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Why cycling in the UK needs a gear change
Earlier this year, an Ipsos survey found only 5% of the UK population cycle to work. Even though it’s almost doubled since a 2011 census, it’s still a long way behind our European neighbours. 30% of the population in the Netherlands, for instance, choose pedal power over petrol.
But why is it so important we get more people cycling?
It drives down emissions and boosts health
First off, it’s a big emission killer. And the European Cycle Federation has the stats to prove it. When a person switches the car for a bike for an 8km commute, they’re saving roughly 750kg of carbon emissions per year.
Other studies show cycling commuters are at a 41% lower risk of dying prematurely, and a 45% lower risk of developing cancers. As with every kind of exercise, it’s also a great activity to boost your mental wellbeing.
For larger organisations, it can be a big sustainable tick for them too – encouraging more of their workforce to cycle to work can cut down their indirect emissions, which always looks favourable on their ESG reporting.
It’s affordable and a big cost saver
Through a cost of living crisis it can be a big cost saver. New data from Blackhawk Network says people in the UK can save roughly £1,262. In Greater London that rises to £1,600.
The government’s Cycle to Work scheme has made it more affordable too – workers who sign up to the initiative can spread the cost of any bike equipment as a tax-free deduction from their salary each month.
So the benefits to commuters are clear to see, but how do we convince more people to take to the saddle?
Cycling to work is for all – people need to see that
Nick Chamberlain, policy manager at British Cycling, says their needs to be a shift in how people perceive cycling to work.
“Cycling to work doesn’t have to be a sporty thing. You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic. Taken steadily, it’s no different to a brisk walk, but the perception is often very different.”
GOSH show public sector how it’s done
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) are doing a great job of promoting cycling and creating an environment where anyone can be a cyclist. Every new joiner at the hospital gets an information pack about active travel – it includes a summary of the health benefits, maps with safer cycle routes, and even identifies high-theft areas.
They’ve got an email group available where they can connect across the organisation, a buddy system for new cyclists, and a bike hire scheme for people who just want to try before they buy.
UK cycling infrastructure still a long way to go
After a number of cyclist fatalities in the local area, GOSH also partnered with Camden Borough Council to make cycle routes safer. It’s a sobering reminder of the ever present safety risk for cyclists on the roads.
And without major improvement to cycling infrastructure, we’re never going to be able to compete with the likes of the Netherlands, Germany, or France.
How Active Travel England plans to change things
But there is hope and investment coming. In 2022, the government established Active Travel England – a new public agency that now oversees a £2bn budget to boost active travel infrastructure and initiatives across the country.
Their vision is “For everyone in the country to have an attractive and safe choice to walk, wheel or ride.” And to get there, they’re working on four key objectives:
- Investing in and improving standards for active travel schemes across England.
- Integrating active travel in the planning and development system.
- Focusing on inclusivity and accessibility and giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to try active travel.
- Helping councils to access state-of-the-art data and analysis to use in active travel planning and design.
So the investment, strategy and enthusiasm from the government is there – it’s now time to really put the pedals to the floor.
Sources:
https://www.ipsos.com/en/global-advisor-cycling-across-the-world-2022
https://ecf.com/groups/cycle-more-often-2-cool-down-planet-quantifying-co2-savings-cycling
https://www.raconteur.net/talent-culture/employers-encourage-cycle-to-work
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