People in north-east likely to keep pedaling in future

Most people who live in the north-east are expected to keep up with their cycling and walking journeys, a survey has found.

Data carried out on behalf of Nestrans, the transport partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire, saw a majority are planning to stick with their healthy lockdown habits for leisure and exercise purposes. 

Around 83% will continue walking while 74% will stay active on their bike to replace those trips that could have been taken by another mode of transport. 

Two surveys have been carried out and eight more are planned to gather information on how people are travelling as we live through the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Councillor Sandra Macdonald, chair of Nestrans said: "Understanding travel behaviour through the course of the pandemic is an important part of our travel planning work to support people to make healthier and more sustainable journeys. 

"I'm very pleased to see the continuing increase in levels of walking and cycling. Increasing active travel time is a key priority for Nestrans, and the feedback from these surveys will help us find ways to support and sustain these changes as much as possible as restrictions ease. 

"We face an uncertain period ahead, and I'm sure people will be interested to see the findings of these surveys as things change over the coming months." 

The survey's results also revealed three-quarters of residents in the region have concerns over using public transport, such as bus, train, taxi or sharing a car. 

People's commuting and working behaviour was also focused on as 59% of respondents want to have a similar working life in terms of flexible hours, start and finish times or having compacted hours. 

Respondents also thought virtual meetings may replace some or all face to face meetings in the future. 

The travel studies are being carried out using funding secured through Transport Scotland's Smarter Choices, Smarter Places fund which is administered by Paths for All. 

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