ADULTS IN IRELAND’S five largest cities are taking an estimated 660,000 cars off the road every day by walking, wheeling or cycling instead of driving, according to new figures.

The 2025 Walking and Cycling Index from the National Transport Authority found that residents in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford collectively avoid 660,000 car journeys daily, cutting 120,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

In Dublin alone, up to 510,000 trips are made each day by people walking or cycling who could have used a car.

The research shows a sharp rise in regular cycling in the capital, with the proportion of adults cycling five or more days a week increasing from 8% in 2023 to 12% in 2025, a 50% jump in two years.

A quarter of Dubliners cycle at least once a week.

Dubliners made 92.2 million bike trips in 2025, including 30 million commuting journeys, up from 23.2 million in 2023.

School cycling has also grown, with six million trips recorded this year, almost double the 2023 figure.

However, safety remains a concern. While the vast majority (90%) of Dubliners believe it is safe to drive locally and feel it is safe to walk (87%), just 59% consider cycling safe in their area.

Fewer than half believe it is safe for children to cycle.

Across the five cities, there is strong backing for more active travel infrastructure, even where it reduces road space for cars.

Support for segregated cycle lanes ranges from 86% in Waterford and 82% in Galway to 71% in Dublin and 69% in Limerick.

The survey also found broad support for 30km/h speed limits in built-up areas and stricter enforcement against parking on footpaths.

The NTA said walking and cycling generate billions in economic benefit annually, including health savings and reduced congestion.

“It is really encouraging to see such strong levels of support for more investment in walking, wheeling and cycling,” Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority said.

“We will use this data to guide our work as we continue to deliver high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, more safer routes to school, and active travel networks that connect people’s homes with their work, school and local amenities.”