We’re still not getting on our bikes (despite £1bn splurge)
‘Roads riddled with potholes’
A BILLION-pound invesment in cycling has failed to persuade Britons to get on their bikes, it was revealed yesterday.
The number of cycle journeys has shown only a slight growth because most of us believe the roads are far too dangerous.
The average person took to their bike 17 times last year, up from 16 the year before, cycling an average total of 60 miles, the National Travel Survey shows. The amount we walk rose by 3.3 per cent to 343 times a year. However, the total of 206 miles a year is the same as 15 years ago and the number of walks is less than in 2006.
It means the Government is likely to miss its targets for both forms of healthy, environmentally friendly transport – despite a £1.2billion investment.
Ministers had aimed to double the number of cycle journeys between 2013 and 2025.
The cycling figures also highlighted a gender gap, with men making an average of 24 trips to nine by women. Men cycled an average of 95 miles a year compared with 25 miles for women.
Cycling UK said road safety concerns were preventing more people from cycling, although its benefits are clear when it comes to improving health and tackling road congestion and air pollution.
Duncan Dollimore, the charity’s head of campaigns, said: ‘Statistics show that 60 per cent of adults feel it’s too dangerous to cycle on the road, and in particular women and older people are put off.
‘Although cycling is statistically much safer than many people think, it’s clear the Government has to address the key issues of infrastructure, such as improving roads and cycle lanes, and making sure our traffic laws operate effectively to promote road safety for everyone.’
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: ‘Cycling and walking provide enormous benefits to both public health and the environment, and it is good to see evidence that more people are opting for a more active lifestyle. But it is also clear that, as a cycling and walking nation, the UK has a long way to go to match the best international models.
‘Our 2017 £1.2billion Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy was designed to start a much deeper and wider process of change. In addition, we are investing £1.7billion through the Transforming Cities Fund, to connect communities and support active and sustainable travel.’
Department of Transport figures show that journeys under two miles are overwhelmingly being driven rather than cycled.
AA president Edmund King said: ‘ Government is very keen to encourage people to use active transport for short journeys, but with a road infrastructure riddled with potholes, people are simply not willing to run the risk. At least 22 deaths and 368 serious injuries of cyclists have occurred where potholes and poor roads maintenance are a factor.’