Perth and Kinross residents want to drive less and at the same time walk, wheel, or cycle more, according to new research.
The latest Perth Walking and Cycling Index, published by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council, shows that 45% of residents want to cycle more, and 57% support shifting investment from road building to active travel and public transport.
The Index is published every two years and summarises how people travel locally, how they would like to travel in future and what changes residents would like to see. The report reveals that walking and wheeling are the most common mode of travel in Perth with 55% of residents doing so at least five days a week, an increase from 52% in 2023.
This may be due to a shift in safety perceptions about the city: confidence in the safety of local streets has increased from 67% in 2023 to 77% in 2025.
Walking and wheeling improves health and air quality, saves the NHS money, and reduces congestion on our roads.
The report also highlights several local initiatives which are improving access to walking, wheeling, and cycling across the city. These projects include the Cross Tay Link Road, Riverside Stadium Link Path and the new Mobility Strategy which sets out Perth's vision for managing and developing the transport network over the next 10 years.
Councillor Richard Watters, Convenor of Perth and Kinross Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: "Our vision is for Perth to become an accessible and sustainable city over the next decade. We will improve our streets for all road users so that people can walk, wheel and cycle with confidence."
"We know that sustainable transport must be flexible and will work to improve cycle parking and walking and cycling links to allow people to coordinate active travel with public transport."
Fiona McLeod, Director for Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, added: "This year's Index delivers a clear and consistent message: people in Perth want to walk, wheel and cycle more often. And they are supportive of improvements that would help them make these choices.
"As well as offering people healthier, fairer choices for their everyday journeys, the Index shows the broader impact of these improvements. Walking, wheeling and cycling in Perth prevents 175 serious long-term health conditions each year, creates £51 million for the local economy, and saves 2,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
"All of this underlines the need for sustained investment and local leadership to keep making walking, wheeling and cycling possible for more people. We are delighted to continue working closely with Perth and Kinross Council on this shared vision, backed by local people."
The Walking and Cycling Index is supported by funding from Transport Scotland.
Read the Perth Walking and Cycling Index 2025 online.
