A year in review
The positive difference we’ve made together this year in communities across the UK.
Sustrans works for and with communities, helping them come to life by walking, wheeling and cycling to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
Across the UK, we involve communities in shaping our towns and cities. Together we campaign for and create spaces where everyone can move around safely and give people the tools and confidence to get out of their cars.
We inspire people to change the way we all travel every day, forging closer connections with our neighbours and reducing traffic to create a better environment and more sustainable society for everyone.
But none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, funders and partners.
Here are just some of the great things we've been able to achieve with your support.
The steps I took to redesign a physical barrier on the National Cycle Network: Josh's story
With your support, we’ve helped people like Josh make the National Cycle Network more accessible.
Josh runs a free service which allows people with mobility issues to experience the joys of traffic-free routes through his trishaw rides. When he encountered a restrictive physical barrier on the National Cycle Network on his trishaw, he was determined to find a solution to make the route accessible for all.
Our strategic priorities
Making it easy to leave the car at home delivers a better environment for everybody. How we choose (or are forced) to travel, and our car-dependency is ruining our environment and contributing towards climate change.
This is disproportionately affecting people from marginalised groups and those living in areas with high deprivation, particularly in inner cities.
Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK.
What’s more, communities already at risk of poorer health are being further disadvantaged by higher exposure to polluted air.
Living near busy or dangerous roads can also prevent people from accessing green and public space.
Walkers and cyclists on the Nidderdale Greenway. Credit: Sustrans
It’s because of these challenges that we focus our work on two strategic priorities:
Paths for everyone
The National Cycle Network provides a vital backbone to the country, connecting communities to each other and helping neighbourhoods come to life.
As custodians of this Network, we work to ensure it is accessible to everyone and easy to reach from towns and cities, so it continues to be a treasured national asset that is loved locally.
Liveable cities and towns for everyone
We believe the places where we live, work and enjoy ourselves should be planned around people, not cars.
To create more liveable cities and towns, we work with decision-makers looking to bring about positive change, helping them to plan and provide active travel options for their communities.
We work to shape policy, provide expertise on planning and building active travel infrastructure, and deliver programmes which shift people away from car use and help communities come to life.
This year
615
barriers removed or redesigned on the National Cycle Network
20
School Streets initatives delivered in 2023-24
177
new community groups involved in the National Cycle Network
13
Low Traffic Neighbourhood initiatives delivered
A path reborn: Market Harborough's Grand Union Canal undergoes transformation
We continue to work towards a UK-wide network of traffic-free paths for everyone. That is why we have been working hard to help new users discover the National Cycle Network.
As part of a £1m project in Market Harborough, we resurfaced and widened a stretch of the National Cycle Network along the Grand Union Canal.
With accessibility as a top priority, the path's increased width ensures a comfortable passage for everyone, however they choose to use it.
Read our Annual Report and accounts
Encouraging active travel at my school: Emma's story
With your support, our schools programmes continue to help more children walk, wheel and cycle to school safely across the UK.
The Active School Travel programme in Northern Ireland has seen a big boost in pupils actively travelling to school.
Emma, a primary school teacher, talks about the positive impact she sees in her pupils when they travel actively to school, and the joys she experiences as one of our Active Travel Champions.
Get involved
Thanks to all of our supporters and volunteers who supported us this year. Without them, none of this work would have been possible. Find out how you can support our work to help make it easier for everyone to walk and cycle.
Get involved