National Travel Attitudes Study: Wave 4 (Provisional)


Organisation: Department for Transport
Date uploaded: 13th October 2020
Date published/launched: October 2020


The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial and potentially sustainable impact on active travel, these Government statistics show.

The figures show between May and July 2020, 39% of people were reported to have walked more frequently, and 38% said they cycled more often than before the outbreak of the pandemic.

Looking forward, 94% thought it likely that they would continue to cycle and walk more once travel restrictions were removed.

The survey questioned public attitudes on travel and transport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also found that people have far greater concerns about using public transport than cycling or walking.

In total, 89% of respondents were concerned about using the train, with 85% feeling the same about buses.

Conversely, 17% were concerned about cycling and 24% about walking.

The lack of confidence in the use of public transport looks likely to remain after travel restrictions and social distancing measures have been removed.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents say it is very likely (38%) or fairly likely (27%) that they will avoid using public transport if it is crowded. 

External links: Find the statistical release on the GOV.Uk website