United Kingdom /England: Health economic assessment tool (HEAT) strengthens case for community path in Oxford

Bike Safe, a community group in Oxford, United Kingdom, was set up to build a multipurpose 8 km cycling and walking path between Eynsham, a village on the outskirts of the city, and Botley, in Oxford.

The group’s website states: “There is currently no provision for cyclists and pedestrians on this route. The road is narrow and cyclists do not feel safe. Residents of all ages will benefit from this project. As well as promotion of exercise for health, carbon emissions should be lowered through a reduction in short local journeys. This path should increase access to visitors to the area, boosting the local economy.”

Bike Safe conducted a HEAT assessment to provide an economic argument for building the path. It focused on cycling, using data from online and paper surveys and face-to-face interviews.

It estimated that regular cyclists currently ride for 16.7 km per day on 177 days per year. If the path was built, it estimates that this would rise to 17.2 km on 195 days per year. The group also estimated that between 130 and 187 people would use the path per day. The HEAT calculation valued this at between €72 000 and €127 000 per year.

The group is using these figures to campaign for the development of the path, and as input for more comprehensive benefit–cost analyses to make a stronger case.

Full details of the assessment are available below.