FAQs - About us

Frequently asked questions about Sustrans and our work.

Man and woman sitting on a bench chatting and laughing, with a bicycle propped up next to them.

Who are Sustrans?

Sustrans is an active travel charity. Our name stands for Sustainable Transport, but we haven't always been called Sustrans. We started out as Cyclebag in 1977 and within two years were building cycle routes, the first one being the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Sustrans was established as a company and registered as a charity in 1984. Today, our work wouldn't be possible without the hard work of our 650 colleagues and 3,000 volunteers, as well as the support from our 30,000 supporters.

What does Sustrans do?

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle. We're the custodians of the National Cycle Network – the UK-wide network of over 12,000 miles of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and exploring outdoors. Of these 12,000 miles, we own roughly 2%, which equates to about 250 miles. Through our Paths for Everyone work on the network and our Liveable Towns and Cities work, our vision is a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.

What are Sustrans' values?

Our work is is guided by five important values and these are as follows:

  • Including everyone
  • Having the courage to question
  • Acting local, thinking big
  • Getting things done, together
  • Always learning

Who is Sustrans regulated by?

Sustrans is regulated by the Charity Commission in England and Wales, the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) in Scotland and the The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland. We're also regulated by the Fundraising Regulator.

What is Sustrans' charity number?

Sustrans' charity number in England and Wales is 326550. In Scotland, it is is SC039263.

How is Sustrans funded?

As a charity, Sustrans is funded through a number of different channels.

 These include applying for government funding through bids and grants, fundraising with our incredible community of supporters, working with corporate partners and Trusts who align with our mission, and more.

So that we can be as transparent as possible, we publish our annual report that details our financial accounts and activities.

You can find our most recent annual report and accounts linked here.

What are Sustrans' policies?

Sustrans has policy positions that represent our views on active travel topics.

Read our specific policy positions.

Do you have a newsletter?

You can subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news, fundraising, events, ideas for rides and walks on the National Cycle Network, offers and updates on our work from across the UK.

What is Sustrans' postal address?

Sustrans' headquarters are in Bristol and the address is:  

2 Cathedral Square
College Green
Bristol 
BS1 5DD

How many Hubs does Sustrans have around the UK?

You can view a list of our Hubs on the page linked here.