedestrian and cycling networks in destinations that adopt the recommendations
Cost and documents
- No new fees or travel documents are introduced for tourists
- Travelers should monitor destination announcements for possible infrastructure upgrades
What you need to do
- Governments should review the Measuring Active Travel Success Guide and integrate its indicators into national reporting
- Tourism authorities are encouraged to incorporate active travel plans into destination management strategies
Who this affects
-
National governments
They are responsible for funding and implementing walking and cycling infrastructure under their NDCs
What to do Allocate increased budget and adopt the Active Travel Policy Template
-
Tourism destination authorities
Active mobility improves visitor access to attractions and reduces congestion
What to do Integrate pedestrian and cycling networks into urban and transport planning
-
Active mobility advocacy groups
They are called upon to engage policymakers and promote investment
What to do Support governments in applying the measurement framework and policy template
Frequently asked questions
What is PATH asking governments to do at COP31?
PATH is urging governments to increase funding for walking and cycling infrastructure, adopt clear policies and use measurable outcomes to track progress, as part of its “PATH to Net‑Zero” campaign presented at COP31.
Does the campaign create new travel fees for tourists?
No, the campaign does not introduce any new fees or documentation requirements for travelers; it focuses on government investment and policy implementation.
How can countries measure success of active travel projects?
PATH provides the Measuring Active Travel Success Implementation Guide, which offers a framework of performance indicators and evaluation methods for walking and cycling initiatives.
Which resource helps governments draft active travel policies?
The Active Travel Policy Template, released by PATH, gives step‑by‑step guidance for defining objectives, actions, indicators and evaluation processes for national walking and cycling policies.
Will tourists see immediate changes in transport options?
Immediate changes are unlikely; however, destinations that adopt the recommendations may gradually improve pedestrian and cycling networks, enhancing accessibility for visitors over time.
