Conclusion

This report is based on the latest data available as of July 2026 by exploring sources of evidence used to monitor long-term progress against Scotland’s national Active Travel Framework indicators. This report also provides an update on the indicators and sources of available evidence for each outcome. It follows the extension from the initial 15 indicators as set out in the 2019 framework document to 27 indicators. The report outlines the relationship between the refreshed indicators list and associated data sources and those referred to in the previous version of the framework and baseline report. Where additional data sources have become available– these have been flagged in this report. The change in indicators aims to provide further detail to monitor progress by breaking down data by mode of travel and other characteristics of interest. Overall, one indicator was removed from the last iteration. (12. Perception of Community Involvement in Walking and Cycling Initiatives) and three were kept as they were in their original format. The remaining proposed indicators are new.

Similar to the 2019 baseline report, active travel in Scotland variers by mode and individual characteristics, like sex, income, and location. Regarding differences by sex, men are still more likely to walk and cycle than women. Safety levels are a main concern for women when considering what mode of travel to use, and they tend to feel less safe when walking or cycling at night. However, between 2019 and 2024, this proportion has reduced.

Those from younger age groups and from lower income thresholds are also more likely to walk. In addition, those from higher income households are more likely to walk for pleasure or to keep fit. Regarding location, between 2019 and 2024, there has been an increase of walking for pleasure or to keep fit for all urban/rural classification categories. In addition, data shows that proportions of those cycling for pleasure or to keep fit are higher for those from rural areas when compared with urban areas.

This report also includes data on school pupils’ mode of travel. Pupils are more likely to walk to school – this is the case for both primary and secondary school types. Alternatively, those in special education needs schools are more likely to take a taxi and a bus when travelling to school.

Though data is scarce, this report also provides evidence regarding satisfaction with the current provision of infrastructure. Overall, users are satisfied with the infrastructure for walking and wheeling highlighting existence of close amenities and cycling routes connections as reasons for their satisfaction. Contributing to satisfaction levels, individuals reported the importance of feeling safe and routes being well taken care of.

Linked with satisfaction, this report also explores barriers to active travel and what improvements to the existing infrastructure are suggested from users. Barriers to active travel are ill health or poor weather (with an increase between 2019 and 2024). When it comes to specific modes of travel, the proportion of those citing health or being unable to walk far as a barrier increases with age (in both 2019 and 2024). On the other hand, as income increases health or being unable to walk far as a barrier decreases for both years.

Distance is reported as a barrier to cycle to work. Similarly, individuals also report concerns with poor weather and safety in traffic, though this reduced between 2019 and 2024. Regarding differences by sex, women are more likely to report not owning and not being able to ride a bike, as well as reporting more health and fitness concerns when compared to men.

Regarding changes needed to improve active travel experience and propensity, data suggests that individuals would welcome more amenities and services in walking distance, better alignment with buses and the need for accessibility improvements on pavements, for example reduce pavement parking.

It is worth noting that this report uses secondary data and as such varies in format and detail. Thus, it is important to keep this in mind when extracting any conclusions from this report. Context, methodology, frequency and format of the data play a role in how the data should be interpreted and use to support policy decisions.

This report also highlighted where there are data gaps against specific indicators. Currently, there are three main areas with data gaps: evidence on satisfaction with walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure; rural households connected to cycling routes; and aggregation/ trends of Active Travel counter data. The report offers initial insights for some of these areas by exploring existing surveys and data. However, there is a need to further explore existing data sources to assess opportunities and limitations moving forward.

Finally, similarly to the 2019 baseline report, evidence in this report refers to national level figures. As such, these figures may not pick up on differences on a more local level. Monitoring the impact of this framework’s indicators should also consider a wider view on local and individual level figures in order to support policy development and implementation of activities that support Scotland’s active travel development.