A recent internal survey at Trinity College Dublin has revealed that fewer students and staff are walking or cycling to the university compared to pre-COVID times. The Healthy Trinity Smarter Travel group, which has been tracking commuting trends since 2011, reported a significant decline in these sustainable modes of transport.

According to the latest survey from April 2023, only 20% of the Trinity community now walk, and just 9% cycle to campus. In contrast, a third of students and staff use buses, 20% travel by train, 13% take the Luas, and only 3% drive to the university.

The number of people walking to Trinity has dropped by 29% since peaking at 28% in 2018. Cycling has seen an even steeper decline, with a 59% drop from a high of 22% in 2011. During this period, the use of public transport has increased from 49% to 66%.

The survey, conducted in 2011, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, also highlighted a shift in commuting distances. Since 2018, the proportion of those travelling 4–6 km to Trinity has decreased by 14%, while journeys of 16–25 km have risen by 5%, reflecting the growing distance many must travel to reach the campus.

Commenting on the results, Professor Brian Caulfield, an expert in transportation and the academic lead for the survey, said:
“It is encouraging that car usage remains low as a means of travel to Trinity. The decrease in cycling and walking is concerning, but it mirrors the national trend seen in the 2022 census results. These declines could be attributed to the reduced cost of public transport for students or the longer distances people are travelling to campus due to accommodation affordability issues.”

Martina Mullin, operational lead of Healthy Trinity, added:
“We know students want to walk to Trinity, and staff want to cycle, but external factors are making it difficult. The lack of available housing and a city centre environment that’s hostile to walking and cycling mean many in our community are forced to choose less healthy transport options.”

The survey results were released ahead of the Healthy Trinity Forum on 21 November, which aims to encourage the university community to participate in the Dublin City Transport Plan consultation.