The Institute of Transport Economics in Norway has collected information on walking and cycling in Norway and other countries. This information covers: (1) the extent of walking and cycling; (2) risk and safety for walkers and cyclists; and (3) the environmental gains of replacing car traffic by walking or cycling. In 1998, 25% of journeys in Norway were made on foot or by bicycle, 19% were walking trips, and 6% were cycling trips. The proportion of trips by walking and cycling has decreased since 1980, with the largest decline in the 1980s. 70% of walking trips and about 50% of cycling trips are less than 2km long. The average trip lengths are: about 1.8km for walking, taking about 20min; about 3km long for cycling, taking about 14min; and about 13km for car, taking about 17min. The walkers are mainly women below 18 or over 67, single people with less education, the unemployed, and those on low incomes. Cycling is most common in medium-sized and small towns, and least common in the largest urban areas and in rural areas. Pedestrians and cyclists have about four times as much risk as car drivers of being injured in accidents reported to the police. There is a need to replace short car trips by walking or cycling, improve the conditions for walkers and cyclists, and implement safety measures targeted at them.
Abstract