Public Polling Scotland: Inquiry into Citizens' Hands Uplifted
In Scotland, the use of active travel modes for school commutes has been on the rise for the past four years, according to the latest findings from the Hands Up Scotland Survey. The survey, established in 2008 and funded by Transport Scotland, involves all 32 Scottish local authorities, and each September, schools across the country complete the questionnaire.
The latest report shows that bus use has increased by 17.1%, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. However, walking rates have seen a decline for the fourth year in a row, reaching 39.8%. The proportion of pupils scootering or skating to school has also fallen to 2.9%, while cycling levels have dropped by 0.8 percentage points since 2023, to 3.9%.
Despite these changes, the survey indicates that 46.6% of school pupils travel actively to school in 2024, engaging in physical activities such as walking, cycling, scootering, or skating. This active travel mode is typically promoted due to its benefits for physical health and environmental sustainability, as well as its potential to decrease traffic congestion around schools and improve mental well-being.
On the other hand, passive school travel involves modes like car travel or public transportation, where students are transported without engaging in physical activity. Factors such as distance to school, parental preferences, safety concerns, and the availability of transportation options can influence the choice of this travel mode.
Initiatives like improved infrastructure for walking and cycling can encourage active travel in Scotland. Additionally, public health and environmental policies often support reducing reliance on private vehicles for school commutes, promoting more active modes of travel.
For specific trends in Scotland from 2008 to 2024, it would be best to consult the data directly from the Hands Up Scotland Survey or related reports from Scottish authorities focused on transportation and education. The survey provides an annual snapshot of school travel in Scotland and offers insights into journeys to school and nursery for more than a decade. Each report is a Statistical News Release, and the results are published in various formats, including Overview, National Results Summary, and National Results (Excel sheet).
The survey results demonstrate the importance of promoting active travel modes in Scotland and highlight the need for continued efforts to support and encourage walking, cycling, scootering, and skating as viable and attractive options for school commutes.
Within the realm of education and self-development, one might consider online education as an alternative, promoting learning without geographical limitations. This form of learning has become increasingly popular and accessible, allowing individuals to expand their knowledge base despite changes in commuting habits, such as the recent declines in walking rates in Scottish schools.
