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Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index

Formerly known as Bike Life, this is the UK's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling and cycling.

2023 marked key milestones for healthy, sustainable transport in Scotland's capital. The Index gives invaluable insights to build on these efforts to make Edinburgh more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Every year, walking and cycling in Edinburgh results in:

1,314

serious long-term health conditions prevented

£262.6 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

42,000 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Icon of navy car.

Up to 160,000

cars taken off the road every day

Cyclist and rickshaw in a park

Pete, adapted cycle user

When my wife was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), we were looking for a way to still enjoy the outdoors together. In our local park, we discovered adapted bikes thanks to the Thistle Foundation, and we eventually got our own electric rickshaw about 4 years ago.

The rickshaw enables us to move around the city and visit friends whilst getting some fresh air and exercise. However, occasional obstacles on cycle paths and poor road surfaces sometimes make our journeys difficult.

The rickshaw is 1.1m wide which means we often have to deviate from the cycle paths because of bollards in the way. The lack of dropped kerbs is also a daily problem. Accessible pavements and better connectivity between cycle routes would make our experience even better.

Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index report front cover

Download the Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index

See Edinburgh's vision for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Download the report.

This report is also available in a text-only format.

Edinburgh resident Annie explains the realities of using walking as transport in a major city.

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Edinburgh through the years

This is the fifth time we've collaborated with City of Edinburgh Council to survey active travel in the city. Download our previous reports:

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