The Walking and Cycling Index for the Galway Metropolitan Area shows strong and growing public support for active travel, alongside clear economic, environmental, and health benefits for the region. Based on a representative survey of more than 1,100 residents from Oranmore to Bearna and north to Baile Chláir, the Index highlights how frequently people already walk, wheel, and cycle—and how many want to do even more.
Key findings show that most adults walk regularly, one in five cycle weekly, and younger people are cycling more than in previous years. Support for investment in safer, more accessible infrastructure is consistently high, with over 80% of residents favouring protected cycle tracks even when this reduces space for other traffic. The report also quantifies the impact of active travel: removing the equivalent of 23,000 cars from Galway’s roads each day, preventing hundreds of serious health conditions annually, and generating more than €171 million in economic benefit.
Residents also identify what would help them walk and cycle more, including wider and more accessible footpaths, better crossing points, traffic‑free routes, and improved links with public transport. A large majority support measures that make neighbourhoods safer and more liveable, such as reduced traffic around schools and lower-speed streets.
Together, the findings present a clear picture: Galway residents value walking, wheeling, and cycling, recognise their benefits, and want continued investment to make active travel safer, easier, and more attractive across the metropolitan area.