Three quarters (76%) of families would cycle more frequently together if there were more traffic-free routes, a new study has found.
Commissioned by Cycling UK to coincide with the launch of Bike Week 2017 (10-18 June), the study also suggests that more than a third of families (36%) would cycle more often if they were trained to ride a bike through schools or locally funded cycling courses.
The poll of more than 500 families also found that 12% of British families with children aged 12 years and under, have at least one family member who does not know how to ride a bike.
Delivered by Cycling UK in partnership with Cycling Scotland, Bike Week is the UK’s biggest nationwide cycling event, with more than half a million people being encouraged to join in events across the country.
Bike Week aims to get people to give cycling a go – whether for fun or as a means of getting to work or school – by demonstrating the social, health and environmental benefits it brings,
Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “Bike Week is the best time of year to start cycling. With our theme being ‘Fun & Freedom’, it’s a reminder to us all that exercise can be just as enjoyable as it can be sociable.
“Cycling UK wants to help millions more people to rediscover – or find out for the first time – just how much fun you can have cycling.”
Bike Week 2017 is being supported by Colin Jackson, former Olympic champion hurdler – and now Bike Week ambassador – who is calling on Brits to get on their bikes and become more active.
Colin Jackson said: “One of my fondest memories from my childhood, having learnt to ride my bike at school, is having fun pedalling about with my sister and with my mates.
“What better time to love riding a bike than during Bike Week. Rekindle your love of cycling and join me in the saddle!”
Want to know more about cycling and road safety?
Online library of research and reports etc – visit the Road Safety Knowledge Centre
Key facts and summaries of research reports – visit the Road Safety Observatory
Read “Bike Boom” by Carlton Reid – hot off press. Brilliant historical account of the role of “infra” in promoting/ maintaining cycling. Not as easy as some would make out!
David Davies, London
0
Seems to be quite hard to find much about the traffic free routes aspect in the article despite it being the main headline.
Traffic free routes ARE best for families (e.g. canal towpaths) especially if older children tend to ride ahead and parents are minding the younger, slower siblings. Traffic free routes worked for me when my children were young as I couldn’t be in two places at once.
Pat, Wales
0