Active and Sustainable Travel in Northern Ireland 2020/21, has been published today

The ‘Active and Sustainable Travel in Northern Ireland 2020/21’ report is now available.

This report, produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), presents findings from the 2020/21 Continuous Household Survey (CHS).

The publication is available on the ASRB website at:

• Active and Sustainable Travel in Northern Ireland 2020/21

Key Points

Walking and Cycling in Northern Ireland

• Of the respondents who travelled to and/or from work, 11% said that they normally walk to and/or from work, and 3% normally cycle to and/or from work.
• Almost three quarters of respondents (74%) are satisfied with walking facilities in their area while 53% are satisfied with cycling facilities in their area.

Public Transport in Northern Ireland

• Around 8 in 10 (79%) respondents are satisfied with Public transport facilities in their area.
• A third (33%) of respondents used public transport at least once a month, and 64% used public transport at least once a year.

E-vehicles in Northern Ireland

• 34% of all respondents would ‘definitely’ or ‘strongly consider’ buying an electric vehicle as their next purchase.

Notes to editors: 

1. Background

• The information presented in this publication derives from the 2020/21 Continuous Household Survey (CHS) in relation to active and sustainable travel.  The CHS is considered to be a representative sample of the population at household level.
• A total of 1,885 adults aged 16 and over were surveyed in 2020/21 and 1,882 provided a response to the initial question. 
• It contains information on the proportion of people who walk and cycle to work, who are satisfied with walking, cycling and public transport in their area, and the proportion of people who are likely to walk or cycle short journeys, frequency of public transport use, and the likelihood to purchase an electric vehicle.  The Department may use the information presented in this publication to inform and understand the story behind current trends and to assist in any future policy discussion and development.
• Note: Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, data collection for the 2020/21 survey moved from face-to-face interviewing to telephone mode with a reduction in the number of questions. The results from the CHS 2020/21 are not directly comparable to previous years due to the significant changes to the survey in terms of methodology and content. The output from the survey, in terms of the range and depth of topics covered, has been reduced from that of previous years, with the subsequent capacity for detailed analysis constrained.

2. Official Statistics

• This is an Official Statistics publication and therefore follows the Code of Practice for Statistics.  You can find further information about the Code of Practice at: Statistics Authority

3. Additional Information

• For more information relating to this publication, including additional analysis, breakdowns of data, or alternative formats please contact:

• Telephone: (028) 9054 0865
• (Text relay prefix 18001)
• E-mail: asrb@nisra.gov.uk
• Website: Statistics and research

4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk .
5. Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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