Sustrans has published the first Children’s Walking and Cycling Index, designed to help understand the behaviours, barriers and attitudes affecting how children walk, wheel and cycle in the UK.
The report, published in partnership with Halfords, highlights the disconnect between children’s needs and the current state of transport systems.
It finds that 81% of children want more traffic-free paths and quiet routes for walking and cycling, while 78% want more cycle paths along roads physically separated from cars.
Some 80% want authorities to make sure more things they need to get to are within walking distance; the same percentage also in favour of more road crossings.
On the back of the findings, Sustrans is calling for children’s needs to be prioritised when councils are planning transport improvements in their area.
It says that transport design that is inclusive for children is safer and more accessible for all road users, opening up opportunities for healthier lives through giving people ‘a real choice’ about how they make short journeys in their area.
The report also shows that 1.36 billion trips are walked, wheeled or scooted by children each year in the UK.
Whilst most trips by children are made to and from school (38%), high numbers of trips are also taken for other purposeful journeys (32%) and to visit green space or for recreation (30%).
Sustrans says this shows the need to consider children’s travel beyond the journey to school.
Xavier Brice, chief executive of Sustrans, said: “Children’s views on travel are too often overlooked by decision-makers. Where they are considered, the focus tends to be on the school journey.
“This leaves out the vital role that travel plays in children’s day-to-day lives, supporting the development of their independence, socialisation skills and overall mental health and wellbeing.
“With the rise in child obesity and mental health issues showing no signs of stopping, making walking, wheeling and cycling the default for more journeys is vital. However, national statistics suggest both walking and cycling to school have fallen since 2002.
“By working in partnership, Sustrans and Halfords hope this new report will give a voice to children across the UK, reshaping how we approach children’s journeys so we can give them back the healthy independence that we all need for a better present and future.”
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