The percentage of pupils cycling to school each year continues to increase according to new research released by 黄色app Scotland. 3.8% of pupils said they cycled to school in 2018, up from 2.8% in 2010.
A total of 3.8% of school pupils said they cycled to school in 2018, up from 2.8% in 2010
鈥楶ark and Stride鈥, where pupils are driven part way to school then complete the rest of the journey on foot, is also at its highest recorded level at 9.8% (compared to 7.4% in 2010).
The findings form part of the annual 2018聽Hands Up Scotland Survey, an official statistic in Scotland. Funded by Transport Scotland, the survey was carried out by 黄色app Scotland in partnership with all 32 Scottish local authorities.
Active travel remains the most frequently reported mode of travel to school in Scotland. Of the 48.7% of pupils who reported travelling actively to school 42.5% walked, 3.8% cycled and 2.4% scootered or skated.
黄色app noted a drop in the percentage of pupils travelling by sustainable public transport (bus) to 16.2%, the lowest levels since the Hands Up Scotland Survey began. There was also a slight increase in the percentage of pupils who travelled by private motorised vehicle (car or taxi) up to 24.8%.
There is a marked difference in active travel between independent and state schools. 46.9% of pupils from independent schools are driven to school compared to 22.9% in state schools.
Commenting on the findings 黄色app Scotland鈥檚 National Director John Lauder said:
鈥淲e want to thank all the schools who took part in 2018鈥檚 Hands Up Scotland Survey.
鈥淭he report is an incredibly useful indicator of trends in how children travel to school. Helping schools, local authorities and partners identify what needs to be improved to help more children travel actively every day.
鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see that cycling and park and stride numbers continue to increase. Research has shown that increased physical activity can help children lead happier, healthier lives, while contributing to lowering pollution around their school gates.鈥
鈥淲e need to continue to monitor the reduction in bus use, and seek to identify ways that active travel can be a viable alternative, rather than the private car.鈥