Tyneside Walking and Cycling Index

Formerly known as Bike Life, this is the UK's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling and cycling.

Amidst the climate emergency, this region is striving to reduce its emissions by promoting active travel for all.

Every year, walking and cycling in Tyneside results in:

1,722

serious long-term health conditions prevented

£436.5 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

25,000 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Icon of navy car.

Up to 150,000

cars taken off the road every day

An older woman dressed in bright colours smiling and stood holding on to the handlebars of her cycle

Anne Shackleton, 60, Whitley Bay

Since lockdown I got out my bike and started to walk and cycle more. I walk to shops and I cycle longer distances to see friends, or visit my mum.

It’s good if people see me – an older lady – on a bike. It might help them think they can do this too.

During the pandemic we had the temporary Sunrise Cycleway on the seafront where I could just really relax and enjoy riding to Tynemouth.

I got anxiety relief from Covid and from the stress of looking after my mum. It was exercise, and I would bump into people as I went along. It really was a life-saver.

  
Overwhelming support for low-traffic neighbourhoods in Tyneside 

The report shows clear support for measures that help more people walk, wheel and cycle for their regular journeys.

Banning pavement parking would help 68% of residents to walk or wheel more, and 65% of people support low-traffic neighbourhoods.

Results also show that 49% of people walk or wheel and 5% cycle at least five or more days each week, compared to 36% who drive and 11% who use public transport.

Front cover of the Tyneside Walking and Cycling Index

Download the Tyneside Walking and Cycling Index

See Tyneside's vision for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Download the report.

This report is also available in a text-only format.

  

Tyneside through the years

This is the second time we've collaborated with Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council to survey active travel in the city.

Download Tyneside's first-ever report:

 

Read our Newcastle reports from 2015 and 2017

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