Aberdeen residents want to drive less and at the same time walk, wheel, or cycle more, research for a national report out has found.
The latest Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formally Sustrans) Aberdeen report shows 44% of residents want to cycle more, and 52% support shifting investment from road building to active travel and public transport.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said in the foreword of the Walking and Cycling Index report that the Council has invested in recent years to improve walking and cycling facilities in the city including new cycle shelters at multi storey buildings, expanded 20mph speed limits, community-led bike recycling schemes, and inclusive cycling projects.
There have also been major infrastructure upgrades, such as segregated cycle tracks on South College Street and Craigshaw Drive, and improved crossings which make school journeys safer and more accessible.
Councillor Yuill said: “The Council welcomes the report which provides key insights which emphasise the importance of continuing to deliver on improving walking, cycling, and wheeling opportunities for everyone.
“One of the benefits of living in a city the size of Aberdeen is the wide range of active travel options that are available. Walking, wheeling, and cycling are a real alternative to the car for many people, especially for short journeys and the Council wants to help more people walk, cycle or wheel around.”
Net Zero, Environment and Transport vice convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “The Aberdeen Walking and Cycling Index report helps to show there is an appetite for people to do more walking, wheeling, and cycling in the city.
“The information in the report will be useful for the council and the private sector and we thank those who contributed towards it.”
The report said the number of Aberdeen residents walking and wheeling at least five days a week has increased since 2023. It also said the majority of residents feel it is safe to walk or wheel in their local area and think it is a good place to walk or wheel.
Together, Aberdeen residents walk or wheel 12 times around the world every day. Walking and wheeling improves health and air quality, saves the NHS money, and reduces congestion
The report highlighted several initiatives which will help to improve access to walking, wheeling, or cycling. These include plans in the City Centre and Beach Masterplan and the forthcoming Local Transport Strategy will continue to transform Aberdeen’s streets and public spaces. These projects will not only enhance connectivity but also create greener, more welcoming environments for everyone.
Fiona McLeod, Director for Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: “This year’s Index delivers a clear and consistent message: people in Aberdeen want to walk, wheel and cycle more often. And they are supportive of improvements that would help them make these choices.
“As well as offering people healthier, fairer choices for their everyday journeys, the Index shows the broader impact of these improvements. Walking, wheeling and cycling in Aberdeen prevents 605 serious long-term health conditions each year, creates almost £218million for the local economy, and saves 9,900tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
“All of this underlines the need for sustained investment and local leadership to keep making walking, wheeling and cycling possible for more people. We are delighted to continue working closely with Aberdeen City Council on this shared vision, backed by local people.”
The Walking and Cycling Index is supported by funding from Transport Scotland.
The Aberdeen Walking and Cycling Index 2025 can be viewed at www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/the-walking-and-cycling-index/aberdeen-walking-and-cycling-index