Effects of active travel interventions in the UK on disadvantaged population groups and their potential to reduce health inequalities: systematic review

BACKGROUND: Differential impacts of active travel interventions on disadvantaged population groups have been under-studied. A review of evidence from the UK was commissioned to inform the development of government policy and support the implementation of equitable and effective interventions. METHODS: Systematic review, identifying studies via searching 31 electronic databases. Eligible studies evaluated active travel interventions in the UK and reported quantitative data on active travel behaviours and/or linked health outcomes for population subgroups defined by sex/gender, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status. Two reviewers screened reports, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Outcome data were summarised in relation to directions of intervention effects for population subgroups. RESULTS: We included 18 study reports collectively evaluating five interventions. Evidence suggests that interventions are more likely to increase than decrease active travel among females and may also be more likely to benefit females relative to males. Interventions are also more likely to increase than decrease active travel among older adults, but there is no clear evidence that they will benefit this group relative to younger adults. Available evidence gives no clear indication of likely positive or negative impacts on groups defined by ethnicity or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that active travel interventions improve outcomes and may reduce inequalities in relation to sex, and improve outcomes among older adults. The available evidence for differential impacts of active travel interventions is otherwise largely inconclusive, but importantly provides no clear indication that implementing active travel interventions will widen inequalities.