Active travel boosts local economies in Ireland by a whopping €3 billion and its just getting started

Active travel in Ireland is changing, especially in its major cities, and with more bicycle infrastructure and networks of bikeways underway it’s only going to get better as residents embrace sustainable transportation options on two wheels and even walking as more space is taken away from cars.

The 2023 Walking and Cycling Index, a comprehensive study conducted in partnership with Sustrans and the National Transport Authority, sheds light on this transformative movement, particularly in Ireland’s major cities.

People were asked about how they get around their neighbourhoods, how they feel about walking, wheeling and cycling and what would support them to choose active travel in their lives as well as the types of improvement they want to see in their areas.

It’s the biggest study of its kind ever conducted in Ireland.

Dublin: A Beacon of Sustainable Mobility

The Dublin Metropolitan Area emerges as a beacon of sustainable mobility in the country and within the Walking and Cycling Index. Here, the numbers speak volumes. Over 71 per cent of adult residents stride through the city streets on foot five or more days a week, while a healthy 25 per cent hop on their bikes at least once weekly. This isn’t just about individual choice; it’s a shift towards healthier, greener living.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland (photo: Discover Ireland)

The desire is there, and the infrastructure needs to follow. And it is with the announcement of the a new plan for the city’s center.

The report highlights overwhelming support for infrastructural changes conducive to walking and cycling as 72% of Dubliners endorse the construction of dedicated cycle tracks, even if it means sacrificing space for other traffic. This commitment to sustainable infrastructure sets Dublin apart as a trailblazer in urban mobility.

Ruairi Devoy is a cabinet maker who lives in the Dublin metropolitan area, and he’s been commuting by bicycle for 33 years and has seen the changes first-hand.

“Infrastructure has been built up recently and it’s fantastic. It’s really changed my commute,” he says, in a video accompanying the study report. “It’s changed how the kids commute with me. Everybody wants to be out and about especially after covid, people want to be on their bikes.”

Taking Cars off the Road, One Step at a Time

The impact of this shift is profound. Every day, the good people of the Irish city of Dublin collectively take a staggering 530,000 cars off the road, 680,000 across the country’s urban areas. This is a clear sign of the many benefits that come to cities who put people first. And, it’s a benefit not just for cyclists who can commute and ride more safely. The benefits are for all in cleaner air, healthier citizens with lower health care costs and more.

The economic benefits are equally compelling. Residents who choose to walk, wheel, or cycle contribute an annual economic benefit of €2.39 billion to the Dublin Metropolitan Area, which blooms to more than €3 billion across Ireland’s urban areas. This isn’t just a healthier lifestyle choice; it’s an investment in the city’s prosperity.

Healthier Citizens, Healthier Planet

The benefits extend beyond mere economics. By choosing active travel in Ireland and leaving the car at home or never having to buy one in the first place, Dubliners prevent a myriad of long-term health conditions, saving the healthcare system a staggering €64.5 million annually. Moreover, their collective efforts reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.69 million flights from Dublin to London – a testament to their commitment to a greener future. Walking and cycling saved a total of 160,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions across the five urban areas studied.

A Community United in Movement

Perhaps most inspiring is the demographic diversity driving this change. Older residents, once considered unlikely candidates for active travel, are now leading the charge. 74% of Dubliners over the age of 66 walk or wheel at least five days a week, while 12% cycle weekly. This isn’t just about individual habits; it’s a societal shift towards a more inclusive and healthier future.

The Road Ahead

The Walking and Cycling Index serves not only as a barometer of progress on active travel in Ireland but also as a roadmap for the future. It underscores the imperative for continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and policies that prioritize walking and cycling. As Dublin continues to lead the charge towards a greener, healthier future, it serves as an inspiration for cities worldwide.