Survey results on public attitudes on travel and transport during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been released today by the Department for Transport in the The National Travel Attitudes Study. The study covers: 

• travel behaviour during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
• concerns about transport
• changes in travel behaviour
• compliance with regulations
• leisure and holidays

The survey shows that people have been cycling, walking and exercising considerably more compared to last year. Between May-July in 2020 there was an 189% increase in people 'going out to exercise' as compared to the same period in 2019. The 2019 figures are based on the National Travel Survey. 

Pre-pandemic walkers and cyclists were also asked how their transport habits had changed as a result of the pandemic and lockdown. An average of 20% of these reported walking or cycling less, compared to 36% who walked or cycled more than before. The 36% were further asked how likely it was that they would continue to walk or cycle more once travel restrictions and social distancing were available, with 94-95% stating it was likely. 

In terms of public transport, a majority said that they would still be hesitant to use crowded public transport after the pandemic and social distancing measures have been eased. 38% said that this behaviour was 'very likely' and 27% said it was 'likely'. 

As part of CIHT's Future of Transport webinar series which will run every month during 2021, CIHT are tomorrow hosting a webinar on the response to COVID-19 in Scotland with Transport Scotland, the Confederation of Passenger Transport and Sustrans. You can register for that event here. 

Let us know what you think on CIHT Connect here. 

The full survey results are available on DfT's website here.