Sustrans Children’s Walking and Cycling Index: Prioritising Children in Active Travel

Sustrans, a charity championing walking, wheeling and cycling, has published the first-ever Children’s Walking and Cycling Index. This new initiative builds on the broader Walking and Cycling Index, which tracks active travel progress in 23 cities across the UK and Ireland.  

The Children’s Index reveals key insights into how children feel about active travel and what is needed for them to travel safely and independently. Based on a survey of over 1,000 children, it found: 

• 81% want more traffic-free and quiet routes 

• 78% want protected cycle paths separated from cars 

• 51% want to cycle more 

• 48% already cycle weekly 

Currently, children are mostly considered in transport policy for school commutes, overlooking how vital daily active travel is for their health, independence, and social lives. The report also highlights a gender gap in cycling and limited accessibility for children using wheelchairs outside city centres. 

Sustrans urges councils to prioritise children in transport planning. For example, safer crossings, cycle training, and protected bike lanes can make travel more inclusive and safer for everyone. 

Understanding behaviour, attitudes and barriers towards active travel is also key to CRP’s Healthy Streets Everyday II (HSE II) programme – a 3-year programme funded by the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.