Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index

In the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, active travel is playing an increasingly important role in everyday life. By making journeys safer and more accessible, the area is fostering healthier streets, cleaner air and stronger community connections. The 2025 Index highlights the growing impact of people-powered movement across the metropolitan area.

Every year, walking and cycling in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area results in:

325

serious long-term health conditions prevented

€145.4 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

7,100 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Up to 33,000

cars taken off the road every day

Yvonne Ryan

I enjoyed cycling until I had children. Traditional bike carriers left me nervous, but now I have a long-tail cargo e-bike that comfortably fits my two youngest.

Cycling to school is the norm for them, and it’s given my eldest real freedom over his travel needs. Riding to work and school is a great way to start the day - we’re never late, and there’s no stress about parking or traffic.

My children talk to me more on the bike, sharing little worries without the car radio in the way. We feel lucky to have good infrastructure and wish everyone did.

Find out more

  • Walk Wheel Cycle Trust's Walking and Cycling Index

    Walk Wheel Cycle Trust's Walking and Cycling Index (formerly Bike Life) is the UK and Ireland's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas. Download the report now.

    The Walking and Cycling Index
  • Man in wheelchair on shared use path

    Walking for everyone: A guide to making walking and wheeling accessible, inclusive and desirable

    We've teamed up with Living Streets and ARUP to create a guide to support people in local government, the transport sector and spatial planning, make walking and wheeling for everyone.
    Walking for everyone
  • Lady smiling as she rides her trike through an archway

    Cycling for everyone

    We've teamed up with Arup to create a guide to support people in local government and the transport sector to make cycling a more inclusive activity for everyone.
    Inclusive cycling in cities and towns