Walking and cycling statistics
Data and statistics about walking and cycling, based on the National Travel Survey and Active Lives Survey.
Latest walking and cycling statistics
Walking and cycling statistics present data from the National Travel Survey (NTS) and the Active Lives Survey (ALS). The NTS is a household survey of personal travel by residents of England travelling within Great Britain, from data collected via interviews and a one-week travel diary. The ALS is a household survey by residents of England, from data collected via a push-to-web survey.
Walking and cycling data tables
Cycling traffic index statistics, England
The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on the future of the Cycling Traffic Index statistics series.
In spring 2023, the department introduced the monthly Cycling Traffic Index, a new series of official statistics utilising automated cycle count data collected through a sample of road traffic counters capable of counting all types of road vehicle. This series succeeded another relatively new statistical series, specifically the reported daily usage of cycling, reported as part of DfT’s Daily Domestic Transport Usage Statistics, that began as part of COVID-19 pandemic reporting from March 2020 onwards and was built from a wider range of data sources.
Following an internal review of statistical resource, its deployment and relative statistical priorities – reflecting on user feedback and usage of figures – we have decided to suspend the Cycling Traffic Index, effective immediately. This is with a view to ending the statistical series.
In considering this action the Code of Practice for Statistics asks us to consider both the Value and the Quality of the statistics in question. On Quality, we note a limitation in the methodology highlighted by known users in terms of data granularity compared to other sources of cycling data, such as the National Travel Survey (NTS). NTS can offer greater granularity in terms of understanding cycling uptake, including splits by journey purpose, regional geography and personal characteristics. Such limitations also appear to limit the Value of the series, as it is largely only able to report the national trend in cycling activity compared to a historical baseline. We would observe that in recent periods the trend has been very stable, and indeed close to pre-pandemic levels. Whilst the Cycling Traffic Index is able to provide more timely updates on this than other series, the Value of this insight is diminished compared to when cycling activity was more volatile, particularly with the NTS now providing cycling activity estimates twice a year. After reflecting on these points, we are recommending that the series is discontinued.
We are inviting your views on this subject and ask that you give us your feedback on this, via this short survey. Any questions relating to the above should be directed to: vehicles.stats@dft.gov.uk.
The cycling traffic index shows the change in cycling levels in England. These statistics are a rolling annual index.
Statistics used to produce the Cycling Traffic Index are official statistics. The department’s view is that all statistics which are not designated as accredited official statistics are robust and have been produced to a suitable standard following the Code of Practice.
About the walking and cycling data and reports
Statistics from the NTS were assessed in 2010 by the UK Statistics Authority. The statistics were confirmed as accredited official statistics (formerly National Statistics) in July 2011. Following a compliance check in September 2018, the NTS maintained its accredited official statistics designation.
Statistics from the ALS are official statistics. The department’s view is that all statistics which are not designated as accredited official statistics are robust and have been produced to a suitable standard following the Code of Practice.
Updates to this page
-
Note and survey published concerning the suspension of the Cycling Traffic Index publication.
-
Cycling traffic index up to September 2024 published.
-
Cycling traffic index up to June 2024 published.
-
Walking and cycling statistics, England: 2023 added. Background information has moved to the about section.
-
Cycling traffic index, up to March 2024 published.
-
Cycling traffic index (updated to December 2023) added.
-
Walking and cycling statistics, England: 2022 added.
-
New cycling index for England added to collection.
-
Walking and cycling statistics in England for 2021 added.
-
Walking and cycling statistics, England 2020 added to collection.
-
Walking and cycling statistics in England for the year 2019 added to collection.
-
Updated for 31 July 2019 publication.
-
New release published and latest walking and cycling statistics updated.
-
Page revised and updated for the 2016 statistics release.
-
New release published.
-
'Local area walking and cycling in England: 2013 to 2014' released.
-
First published.