Cycling Up 47% in England
Cycling was up 47% in England on weekdays between March and July 2022, according to DfT statistics analysed by Cycling UK.
Cycling levels began to rise this Spring as petrol and diesel soared in price, and the trend continued.
‘As fuel prices reached record highs in July, cycling levels were even higher than those seen at the same period in 2020, when quieter roads during the pandemic encouraged many more people out on bikes.’
cycling uk
The rise in cycling appears to be driven by utility cyclists saving money. On weekends, cycling levels are also up, but only by 27%.
‘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.
duncan dollimore, head of campaigns at cycling uk
The answer to that is more and better cycle infrastructure for cycling and walking, giving more people the opportunity to do so safely rather than default to driving a short trip to work or the shops.
With 71% of all journeys made in the UK under 5 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, well-being and environmental benefits. But to give people that choice we need local authorities to act now to make active travel a realistic option and help people keep moving.’