One in seven workers walk to work in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department for Infrastructure present findings on walking and cycling in Northern Ireland for the 2024/25 financial year.
Key findings
Active travel
- 89% of respondents consider walking to be 'active travel'
- 77% consider cycling to be 'active travel'
Walking
- 61% were satisfied with walking facilities in their area (down from 66% in 2023/24)
- 64% would be likely to walk short journeys (up to 3km/2 miles)
- 14% of workers walk to and/or from work
- Poor footpath conditions (69%) was the main reason for dissatisfaction
Cycling
- 48% were satisfied with cycling facilities (down from 55% in 2023/24)
- 16% would be likely to cycle short journeys (up to 5km/3 miles)
- Only 2% of workers cycle to and/or from work
- Lack of cycle lanes (79%) was the most common reason for dissatisfaction
Notable variations
- Urban residents (70%) more likely to walk short journeys than rural residents (54%)
- Younger people aged 16-24 more likely to walk (80%) and cycle (25%) short journeys than those aged 65+ (46% and 7% respectively)
About the publication
The full report contains detailed analysis of walking and cycling behaviours across Northern Ireland, based on responses from 4,584 individuals in 3,790 households. It includes breakdowns by age, gender, location, and deprivation levels, helping the Department for Infrastructure focus policies on addressing barriers to active travel.
Read the full report: Walking and Cycling in Northern Ireland 2024/25
View data tables and background information: Walking and Cycling in Northern Ireland 2024/25