Sustrans, a 30 year-old nonprofit in the U.K. that advocates sustainable transportation, last week won The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway. The purpose of the Giveaway is to fund projects which positively benefit “health, the environment, education and charitable purposes to improve communities and the lives of people most in need.” Citizens vote on the project they deem most worthy of the grant. Sustrans’ Connect2 project emerged triumphant, defeating three other finalists.
Connect2, as the name implies, aims to bring sustainable transportation links to communities throughout the U.K. The end result will be a national network of walking and cycling routes. Sustrans approximates that six million people live within a mile of the 79 different Connect2 projects.
From Sustrans Connect2:
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if we were able to travel in ways that improved your health and the environment? We’d have safer communities, cleaner air and a better quality of life.
Sustrans’ Connect2 project is a real chance to achieve this in your area. The project aims to improve local travel in 79 communities around the U.K. by creating new walking and cycling networks for your everyday journeys.
By means of bridges, tunnels and other crossings, Connect2 will overcome barriers like busy roads, rivers and railways so you can get to where you want to go by foot or bike. With each new crossing linking to a local network of walking and cycling routes, you’ll have direct access to your local schools, shops and work, as well as green spaces.
One project targeted by Connect2 is in Cardiff, Wales. It is currently illegal to walk along the road to the across the new swimming pool and sports complex in Cardiff Bay. Cycling across the bridge is an option, but the speed of the car traffic and narrowness of the road prevent most from attempting this feat. Pedestrians and public transportation riders have no direct access. Connect2’s Pont y Werin, or “People’s Bridge,” will change that with a bridge specifically dedicated to foot and bike traffic. The Cardiff Bay endeavor is just one of 79 projects, with work slated to begin in January, 2008!
Can you imagine the U.S.’ lottery funds going towards sustainable transportation? Yeah, me neither. But this carectomy patient’s dream from across the pond is an idea that I hope continues to gain momentum globally.
Sustrans’ Connect2 Full Appeal from People’s 50 Million:
