Darlington is one of three UK locations chosen to push the boundaries of how we get around. Basically, the aim is to encourage as many people as possible to become creative with their travel choices.
We have called our movement ‘Local Motion’ and it is all about challenging travel habits we have fallen into and getting us to try something new.
Even if this means making just one journey a week by bike, or bus, or walking those short journeys instead of jumping in the car, it can and will make a difference – to both you and our town.
Local Motion Sustainable Travel Town Seminar - 3 June 2009
On 3 June 2009 Local Motion held a seminar which focused on Darlington's initial five years as a sustainable travel demonstration town. The seminar examined the transport activities undertaken during the five years as well as the changes in travel behaviour resulting from those activities.
The seminar was attended by transport experts from throughout Europe and the UK as well as local businesses, residents and interest groups.
Presentations given by Werner Broeg, managing director of Socialdata, on travel behaviour change in Darlington and changes in attitudes towards transport can be found in the links below:-
Travel Behaviour Change
Attitudes and Potentials for Change
Darlington Sustainable Travel Town evaluation report looking at changes in residents travel behaviour between 2004 and 2008
Darlington Travel Behaviour Research - 2004 to 2008
Local Motion presentation given to North Eastern Branch of the Institution of Highways and Transportation - 21st April 2009
IHT presentation - April 2009
Local Motion Conference - 2 April 2008
On 2nd April Local Motion hosted a national conference which disseminated information on Darlington as a sustainable travel demonstration town - in addition a range of guest speakers presented on related transport issues. Some of the presentations are available below:-
Darlington-Sustainable Travel Town - Owen Wilson
Travel Behaviour Change in Darlington - Werner Broeg
Factors Influencing Walking and Cycling Levels - Matthew Page
Health and the benefits of sustainable travel - Nick Cavill
Delivering a town-wide ITM programme - Kate Gladstone
The Tees Valley Footprint - Alistair Paul
National Council of Women - Margaret Field
A list of those who attended the conference is available here:-
Delegate List
Local Motion is achieving results in Darlington - some of the successes can be found in the following monitoring update
Local Motion Monitoring Update
Local Motion Step Up Challenge
In May 2007 200 members of the Local Motion club took part in a Step Up Challenge - this involved a walk from the Dolphin Centre to Geneva Woods Nature Reserve and back, stopping halfway in South Park for refreshments.
All those taking part were entered into a prize draw and 12 lucky winners were chosen to take part in a twelve week active lifestyle programme in the Dolphin Centre. All of the winners enjoyed taking part in the fitness sessions and found it beneficial to their health.
To watch the group in action click here:-
Local Motion Step Up Challenge Winners