Every two years, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust work with local authorities to share insights from across the UK and Ireland. The data we share tells a story of how walking and cycling infrastructure is used, and how people feel about using it. And while those numbers matter to help make change on the ground, the stories from each person we spoke to whilst writing the reports shows us the bigger picture.
Photo: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust/Chris Foster Photography, 2025
From the gender differences in cycling participation to the steadily increasing number of accessible paths – people’s experiences of active travel can vary dramatically.
This year, the data shows that across all UK Index areas, walking, wheeling and cycling prevent more than 28,000 serious long-term health conditions every year. Extrapolated to towns and cities across the UK, this equates to almost 156,000 serious long-term health conditions prevented annually.
We heard from all sorts of people - from parents who appreciate a peaceful school drop off, residents who use mobility aids to get around, those who don’t drive, or those who choose to leave their car at home occasionally opting for a different mode of transport.
Photo: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust/Alec Seaman, 2025
Making the school journey safer for everyone
Marie and Lydia live in Eaton Socon and appreciate having a safe route to school where they can get their nature fix as part of an everyday journey,
"By using the Willow Bridge we can link up with the network of paths to and from nearby St Neots.
We’re out on an almost daily basis with the pushchair and the peaceful countryside is perfect for fresh air and helps to get Lydia to drop off, as well as me getting some exercise in."
The school journey can be fraught with stress, congestion and pollution, with attempts to get parked closest to the school gate causing an increased safety risk to children and others.
Those who choose to ditch the car for a walk, a wheel or a cycle often cite a more relaxing journey, with children arriving to school ready to learn.
In UK Index areas, there are currently 213 School Street schemes in place. Of the residents we surveyed, 71% supported reducing speed limits, improving crossing points and introducing protected cycle paths in school neighbourhoods – all of which would make school journeys safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Commuting to work
Elizabeth recently moved to Newcastle to work as a junior doctor, and appreciates being able to cycle to work:
“Cycle lanes are better, and roads quieter, so I feel safer, and it’s more reliable than getting stuck in traffic.
I do feel safer cycling or driving than I do walking in the dark in winter. If spaces and routes were better lit, then that would encourage people to walk and cycle more.”
It was encouraging to discover that of those we surveyed across Index areas, 72% felt welcome and comfortable walking, wheeling or spending time on the streets of their neighbourhood.
Elizabeth, Junior Doctor
As a junior doctor, it's made exercising easier; it's just part of my routine instead of having to think about fitting it in around long shifts.
For our communities and spaces, it's so much nicer to have less cars on the street.
However, only 5% of residents travel by bike five or more days a week, compared to 52% who walk, with 43% of people wanting to cycle more. It tells us that whilst people want to cycle, intrinsic motivation isn’t enough.
We asked what kinds of support would help people start cycling or to cycle more, and the top 3 answers were:
- Access to a bicycle
- Access to secure cycle parking near or at home
- Access or improvements to a city cycle hiring scheme
Investing in local infrastructure
Each of our Index reports includes a section on ‘Developing the Region’, where our local authority partners expand on how infrastructure has improved and the impact it's had locally.
In the Liverpool City Region for example, the local authority has invested more than £100 million into an active travel programme, and the result has been almost 100 miles of infrastructure and over 30,000 cycle training sessions.
Both the data and people’s experiences show us that they want to cycle, and when the means to do so safely and easily are provided, the uptake is there.
5%
of residents travel by bike five or more days a week
43%
of people want to cycle more
Active travel for everyday movement and adventure
Stephen Rice had a serious spinal injury and is now restricted in the distances he can walk. His all-terrain e-bike makes the journey to and around Liverpool City Centre that much easier, and gets him out on adventures too.
“Instead of using a mobility scooter, which is limited in where it can go and expensive, I use an all-terrain e-bike. It keeps me strong and supports my mental health.
I travel on the Mersey Ferry and the train – taking my bike wherever I go, allowing me to meet friends and explore in all conditions, even with my dog in a trailer.
It’s my way of walking and staying independent. I hope things continue to improve for the disabled community and the safety of all.”
Stephen, Liverpool
Instead of using a mobility scooter, which is limited in where it can go and expensive, I use an all-terrain e-bike. It keeps me strong and supports my mental health.
It’s my way of walking and staying independent. I hope things continue to improve for the disabled community and the safety of all.
Of the people we surveyed, 62% of disabled people think it’s safe to walk or wheel in their local area, compared to 74% of non-disabled people.
Improvements are being made, such as powers to tackle cars parked on the pavement rolled out recently in Scotland and soon in England. This will make it easier for disabled people to get around safely. Now, it’s time for Cymru and Northern Ireland to follow suit.
The Index as a tool for change
People’s experiences are so valuable, as they tell the story of the data, and so we believe that the Walking and Cycling Index can be, and is, a tool for change.
When we hear from people of all backgrounds – and not just those who cycle or walk regularly, we have evidence for change that benefits everyone.
The positive impact on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing is huge, and the impact on the wider community is evident too.
By empowering people to choose how they get around, we create a ripple effect that changes everything.
Read our latest Walking and Cycling Index reports
The Walking and Cycling Index (formerly Bike Life) is the largest survey of walking, wheeling and cycling ever carried out.
It captures public attitudes to active travel in 22 cities and regions across the UK and Ireland, and tracks how well each area is making walking, wheeling and cycling practical, everyday choices.
Using data from 2025, the reports were released in March 2026.
