On the campaign trail: why walking and wheeling matter

Ian McCall, our Policy and Campaigns Officer

We are now only days away from polling day for the Scottish Parliament on 7 May.

Since publishing our manifesto for walking and wheeling alongside Living Streets Scotland, The Power of Walking, we’ve attended party conferences and hosted our own election hustings to emphasise how walking and wheeling can help deliver on issues that matter the most to voters.

As Scotland prepares to vote, here’s some important reasons why everyday walking and wheeling matter to the issues on politicians and voters’ minds.

Walking and wheeling are a solution across government

Walking and wheeling are some of the most effective ways to address Scotland’s public health, environmental and economic challenges. More everyday walking and wheeling will:

• improve Scotland’s physical and mental health
• support children’s learning and development
• help boost Scotland’s economy  
• lower carbon emissions

By investing in walking and wheeling long-term, Scotland can become greener, more connected and more inclusive.

Child poverty: making everyday journeys affordable

Many families can face unaffordable or unreliable transport. High costs, limited services can restrict access to school, healthcare and essential services, reinforcing wider inequalities.

Walking and wheeling offer a free, reliable and accessible choice for many everyday journeys. They also:

• help reduce the cost of living
• expand access to opportunity
• build independence and confidence.

Supporting children and young people to walk and wheel more often is an investment in a healthier, more resilient future.

Economy: high returns from walking and wheeling investment

Investing in walking and wheeling makes economic sense.

A review of 20 studies found that walking interventions offer an average benefit‑cost ratio of 13:1. Streets designed for people rather than cars:

• support local businesses
• increase footfall and spending
• help revitalise town centres and high streets.

Evidence clearly shows the economic benefits of walking and wheeling for the economy. When we design streets for walking and wheeling, we improve mobility and create thriving, vibrant places.

Climate: walking and wheeling as a key to reducing emissions

Scotland’s climate targets depend on reducing car use, particularly for short, everyday journeys.

Walking and wheeling sit at the top of the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy, above cycling, public transport and car use, and are the most sustainable way to travel. To meet climate goals, Scotland must:

• make walking and wheeling the default choice for local journeys
• ensure neighbourhoods offer easy access to shops, services and daily needs
• integrate walking and wheeling with public transport.

Reducing car dependency is essential to cutting emissions. Walking and wheeling play a vital role in making that possible.

Health: preventing illness and supporting healthy ageing

Physical inactivity is a major driver of ill health in Scotland, and is linked to 1 in 6 premature deaths in the UK.

The benefits of walking and wheeling are far-reaching. They can:

• improve mental wellbeing
• reduce risk of long-term health conditions
• help people stay independent for longer.

As our population ages, supporting people to stay active and independent for longer is essential. Both for quality of life and for the sustainability of our public services.

What we’re asking the next Scottish Government to do

In our manifesto, we are calling on all parties to commit to:

• putting walking and wheeling at the heart of government
• investing in walking and wheeling
• prioritising walking and wheeling in communities
• improving safety for walking and wheeling.

Take action

Write to your local election candidates using our editable online letter. Ask them to commit to our 4 practical steps for making Scotland a walking and wheeling nation.

Now is the time to ensure every party and every candidate understands the power of walking.

Published: 22 April 2026