As parents, we have walked our daughter to school every single day come rain or shine (usually rain in the UK). We believe all children should be given the opportunity to walk to school where possible.
But how do we compare to other European countries? Unfortunately, not very well! With an increase of 12 million cars on the road since the late 90’s it’s no surprise more children are getting driven to school.
But wouldn’t it be amazing if we had safe infrastructure which allowed all children to walk or cycle to school? The most jarring part for me is how this drops as the children get older. You would assume freedom and autonomy would be wanted by all as they get to secondary school. My fondest memories of high school are walking to and from school with my mates. We are now in a situation where less than half do this.
Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark continue to lead the way and produce independent, able, talented children due to infrastructure which enables all transport types to thrive.
| Country | Primary School (% Walking/Cycling) | Secondary School (% Walking/Cycling) |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 80% | 72% |
| Denmark | 70% | 65% |
| Sweden | 68% | 62% |
| Finland | 65% | 60% |
| Norway | 60% | 55% |
| Belgium | 52% | 45% |
| Germany | 50% | 42% |
| Austria | 48% | 40% |
| France | 45% | 38% |
| United Kingdom | 42% | 38% |
| Spain | 40% | 35% |
| Italy | 35% | 30% |
The data varies slightly between countries and is based on self-reported commuting patterns from surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024.
Notes on Data Sources:
- Eurostat: Provides detailed statistics on children’s school commuting methods across Europe.
- OECD – Education at a Glance 2024: Offers comparative insights into students’ commuting habits and general well-being, broken down by education level and socio-economic factors.
- PISA 2022 Results: Includes insights on school environments and students’ choices regarding active transportation.
Age Breakdown and Trends
- Primary School (Ages 5-11): Generally higher percentages of walking and cycling due to proximity to schools.
- Secondary School (Ages 12-18): Slightly lower rates as older students tend to use public transport more frequently, especially in urban areas.
The Netherlands and Denmark consistently report the highest levels of cycling due to well-developed cycling infrastructure and a strong culture of biking as the primary mode of transport. In contrast, countries like Italy and Spain show lower rates, potentially due to urban planning and cultural differences regarding commuting safety.