Scotland’s biggest ever survey into walking and cycling has revealed Dundee’s travelling habits.
The Walking and Cycling Index found 54% of people in the city walk or wheel at least five or more days each week.
This compares to 35% of people who use a car, 12% who use public transport and 3% who cycle at least five or more days each week.
Nearly 1,300 people in Dundee were surveyed by Sustrans in 2021 as part of the biennial Walking and Cycling Index, formerly known as Bike Life.
In total, data was captured from 18 cities, with more than 24,000 people surveyed in areas of Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, representative of a total population of over 13 million people.
The survey also revealed Dundee residents want to see more government spending on walking and wheeling, with 54% of those surveyed supporting this.
They also support investment in cycling, with 65% wanting more cycle tracks along roads that are physically separated from traffic and pedestrians.
Banning pavement parking would help 70% of all residents to walk or wheel more and 72% of residents think wider pavements would be useful to walk or wheel more.
A total of 70% of people support the creation of low-traffic neighbourhoods where through-traffic is restricted while 62% of residents said that fewer motor vehicles on their streets would help them to walk more.
The report also highlights support for school streets, with 53% of Dundonians supporting closing streets outside local schools to cars during drop-off and pick-up times as they believe it would improve their local area.
Stewart Carruth, Interim Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Dundee who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index.
“Walking and wheeling should be the most accessible and desirable form of transport.
“It is of huge importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.”
And he added: “The evidence is clear – Dundonians want the option to walk and wheel to where they need to get to, and don’t want outdated and unmaintained pavements, crossing points that make walking and wheeling unsafe or inaccessible, and vehicles parked on pavements getting in their way.
“Dundee City Council can rest assured that they have the backing of the public to build on the work they have already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
- The full Dundee report can be read here with more information on Sustrans here.
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