Following a peak in 2020, the number of trips and distance cycled in England in 2021 fell back to pre-pandemic levels.
The 2021 Walking & Cycling Statistics, published by the DfT on 31 August, show an average of 55 miles cycled per person, similar to pre-pandemic levels.
Compared to 2020, the average number of cycling trips decreased year-on-year by 27%, to 15 trips per person – 7% fewer than 2019.
A greater proportion of trips were for leisure purposes, and a smaller proportion for commuting. This matches changes seen in commuting trips generally since the start of the pandemic.
With an average of 24, males made more than three times as many cycling trips than females in all age groups, who averaged seven trips. Males also travelled four times the distance, with an average of 89 miles as opposed to 22 miles cycled by females.
Walking levels similar to 2020
With regard to the number of walking trips, levels were similar to 2020 but lower than 2019.
The 2021 figure of 235 trips per person represents a decrease of 6% compared to 2019. The average number of miles walked decreased by 4% in 2021, to 210 miles per person compared to 220 miles per person in 2020. However, this represents an increase of 3% compared to 2019 (205 miles per person).
Females made more walking trips in 2021, with 256 trips per person, compared to males with 213 trips per person. This was seen across all age groups apart from those aged 17 to 20 years. Females also walked longer journeys than males with an average of 218 miles per person across the year, compared to 202 miles by males.
Comment on this story