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
Increasing physical activity and minimising time spent 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 one’s 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.
Relationship between active travel and health
Analysis
Health benefits of active travel: preventable early deaths
Higher levels of physical activity from regular walking and cycling can result in a significant...
Analysis
Relationship between physical activity and health
Local areas with higher rates of cycling or walking are associated with lower rates of overweight or...
Trends and inequalities in active travel
Analysis
Frequency of active travel by local authority
There is a significant variation in walking and cycling rates across local authorities.
Analysis
Dissatisfaction with public transport and active travel provision
People in all regions of England are most likely to be dissatisfied with cycling lane provision,...
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