A report looking at walking or cycling as a means of transport in Wales has revealed that 34 per cent of people walk infrequently or not at all.
Key findings from Active travel: Walking and cycling 2013-2014 reveal that during 2013 for people in Wales aged 16 and over:
- 6 per cent travelled by bike for active travel trips at least once a week
- 46 per cent typically walked several times a week
- 20 per cent walked once or twice a week
- 34 per cent walked (as a means of transport) infrequently or not at all.
Active travel: Walking and cycling 2013-2014 monitors the impact of the active travel policies implemented by the Welsh Government. The aim of these policies is to persuade and help facilitate people to walk and/or cycle for short journeys instead of using a car.
It’s hoped that this will result in an improvement in people’s health alongside less congestion and CO2 emissions.
Commenting on the figures, Byron Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Transport, said:
"These figures lay bare the challenge in addressing Wales' obesity timebomb, which threatens to cripple the Welsh NHS.
"Active travel and safe routes to schools, hospitals and places of work are critical to restoring the health of the nation and enabling people to pursue healthy and active lifestyles."
See the Active travel: Walking and cycling 2013-2014 figures.
