Active travel
Walking and cycling as part of routine travel – whether for an entire journey, part of one, or to access public transport – can help people stay healthy.
Key stats
1,190
early deaths could be prevented each year in England if the proportion of people walking and cycling in all regions increased to the same level as in the regions with the highest rates.
0.2%–15%
the range in the percentage of adults who cycle at least five times a week, across local authorities in England.
Increasing physical activity and minimising the time we spend sitting down helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and depression. The NHS recommends that adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Walking and cycling as part of our travel routine – whether for an entire journey or to access public transport – can help meet these targets.
The charts in this section explore the relationship between active travel and health, as well as trends and inequalities in active travel.
