In a pandemic positive, CBS statistics says that people in the Netherlands are walking more post-corona than they did before covid hit.

In 2023, the Dutch walked a total of 6.9 billion kilometres outside of their homes – almost a third more than in the pre-corona year 2019. Although that figure is five percent less than in 2022, it is still 1.7 billion kilometres higher than in 2019.

Only six to 12-year-olds walked less in 2023 as compared to pre-pandemic, while 12 to 18- year-olds travelled the least often by foot. Pensioners, meanwhile, walked a third more in 2023 than in 2019.

Most people walk for pleasure, including hiking, sport or visiting people. But shopping is also a big reason for people to leave their houses on foot. The average resident walked some eight kilometres per week in 2023, compared to some six kilometres in 2019.

The average walk in 2023 was two kilometres long and lasted 27 minutes, and the majority of these minutes were for dog walks. People left their homes four times a week in 2023, compared to three times a week in 2019.

According to CBS, one in every five trips is made by foot, with bicycles accounting for more than a quarter of all trips and cars placing last as the transportation of choice for one-third of outings.