Walking and cycling in Scotland: analysis of statistical data and rapid review of the literature

This is a study commissioned by NHS Health Scotland in conjunction with the National Physical Activity Research and Evaluation Group (NPARE) in order to examine the level of participation in walking and cycling for active travel and sport or recreation across different socio-economic groups in Scotland.

This research uses data from surveys already collected, together with published and grey literature in order to:

• Review what is known about levels of walking and cycling undertaken for travel or recreational activity across different socio-demographic groups and different locations in Scotland.

• Pay particular attention to low income or the most deprived socio-economic groups in the analysis to identify the patterns of behaviour, barriers and motivations of this group.

• Identify important mediating factors that influence the relationship between socio-economic status and walking and cycling behaviour.

• Discuss interventions that are aimed at encouraging people to walk or cycle more often, with a focus on interventions aimed at encouraging more deprived groups in particular to walk and cycle more often.

• Identify knowledge gaps in the literature and suggest directions for future research.

Key Conclusions include:
• Walking as a way of getting around is highest where deprivation is highest. This is the case in terms of walking frequency, distance travelled and time taken, particularly for work, shopping and trips to leisure destinations.

• Cycling for getting around and for recreation is highest where deprivation is lowest.