Sustrans has released its inaugural Children’s Walking and Cycling Index (Scotland), revealing key insights into the travel habits and attitudes of children aged 6-15 across Scotland.
Key Findings From the Index
Safer Spaces Needed: Children expressed a strong desire for safer places to walk and cycle, away from busy traffic.
A Desire for More Active Travel: Many children want to walk and cycle more but feel that they are driven too often.
Gender Disparities in Cycling: Girls cycle less than boys and report feeling less safe cycling in their local areas.
Need for More Involvement: Children feel they aren’t given enough of a say in shaping the spaces where they live and travel.
Safer Streets for Walking, Wheeling and Cycling
There are many practical steps we can take to help children to walk or wheel more.
- 68% of children would find it useful if there were fewer cars parked on the pavement.
- 80% of children would find it useful if there more road crossings.
- 72% of children would find it useful if there were slower speed limits for cars.
- 70% of children would find it useful if there were fewer cars on their streets.
There are many practical steps we can take to help children cycle more.
- 79% of children would find it useful to have more traffic-free cycle paths away from cars.
- 75% of children would find it useful to have cycle routes along quiet streets where there are fewer cars.
- 84% of children support giving all children cycle training.
- 77% of children support creating more cycle paths along roads separated from cars.
Parents, guardians and others with children in their household support the views of children to improve walking, wheeling and cycling.
- 68% of parents and guardians support a ban on cars parking on the pavement.
- 64% of parents and guardians support the creation of more low-traffic neighbourhoods.
Why The Children’s Walking and Cycling Index Matters
For years, Sustrans Scotland has gathered data on school journeys through the Hands Up Scotland Survey (HUSS). However, to truly create places where children can thrive, we need to understand more than just their travel patterns—we need to hear directly from them about their experiences and aspirations. This survey is the first of its kind, offering children a platform to voice their opinions on transport issues. By doing so, we aim to ensure their views are reflected in policy discussions and local decision-making.
Methodology
The data for the Children’s Walking and Cycling Index was collected through an online survey conducted by YouGov, from 22 August to 1 September 2024. The survey is representative of all children aged 6 to 15 in Scotland, regardless of whether they walk, cycle, or wheel. For more detailed information, visit our website.
Funding
This important report was funded by Transport Scotland.
Find the report on our website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/childrens-index/scotland/
Contact: [email protected] for further information