NTA survey: More than half of Cork residents walk or wheel at least five times weekly 

NEARLY 7 in 10 Cork residents support building cycle tracks physically separated from traffic and pedestrians.

That is according to findings provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA), from the first-ever survey of walking, wheeling and cycling in the Cork Metropolitan Area, which show that those who walk and cycle every day take nearly 69,000 cars off the road across the city and county.

The survey also revealed that 52% of residents walk or wheel at least five times a week, while 18% of residents cycle at least once a week.

The Walking and Cycling Index (WACI) provides the largest-ever assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in Ireland, and is delivered in collaboration with the Cork City and County Councils, the NTA and sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said the findings are "encouraging".

He added: “It is enlightening to know that those choosing to walk and cycle instead of drive, are creating over €400m per annum economic benefit to the Metropolitan Area, which is saving the equivalent of 227,000 flights from Cork to Heathrow in greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Mayor of Cork County Council said the Index provides a clear picture of the walking, wheeling, and cycling opportunities for residents and strengthens the case for delivering on its ambitious targets for active travel. 

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said it is clear from the latest Index that more people in Cork want to cycle and walk each day. 

"By encouraging people to make active travel a part of their daily journey, we can all play our part in creating a more sustainable future. The NTA will continue to accelerate our efforts to roll out walking and cycling infrastructure in Cork and other cities across Ireland.”

The Index also showed that 71% of residents are in favour of additional investment in walking and wheeling infrastructure, while 63% of residents are in favour of additional investment in cycling infrastructure, contrasting with 40% who want more investment in driving.

This comes amid a growing demand for active travel with 52% expressing their desire to walk, or wheel more in the future, and 37% expressing a desire to cycle more.

The Cork WACI was based on an independent demographically representative survey of nearly 1,100 residents from across the Cork Metropolitan Area, aged 16 and above.