New index to support decisions on improving walking and cycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

New index to support decisions on improving walking and cycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

A new evidence base which will help support decisions on how to improve walking and cycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been published. 

The Walking and Cycling Index 2025 was launched by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and the Combined Authority, and is part of the UK’s largest assessment of active travel. 

The Index, co-funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, Greater Cambridge Partnership and Peterborough City Council, shows that walking, wheeling and cycling is popular. Nearly half of residents surveyed walk or wheel at least five days a week, while one in ten cycle. This benefits their health and shows that many people have choice in how they travel. 

But the Index also highlights that some people still face barriers that prevent them from travelling actively and more than four fifths of those surveyed support improving and increasing local off-road walking, wheeling and cycling paths.  

With a £5.4 million investment planned over the next two years to build and maintain routes across the region, the Combined Authority, working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, is taking action to improve everyday journeys. Greater Cambridge Partnership is also investing in the region’s active travel infrastructure.  

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “I want more people to choose active travel, and this Index gives us clear evidence to make sensible, balanced decisions about how to achieve that. 

“My priority is economic growth that works for local people and as our economy grows, we need a transport system to match. Active travel has an important role to play in connecting people to jobs, education and training, as well as to key services and leisure. 

“A properly joined-up network that works alongside roads, buses and rail will give people real travel choice. If we get it right, we can help young people build healthy habits early, make everyday journeys easier and safer, and ensure our whole transport system works better for everyone.” 

Matt Barber, Head of Growth & Partnerships at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: “Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough where walking, wheeling and cycling are becoming part of everyday life, this new report shows the difference they make to the people that live here. It shows strong public support for opportunities to travel on foot, with a wheelchair or by bike, whilst highlighting some concerns around safety and infrastructure.” 

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Active travel is one of our top priorities and we want to make it the ‘go to’ option for local journeys which would make travel across the county safer and more sustainable environmentally. Active travel is at the heart of achieving this – by giving people options we can all feel the benefits of safer streets, more interactive communities, cleaner air and better health.” 

Councillor Angus Ellis, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “We are committed to creating a healthier, greener city where everyone can get around safely using methods that are better for the environment and their health such as walking, wheeling and cycling. Choosing active travel not only helps reduce congestion and emissions, but also improves physical and mental wellbeing for all residents. This index gives us the evidence we need to take action with our partners to encourage more active travel in our city.”  

Simon Martin, Headteacher at Gladstone Primary Academy in Peterborough, one of 14 schools and nurseries in the city which are actively participating in the School Street scheme, said it’s important to give children and young people the chance to be active. 

He said: “The School Street has had a positive impact on pupils; increased walking and cycling has boosted physical activity and health, whilst reduced traffic has made the school entrance significantly safer. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

New projects aim to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and accessible to everyone. This includes Love to Ride – a free online platform offering practical tips and training, as well as the motivation to walk and cycle through challenges and trip logging. Sign up for the next competition, Stroll and Roll – Home : Love to Ride 

The Index supports local and national decision-makers by providing robust evidence on what is working, and where further action is needed, to help more people choose to walk, wheel or cycle their everyday journeys.  

You can download a digital version of the report here: https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/walking-cycling-index/cpca