News / cycling
‘Bristol wants to see safer streets with less traffic’
Bristolians “by far” use active travel but want to see safer streets with less traffic, according to a new study.
In the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in UK towns and cities, results show the main mode of travel in Bristol is walking.
Fifty seven per cent of residents walk at least five days a week, while a quarter go by car.
is needed now More than ever
A further 10 per cent cycle and 6 per cent use public transport – making active travel the most popular form of transport.
As part of Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index, over a thousand people were surveyed to explore attitudes towards walking and cycling.
In a wonderful example of the importance of cycle safety and the need for properly segregated cycle lanes, a van was parked in the cycle path as Bristol’s Kidical Mass bike ride made its way through the centre this afternoon pic.twitter.com/yfnKOFlYO2
— Martin Booth (@beardedjourno) May 14, 2022
The results also laid bare inequalities in Bristol.
Disabled people feel less safe than able-bodied residents in Bristol’s street, while 48 per cent of people surveyed believed it is safe for children to walk in their local area.
Walking saves the NHS £4.6m – the equivalent of 150,000 GP appointments each year.
Over half of people want more government spending on walking, cycling and public transport in Bristol. Residents want better streets, with 78% saying that nicer places along streets to stop and rest (like benches, trees and shelters) would encourage them to walk or wheel more.
The report was produced for Bristol by Sustrans in partnership with Bristol City Council – photo: Betty Woolerton
Sarah Leeming, from Sustrans for the South of England, said: “The report provides clear evidence that walking, wheeling and cycling are the most popular forms of urban transport in Bristol, but it also highlights how many more groups of people could benefit if conditions were improved.
She added: “People want to see safer streets with less traffic. They don’t want outdated and unmaintained pavements, crossing points that make walking and wheeling unsafe or inaccessible, and vehicles parked on pavements getting in their way.
You can read more here.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read more: When is a cycle lane not a cycle lane?
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