“Women’s safety concerns have implications – as this data shows”

Sport England has published the latest official statistics from its Active Lives Adults Survey today (23 April 2026). 

The annual survey into the physical activity levels of adults across England reveals that adults’ overall activity levels are the highest on record, but that some groups and communities are far less likely to be active than others.

Women (62.2% active) are less likely to be active than men (67.3%). Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions (49.1% active) are also less active.

The data also shows that walking or cycling for transport remains steady at around 16.2 million people.

Living Streets – the UK charity for everyday walking is calling for safer streets, so women can enjoy the physical and wellbeing benefits of walking more. Last month, the charity supported the announcement of new guidance from Active Travel England that aims to support councils to improve streets for women and girls. 

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets comments:

“Walking is one of the easiest ways to get active, but the freedom to walk and wheel more is denied to many women.

“Women’s safety concerns have implications – as this data shows. It stops us getting active and using our streets freely, with disabled women more likely than non-disabled women to experience harassment in public spaces.

“We want streets where every woman can walk or wheel wherever they want, whenever they want – free from harassment, fear and exclusion. The government has taken some steps to get there, including the upcoming guidance from Active Travel England for councils.

“While physical inventions like better street lighting and well-connected walking routes are needed and help create more inclusive streets, we must understand how women and girls move, what they experience and why they currently feel unsafe.

“If we want people to walk more of their everyday journeys, we need streets that are safe and welcoming. When public spaces are designed for women, they become safer for everyone.

"For National Walking Month this May, we will be shining a light on the need to put women at the heart of transport planning and design. We are encouraging women to #WalkOut – and get out for a walk for their own health, wellbeing and enjoyment.”