Potholes and lorries are would-be cyclists biggest concerns
Potholes and lorries are would-be cyclists biggest concerns
Posted on 4 Jun 2018
Potholes and having to share the road with lorries are the biggest factors stopping more people taking up cycling in the UK, according to Cycling UK.
A YouGov poll of 2,000 adults, carried out by Cycling UK, found that over half (57%) are worried about sharing the road with lorries and large vehicles and that a further 56% are put off because poor road conditions, such as potholes.
Other concerns for would-be cyclists include busy junctions and roundabouts and car doors being opened in their path.
Due to these concerns, the poll also found that having separate cycle paths away from roads, segregated bike lanes and better road conditions would encourage people to cycle more. Therefore, Cycling UK is calling on the government to make fundamental changes in six areas: changes to the Highway Code; safer vehicles, especially lorries; road and street design; enforcement; road traffic offences and penalties review; and funding.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's head of campaigns, said: "The government wants more and safer cycling, but as Cycling UK's research shows, people who don't currently cycle need change if they're going to choose to cycle short distances rather than drive.
"The Government is being taken through the courts for failing its air quality commitments, casualties on our roads are going up, and our NHS is struggling with the burden caused by an inactive nation. More people cycling is part of the solution to all these problems.
"Cycling is still a minority activity in the UK with only two percent of all journeys made by bike. Those who do cycle put up with the potholes and dangerous traffic conditions daily and still continue. However, it's not always pleasant and it's no surprise most people do not consider cycling for their short every day journeys.
"In England in 2016, 64 per cent of all trips between one to two miles were driven. Making cycling more accessible and safer will give people the alternative transport solution they need. Cycling UK's ‘Cycle safety: make it simple' explains how this can be achieved, simply and cost effectively, and we look forward to working with the government to help bring about the long awaited cycling revolution the UK desperately needs."