A survey has revealed that almost two-thirds of people are supportive of encouraging others to cycle more, with a similar percentage wanting to see more cycle-friendly routes across the country.
The survey of more than 4,000 people, commissioned by Cycling UK, found that while the majority (92%) can ride a bike, less than half do.
Looking at the survey data surrounding cycling and gender, it showed that women were almost twice as likely as men to not know how to ride a bike (11% compared to 6%), with lack of confidence also being twice that of male respondents (41% compared to 19%).
The survey went on to outline how men and women equally identified road safety as the main reason they don’t cycle, (50% and 47%, respectively).
Overall, 64% of respondents were supportive of encouraging others to cycle more, with only 9% stating they did not agree that people should be encouraged to cycle more. Some 70% of respondents also wanted to see more cycle-friendly routes across the country.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “There is a clear desire from the UK to build better cycle infrastructure and get more wheels on the road.
“People overwhelming want to get around their communities without waiting in traffic for who knows how long or having to pay to put petrol in the tank, when it would be cheaper and quicker to go by bike or foot.
“Cycle lanes are cheap to build, reduce emissions, improve public health and lead to less congestion. The public recognise the benefits of cycling and are desperate to enjoy them. With political backing and funding, we can make that future a reality.”
“A survey has revealed that almost two-thirds of the UK (64%) are supportive of encouraging others to cycle more” – emphasis on “others”?
Sadly, like so many of these surveys produced by pressure groups, there’s no link to the data or the report, or even who carried it out. So all we really know is that something might have happened. (If my uncle – former secretary of the local CTC – was still alive he’d be furious.) Who were the 4000? How were they selected? Etc., etc. …
Fraser Andrew, STIRLING
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Unless I’ve missed it, this or the main report on the Cycling UK website doesn’t say where, when or how the 4000 people were surveyed?
Jay2, Sheffield
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I am just back from a visit to Burgos in Spain. While there I went for a walk, I walked for two hours there and back and didn’t reach any end to the walk. Along side the path for walking – all people of all ages – was a cycle path with semi tracks and these and walking led off to other paths!
All away from roads and its traffic! I was amazed!
Trevor Baird, Belfast
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