There is an increasing body of quality research being done in New Zealand and internationally on the role of transport in active living. In New Zealand, the transport sector is seeking to align policy with evidence. So how can research best inform policy? How can the ivory tower best talk to Wellington? This research will seek to identify how research can best inform policy. In addition to drawing on experience within the Ministry of Transport it will also reflect on two ongoing examples of research in Christchurch to examine how this can/cannot work. One is working with the local council to assess the impact of one of Christchurch’s new cycleways on cycle use. The second is assessing how the transport environment around a school is impacting travel to school, working with a range of local parties including the council, school and New Zealand Transport Agency.