MORE than half of all football fans include ‘an active component’ as part of their journey to the Amex on an Albion matchday.

A report has analysed how people travel to and from the games.

On average, 53 per cent of all supporters combine walking or cycling with public transport to travel to the stadium.

More than 200 cycle racks are used at every game.

Since moving to the Amex in 2011, a key goal for the Seagulls has been to limit CO2 emissions.

This has been done by promoting and improving sustainable transport links, specifically public transport, and the number of supporters using the nearby Falmer Station on a matchday is massive.

This emphasis on public transport has safeguarded air quality in and around the stadium and has indirectly increased physical activity levels as staff and supporters alike now walk to and from the train or bus station when visiting the Amex.

The club has also actively discouraged the use of private vehicles through road and parking pricing, further increasing the appeal of multi-modal travel with an ‘implicit’ active component.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “We have always shown our commitment as a club to the use of sustainable transport ever since the stadium opened nearly six years ago.

“This study further demonstrates the tireless work we do to promote the use of public transport to both our supporters and staff.”

Matthew Philpott, executive director of the European Healthy Stadia Network which produced the report, said praise is due to the Albion.

He said: “Many congratulations to Brighton and Hove Albion for their incredible work to date encouraging staff and supporters to leave the car at home and to travel by more sustainable means including walking and cycling.

“Clubs in the UK have a long way to go to emulate their contemporaries on the continent but this case study will add to the growing active travel agenda and present professional sports clubs up and down the country with a brilliant example of what can be achieved with proper planning and investment.”

The concept of Healthy Stadia is good stadiums that promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community, and places where people can go to have a positive healthy experience paying or watching sport.

The club’s travel management plan is managed in partnership with Albion in the Community, the community trust.