Understanding and improving journeys for walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse riders.

19 August 2026

Walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse riders regularly make journeys that involve crossing, using or travelling alongside England’s major roads — whether that is someone walking to local services, a wheelchair user navigating a crossing, a cyclist commuting, or a horse rider using a bridleway.

This report brings together seven years of Transport Focus insight into the experiences of walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse riders whose journeys interact with the motorways and major ‘A’ roads in England managed by National Highways.

In 2017, we began the process of designing research that would collect evidence from this user group and their journeys that interact with the Strategic Road Network. Seven waves of research have since been undertaken at 46 separate case study locations across nine different National Highways areas or regions.  

After years of listening to users, the message is simple: people want to feel safe and considered when travelling near major roads. Meeting those expectations won’t always be easy, but the evidence shows that targeted investment, good maintenance and partnership working can make a real difference. 

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