Majority want more LTNs and segregated cycle tracks, survey finds

There is a strong demand for more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in urban areas across the UK, according to a new report from Sustrans. The charity found that 66% want more LTNs while just 12% are opposed to them.

The Walking and Cycling Index, covering 17 urban areas in the UK and Ireland, includes local walking and cycling data, modelling and an independent survey representative of adult residents.

Previously called the Bike Life survey, Sustrans has extended the scope of the report to include walking and wheeling.  

The survey found that 65% of residents are in favour of segregated cycling tracks while 20% are against. Some 69% want more traffic-free cycle routes away from roads, eg through parks or along waterways. 

The majority or residents (60%) are in favour of more segregated cycle tracks being built, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.

And 79% want more 20-minute neighbourhoods, with just 4% opposed. 

More than half of residents (51%) agree that closing streets outside local schools to cars during school drop-off and pick-up times would improve their local area while 20% disagree.

Meanwhile, 70% of residents think that fewer cars parked on the pavement would help them walk or wheel more, and 72% want wider pavements.

The survey found that 56% of city dwellers said they want more investment in walking, compared with 32% in driving. 

Just 35% of female residents think that cycling safety is good compared with 40% of male residents. The survey found that 60% of disabled residents think that walking safety is good compared with 72% of non-disabled people.

Of those surveyed, 73% want more frequent road crossings, with reduced wait times and 72% want better accessibility such as level surfaces, dropped kerbs at crossing points.

Rachel Toms, Sustrans’ director of urbanism, said: “People across the UK want to walk or cycle for their local journeys. They are saying they want pavements to be generous, well-maintained and clear of parked cars; they want safe, accessible cycle tracks and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in sustainable, healthy transport.”

The 27 urban areas covered were: Aberdeen, Greater Manchester, Belfast, Inverness, Bristol, Liverpool City Region, Cardiff, Perth, Dublin Metropolitan Area, Southampton City Region, Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Tyneside, Greater Cambridge, West Midlands.

The attitudinal survey was conducted from June to August 2021 by independent social research organisation NatCen. The survey is representative of all Index city residents, not just those who walk or cycle, said Sustrans.

The Walking and Cycling Index