One third want to cycle more to cut fuel spending
One third want to cycle more to cut fuel spending
Posted on 18 Oct 2022
People are looking to reduce their fuel spending by taking more journeys by bike, with as many as 30 percent excited to rediscover two-wheeled journeys, according to a study by online cycling retailer Chain Reaction.
The research surveyed 2,000 adults, finding that nearly four in 10 are planning to cut their fuel spend by cycling more of their journeys.
Nearly half (48%) wanted to cycle more than they currently do, with 30% excited to rediscover the joy of cycling, and 44% after more exercise and 40% seeking more fresh air. Of the reasons why those who had not cycled for at least 12 months had avoided it, 18% said they lacked the confidence, while five per cent did not think they had enough time to repair their old bicycle.
Old bicycles knocking around the garage was a common theme in the responses. About 40% said they had an old bike that could be restored to road-worthy condition, while 23% said they would prefer to restore their old bike rather than buying a new one.
In total, 36% said their bike was not in a roadworthy state, but 89% believed it only needed minor tweaks to make it safe.
Of the 2,000 surveyed, nearly two thirds (63%) said they had sought alternative methods of travel other than their car in the last three months.
The study comes a month after figures published by the Department for Transport as part of its National Travel Survey showed that the average person in England made two per cent of their trips by bicycle between November 2020 and November 2021, while the average number of trips made by bike dropped to 15, down from a high of 20 the previous year.
The figures also showed that the percentage of people who cycle at least once a week for any purpose has fallen from 11.6 per cent to 9.1 per cent, with the average annual mileage covered by bike dropping by 33 miles to 55 miles (a figure more in keeping with pre-pandemic trends, but still much higher than the 39 miles per person.