A year in review
The positive difference we’ve made together this year in communities across the UK.
Sustrans works for and with communities, helping them come to life by walking, wheeling and cycling to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
Across the UK, we involve communities in shaping our towns and cities. Together we campaign for and create spaces where everyone can move around safely and give people the tools and confidence to get out of their cars.
We inspire people to change the way we all travel every day, forging closer connections with our neighbours and reducing traffic to create a better environment and more sustainable society for everyone.
But none of this would be possible without the support from our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, funders and partners.
Here are just some of the great things we've been able to achieve in 2024-25 with your support.
Designing transport with children in mind makes it safer and more accessible for everyone: James's story
When I joined school in year seven, I wanted to cycle in, but my parents decided it was too dangerous.
But then new cycle paths were put in on my route and that convinced them to let me cycle. I'm now able to control what time I leave, not having to worry about buses being late.
As well as getting new cycle paths, I think we need to maintain the ones that we have, so that they're safe.
I hope that conditions of the road improve so more people can cycle to school and experience the joy that I have on my cycle.
Our strategic priorities
Making it easy to leave the car at home delivers a better environment for everybody. How we choose (or are forced) to travel, and our car-dependency is ruining our environment and contributing towards climate change.
This is disproportionately affecting people from marginalised groups and those living in areas with high deprivation, particularly in inner cities.
Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health in the UK.
What’s more, communities already at risk of poorer health are being further disadvantaged by higher exposure to polluted air.
Living near busy or dangerous roads can also prevent people from accessing green and public space.
Walkers and cyclists on the Nidderdale Greenway. Credit: Sustrans
It’s because of these challenges that we focus our work on two strategic priorities:
Paths for everyone
The National Cycle Network provides a vital backbone to the country, connecting communities to each other and helping neighbourhoods come to life.
As custodians of this Network, we work to ensure it is accessible to everyone and easy to reach from towns and cities, so it continues to be a treasured national asset that is loved locally.
Liveable cities and towns for everyone
We believe the places where we live, work and enjoy ourselves should be planned around people, not cars.
To create more liveable cities and towns, we work with decision-makers looking to bring about positive change, helping them to plan and provide active travel options for their communities.
We work to shape policy, provide expertise on planning and building active travel infrastructure, and deliver programmes which shift people away from car use and help communities come to life.
This year
730
barriers removed or redesigned on the National Cycle Network
Over 20,000 hours
of volunteering carried out by around 2,000 volunteers
237
community groups engaged
25 miles
converted from on-road to traffic-free
How we're transforming the Lias Line in Warwickshire
We’ve transformed a disused railway in the heart of Warwickshire by creating nearly 5 miles of off-road sealed surface track, and Warwickshire’s longest greenway providing a haven for wildlife.
But there’s still more work to do to realise our ambition of creating a truly connected network between Leamington Spa and Rugby.
Read our Annual Report and accounts
Janet and Nessie, who cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats in their 60s
Because you're out in the elements every day regardless of the weather you concentrate more on what is immediately around you.
Listening to birdsong, enjoying the smell of honeysuckle and pine trees or stopping for a dip in a river.
It can be quite magical.
No Lycra, no problem: The sisters who took their time to cycle the length of the nation
Get involved
Thanks to all of our supporters and volunteers who supported us this year. Without them, none of this work would have been possible. Find out how you can support our work to help make it easier for everyone to walk and cycle.
