Our new Children’s Walking and Cycling Index Scotland report reveals children want to walk and cycle more – and are supportive of measures to make streets safer.
We spoke to pupils and teachers at Craigdhu Primary School about why walking and cycling is important to them.
Children in Scotland want to see improved streets for walking, wheeling and cycling, according to our first ever Children’s Walking and Cycling Index Scotland report.
The national report reveals that 84% of children in Scotland would like more traffic-free paths and quiet routes for walking and cycling.
Meanwhile 77% of children support the creation of more segregated cycle paths along roads separated from cars.
The report was launched on 2nd April at Craigdhu Primary School in Milngavie, where pupils were getting active on their way to school as part of the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel.
We celebrated the launch of the report at Craigdhu Primary School in Milngavie. Credit: Michael Kelly.
The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“I welcome this report which demonstrates the overwhelming support for safer walking, wheeling and cycling paths that children in Scotland are asking for.
"When we build active travel infrastructure, we are doing so not just for today, but for tomorrow, ensuring our young people can build and then maintain sustainable transport options into later life.
“Other countries are ahead of us in that journey, however, we are investing substantially – and in 2023-24 alone, infrastructure funding helped deliver more than 115km of new and upgraded active travel routes across Scotland.
“In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport, and in doing so, with local authority partners, we are responding to the clear ask from our young people for safer routes to schools and beyond.”
Glasgow's South City Way provides a safe cycle route from the Southside to the city centre. Credit: McAteer.
Children rely on walking and cycling – and want to do it more
Reinforcing the need for safer routes, the report shows that children across Scotland rely on active travel.
More than half of their trips are made by walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling.
Children also want to travel actively more often. Almost half (48%) want to cycle more, almost a third (31%) want to walk or wheel more, and almost a quarter (23%) want to be driven less.
Despite children’s enthusiasm for active travel, only 25% think the government is doing enough to give them a say in improving their neighbourhood and country.
Dr Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development at Sustrans Scotland, said:
“This report tells us we already have a captive audience – children want to travel actively. And in particular, they want to cycle more.
But they don’t feel like they have enough say in the changes being made in their local area.
“Designing routes and places which give our young people safe, independent, and healthy choices for getting from A to B benefits everyone.
"We need to ensure their voices are heard.”
The report found children across Scotland want to get active for more of their local journeys. Credit: Brian Sweeney.
Girls are missing out most on the benefits of cycling
Despite children wanting to cycle more, the report reveals a stubborn gender gap.
16% of girls cycle five or more times weekly compared to 22% of boys, and fewer girls than boys think they can cycle safely in their local area.
Hazel, a secondary school pupil from Dumfries and Galloway, shared why she often doesn’t feel safe cycling:
“I live in quite a rural area. Apart from some of the country lanes, it’s hard to ride my bike because the larger roads don’t feel safe.
Hazel said: "My dream town would have better places to ride bikes and walk, with more trees and less cars as well.”
Dr Lee Muir added: “This gender gap sends a warning signal that girls are missing out on the positive impacts cycling can have on their health, independence, access to education and economic opportunities, and ability to connect with nature."
She continued: “We’ve seen great success with our #AndSheCycles campaign, which aims to tackle the drop-off in cycling amongst teenage girls.
"Alongside safer streets, targeted programmes like this that support behavioural change are crucial if we are to close this gender gap – and empower people of all ages get active for more of their everyday journeys.”
The report reveals fewer girls than boys think safety for cycling in their local area is good. Credit: Brian Sweeney.
Giving young people a voice on transport issues
Sustrans hopes this report amplifies young voices and prompts more engagement with children on local transport issues.
We’re urging decision makers to ensure young peoples’ perspectives are at the heart of improving the places we live and the ways we get around.
The report is introduced by the Scottish Youth Parliament’s Transport, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee (TERA).
David McGilp MSYP and TERA Committee Chair said:
"This report is an excellent opportunity for young people to have their say on the future of active travel in Scotland by reflecting upon their own personal experiences.
“Active travel is a way for children and young people to live happier, healthier lives and tackle important issues close to the hearts of young people in Scotland, such as improving both mental and physical health.
"The recommendations in this report help make this a real possibility."
The Children’s Walking and Cycling Index Scotland has been funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland, and is sponsored by Halfords.
Read the Children’s Walking and Cycling Index Scotland report.
