Waterford Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index

Across the Waterford Metropolitan Area, support for active travel remains strong. Efforts to make journeys safer and more accessible continue to encourage people-powered movement, helping to create healthier streets, cleaner air and stronger community connections. The 2025 Index highlights the positive impact of these changes across the metropolitan area.

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

149

serious long-term health conditions prevented

€67 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

2,700 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Up to 15,000

cars taken off the road every day

Noreen McGrath

I regularly walk into Waterford City and really enjoy it. Walking is great for health, meeting people, and enjoying our beautiful local areas. As a member of Waterford Older People’s Council and our Residents group, I always encourage walking as part of daily life.

However, there are challenges. Many footpaths are uneven and unsafe, especially for those with mobility issues. Wheelie bins often block the way, forcing people with walking aids, scooters, or buggies onto the road.

Traffic has increased with the new traffic plan, but there aren’t enough pedestrian crossings to keep walkers safe. Public transport is unreliable. Buses don’t always arrive or take on passengers.

Looking forward, we need better footpaths, bin management, more crossings, and reliable transport to support active travel for all ages in Waterford.

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