Walking, wheeling and cycling across the UK saved the NHS almost £2 billion in 2025 by preventing around 150,000 long-term health conditions, according to a major new report published today.
The 2025 Walking and Cycling Index, produced by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) in collaboration with 17 regional and local partners, found that everyday active travel is improving public health, cutting emissions and helping create more liveable communities.
Researchers estimate that across the UK, choosing to walk, wheel or cycle instead of driving prevented almost 156,000 serious long-term health conditions last year alone, saving the NHS £1.94 billion annually.
Within the 17 Index areas studied, active travel prevented more than 28,000 serious health conditions, including nearly 8,700 hip fractures, almost 6,800 cases of dementia and more than 2,300 cases of depression. The health benefits in those areas alone save the NHS £346.7 million a year, equivalent to 7.7 million GP appointments.
Tim Burns, head of research at the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said: ‘Everyday journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling are closely linked to long-term health outcomes.
‘When people can travel actively, there are significant population-level physical and mental health benefits, which in turn reduce pressure on the NHS.’
For many people, the benefits are already being felt and the report presents a number of case studies to prove that point.
Aminah, who moved to Leicester in 2023 to study, began walking 45 minutes to university every day because she could not afford a car. At the time she was struggling with several health issues, but by the time she eventually saw a doctor, her symptoms had disappeared.
‘I’d thought medication was just part of ageing, but this experience changed my mindset,’ she said. ‘Walking improved my physical and mental health, and I realised age really is just a number.’
Stories like Aminah’s are reflected in the national data. The report estimates that active travel prevents nearly 5,900 early deaths each year, benefits valued at more than £24 billion.
The report also highlights environmental benefits. Walking, wheeling and cycling in Index areas prevent around 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, while removing up to 2.9 million cars from roads daily, easing congestion.
In Bristol, volunteer Mike has seen how cycling infrastructure can make everyday tasks faster and more efficient. Working with a team that delivers life-saving donor breast milk to premature babies.
‘Around four years ago, we started using e-bikes for collections,’ he said. ‘It’s so much quicker and less restricted by traffic. There’s still room for improvement on the cycling network, but the recent changes are superb.’
The Index also suggests strong public backing for neighbourhoods designed around walking, wheeling and cycling. Nearly four out of five people support having shops, schools, green space and public transport within a short walk or wheel of their home.
But the report warns that safety concerns continue to limit cycling uptake – particularly among women, who cycle regularly at roughly half the rate of men, highlighting the need for better-designed streets and protected infrastructure if more people are to choose active travel.
Burns said investing in safer routes could deliver far-reaching benefits: ‘By investing in safe, accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes, we also help people access education, work and green space while creating cleaner, more liveable places for everyone.’
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Photo: Mukkpetebike
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