Richmond tops London for walking rates — and wants more investment to match

Richmond upon Thames has been confirmed as one of Outer London's strongest performers in the annual Healthy Streets Scorecard, with 45% of adults walking regularly — the highest rate of any London borough. Cycling participation stands at 23.9%, also the highest figure for an Outer London borough.

The results matter for Barnes residents in practical terms. The borough-wide 20mph limit, new pedestrian crossings and support for cargo bikes and rental e-bikes have all contributed to the outcome, and pedestrian casualty rates are among the lowest in the capital.

Richmond Council is using the findings to press Transport for London and the Mayor of London for sustained investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, arguing that the borough has achieved strong results without the level of transport funding that flows to Inner London boroughs.

For residents, the scorecard is a useful reminder of what the local street environment has to offer — and why keeping up the pressure on funding matters. Active travel infrastructure that already works well can deteriorate quickly without continued upkeep.

The full scorecard results and the council's investment call are detailed on the Richmond Council website.