Cost of living triggers cycling surge
Cycling UK is urging local authorities to act now and provide the infrastructure to make active travel a ‘realistic option for everyone’. Data published to coincide with Cycle to Work Day earlier this month shows cycling levels in England have ‘surged’ this year – up by 47% on weekdays and 27% on weekends. Cycling UK says the rise has been simultaneous with the hike in fuel prices, strongly suggesting people want to cycle more for many reasons, including to save money.
It is calling on local authorities and employers to do more to help people drive less and cycle more, particularly for shorter journeys.
Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, said: “Rising fuel prices have triggered some people to think about their transport choices, switching some of their car journeys to cycling. But too many people don’t feel like they have that option because they don’t think our roads are safe enough to cycle on.
“The answer to that is more and better infrastructure for cycling and walking, giving more people the opportunity to do so safely rather than defaulting to driving a short trip to work or the shops. With 71% of all journeys made in the UK less than five miles, switching some of those to cycling is a simple way to help people make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, with additional health, wellbeing and environmental benefits.”
