Swapfiets Survey Shows 90% too Scared to Cycle in UK Cities
90% of respondents to a survey for Swapfiets said they are too scared to cycle in UK cities, according to a report by City AM.
Percentages of Respondents
The complete survey results are not available, so we only have the statistics mentioned by City AM. They show these percentages to be scared of city cycling:
- 90% of 35-44 year olds
- less than 25% of under 24s
- 90% of women
- 40% of men
Given those figures, it’s not clear to me how that could add up to 90% of all respondents being scared to cycle in cities. We also don’t know the total number of respondents.
35-44 years old is described as ‘older age groups’, which is not acceptable.
Reasons for Fear of Cycling
The reasons given for fear of cycling include:
- risk of being hit by a driver (68%)
- being the victim of road rage (54%)
- risk of bike theft (47%)
Quote from Swapfiets
Swapfiets is a bike subscription service, with users paying a monthly fee for a cycle including repairs and maintenance. The purpose of the survey will therefore be partly to promote the brand.
UK Swapfiets manager Rory MacPhee said:
‘The findings of our study are a wake-up call.
With over 90% of the nation fearing urban cycling, and the UK potentially falling short of its 2030 net zero targets, it’s clear that current efforts aren’t enough’.
He added:
‘We’re urging the government to not only reinstate but increase the active travel budget this October.
Improving cycling infrastructure and offering better education are essential if we’re going to break down the barriers stopping people from choosing sustainable transport.
Prioritising these investments will not only address our climate goals but also improve public health and create more liveable cities for everyone’.
SUV Driver Investigated for Murder in Paris
While most fear is generated by the risk of physical harm not actual injuries, an incident in Paris shows that risks can materialise.
The driver of an SUV is being investigated for murder after he appeared to deliberately run over and crush to death a person riding a bike.
Anyone who rides a bike in the UK will have experience of being put in danger by drivers who then react furiously if you complain about their dangerous driving.
At the back of our minds, we are aware that drivers are in control of weapons which are potentially just as lethal as knives or guns. Can you trust drivers not to murder you? No, even though most drivers refrain from deliberate violence most of the time.