A new survey suggests nearly a quarter of Welsh adults would cycle more regularly if their streets were redesigned to be safer for active travel.
The poll, carried by YouGov on behalf of Cycling UK, sampled the views of 1,047 people aged 16 years and older.
It found that one in four (24%) were likely to cycle more often, one in two (54%) were likely to walk more often, while one in five (21%) said they would drive less frequently.
Cycling UK is urging Welsh politicians to create sustainable and cheap alternatives for local travel, particularly given the ongoing increases to the cost-of-living which ‘forces families to consider driving less’.
Gwenda Owen, Cycling UK’s spokesperson in Wales, said: “One in five people would drive less. However, previous surveys have repeatedly shown that many people won’t cycle because they just don’t feel safe enough.
“Now, with a cost-of-living crisis impacting some people’s decisions on travel, these same people are paying the penalty for politicians not providing safe, sustainable transport alternatives.
“It’s time for politicians to deliver what people want and need in Wales. Cycling UK is not saying ban driving, but we are saying that people should have the choice of cheap and free alternative ways of getting about, like cycling and walking, especially for local journeys.”
Among those aged 16 -24 years, there was an even greater propensity to cycle or walk more if the streets were safer – with a third saying they would be likely to cycle more (37%) and 31% drive less frequently .
Meanwhile, three quarters (74%) said they’d be likely to walk more often.
Melanie Ryan, Youth Cymru’s joint chief executive said: “There are so many benefits to young people being able to cycle, it gives them so much freedom to travel for work and leisure alongside reducing travel costs and increasing their independence.
“As with all exercise, cycling can also improve their mental health and wellbeing. Local authorities need to deliver safer and more accessible cycling routes for future generations of young people in Wales.”
Comment on this story