News / Transport
Walking and cycling in Bristol save NHS more than £15m a year
Bristol’s transport supremo says there is a “clear mandate” to continue with active travel initiatives across the city.
It comes following the publication of a new report which shows the positive contributions that walking, wheeling and cycling make to Bristol’s health and wellbeing.
Bristol’s Walking & Cycling Index 2025 from the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans) and Bristol City Council shows that walking, wheeling and cycling in our city is saving the NHS £15.5m a year.
This is calculated using statistics such as that walking in the city prevents 900 serious long‑term health conditions each year.
The UK’s largest assessment of active travel also shows that walking, wheeling and cycling are creating more liveable communities, with what Walk Wheel Cycle Trust describe as “strong public support for streets and neighbourhoods designed around people”.
England director at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Louisa Dale, said: “The Walking and Cycling Index shows just how powerful walking, wheeling and cycling are for helping create healthier, more connected communities.
“By working together with Bristol City Council, we’re supporting efforts to make it easier for everyone to travel actively and ensuring people… can move around with confidence and independence.”
Princess Victoria Street in Clifton Village has been highlighted as a positive example of active travel initiatives – photo: Martin Booth
Key findings from Bristol’s 2025 Walking and Cycling Index include:
- 70% of people surveyed support reducing speed limits, improving crossing points and introducing protected cycle paths in school neighbourhoods
- 53% of disabled people walk or wheel five or more days a week
- Only 27% of residents surveyed think their streets are not dominated by moving or parked motor vehicles
- 66% of those surveyed thought fewer cars parked on the pavement would help them to walk or wheel more
A novel ‘cyclist waiting aid’ on Colston Street is part of the improvements around Park Row – photo: Martin Booth
Ed Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity policy committee at Bristol City Council and a previous programme director at Sustrans, said: “This year’s Index not only shows how much walking, wheeling and cycling contributes to Bristol’s health and wellbeing, it also highlights the strong public support for these initiatives, giving us a clear mandate to keep pushing for a safer, cleaner and more accessible travel network.
“We’ve already seen the huge difference that projects like the pedestrianisation of Princess Victoria Street and the Park Row cycle lane can make, and we’re committed to continuing that progress.
“By creating a modern transport system with active travel at its heart, we can support local communities, reduce pressure on our emergency services and make Bristol a healthier, more inclusive place for all.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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