Nearly all children living in cities, towns and suburbs could reach a primary school by bicycle, and over 50% of the EU population could cycle – instead of using a car – to the local services, including shops, banks, pharmacies and train stations, if the infrastructure and safety conditions were adequate.  

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Walking and cycling are the cleanest ways to move around. This type of active mobility requiring physical movement can also bring health benefits on the long term, and by reducing the amount of cars on the roads, contribute to the overall image and attractiveness of cities and regions.

A new data story published today as part of the Atlas of Demography shows that a large majority of the EU population lives within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance from basic services and facilities such as schools, hospitals and banks.

Even in sparse rural areas, over 60% of the population lives within a 15-minute cycling distance from closest shops and primary schools.

Nearly all children living in cities, towns and suburbs could reach a primary school by bicycle. On average, about 88% of all children attending primary schools in the EU live within a 15-minute cycling distance from a primary school.

Making walking and cycling safe and attractive options for citizens requires adequate infrastructure and safety conditions, but investing in these could help reduce emissions and transform our way of living, not only in cities, but also in suburbs, towns and villages all over the EU.

Apart from being green, these alternative transport modes have the advantage of being affordable to everyone. In particular, making walking and cycling a viable option for the older age groups can positively contribute to active ageing, an essential component of healthy living for older persons.

The data story published today in the Atlas of Demography illustrates the share of the EU population living within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance from basic services in European cities, towns, suburbs and more scarcely populated areas.

The Atlas also shows the share of primary and secondary students living within a 15-minute cycling distance from the school by EU Member State and by territorial category.

The data story is based on data extracted from the LUISA territorial modelling platform.