This paper examines the benefits of investing in active travel, with a delineation between individual and collective benefits. Of the individuals who engage in active travel modes such as walking and cycling, the study identifies the groups that stand to gain the most from investment in active travel, given the potential positive impacts on health, the low-cost advantages of active travel modes and demographic factors. Distributional analysis further informs Cost-Benefit Analysis by providing greater information to decision makers about how certain cohorts are affected differently by particular infrastructure investment. These emerging techniques to measure active travel benefits can inform the ‘social value’ of a particular investment, including reducing social exclusion, facilitating freedom and greater social interaction particularly for disadvantaged groups who may face transport barriers. The findings from this paper suggest that investment in active travel can benefit a wide range of individuals, some directly through impacts on health and savings on transport, and some indirectly through localised effects such as decongestion and improved air quality. On a societal level, the paper highlights the environmental benefits of active travel, including reduced air pollution, reduction in carbon emissions and economic development.