Dublin Metropolitan Region - Walking & Cycling Index

Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Removes up to 510,000 Cars from Dublin Roads Daily, New Index Shows

Active travel is reducing traffic congestion in Dublin on a major scale, with up to 510,000 car trips avoided everyday thanks to people walking, wheeling and cycling, according to the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) latest Walking and Cycling Index.

The 2025 survey shows steady growth in sustainable travel, with 12% of residents now cycling at least five days a week, up from 8% in 2023, and 70% walking or wheeling at least five days a week. Almost half of Dublin residents say they want to walk or wheel more, while a third want to cycle more.

The Index, based on responses from more than 1,100 residents across the Dublin Metropolitan Area, also highlights strong public backing for investment in active travel. Two‑thirds support more spending on walking and wheeling, and 55% support increased investment in cycling, compared with 36% who want additional investment in driving.

The report outlines significant economic and environmental gains, estimating that active travel generates €2.19bn in annual benefits for residents and the region, saves the HSE €55.7 million a year in prevented long‑term health conditions, and avoids greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.21 million flights from Dublin to Heathrow.

Support for improved infrastructure remains high: 71% back building physically separated cycle tracks, even where this reduces road space for motor vehicles. Safety perceptions are also improving, with 87% of residents now feeling safe walking or wheeling in their area.

To read full press release in Irish please visit: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/ga/news/de-reir-an-inneacs-siuil-agus-rothaiochta-is-deanai-togtar-suas-le-510000-carr-de-bhoithre-bhaile-atha-cliath-gach-la-le-siul-rothlu-agus-rothaiocht/

To read full press release in English please visit: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/walking-wheeling-and-cycling-take-up-to-510000-cars-off-dublin-roads-every-day-according-to-latest-walking-and-cycling-index/

Full index report in Irish: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dublin-2025-Walking-and-Cycling-Index-Gaelic.pdf

Full index report in English: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dublin-2025-Walking-and-Cycling-Index-Low-Res.pdf