24% more people would cycle in Wales with safer streets, YouGov study shows

Research published on Friday by Cycling UK has indicated that as many as 24% more people in Wales would cycle more frequently with the provision of safe and user-friendly cycling infrastructure.

The findings were delivered at a time when the cost-of-living crisis has put the expense associated with transport in the spotlight; the study also has 21% stating they would drive less frequently with a greater sense of protection in place for those choosing to cycle.

Gwenda Owen, Cycling UK’s spokesperson in Wales, said: “One in five people would drive less. However, previous surveys have repeatedly shown that many people won’t cycle because they just don’t feel safe enough. Now, with a cost-of-living crisis impacting some people’s decisions on travel, these same people are paying the penalty for politicians not providing safe sustainable transport alternatives.

“It’s time for politicians to deliver what people want and need in Wales. Cycling UK is not saying ban driving, but we are saying that people should have the choice of cheap and free alternative ways of getting about, like cycling and walking, especially for local journeys.”

The study does not just quantify the impacts of safer streets on cycling, there researchers have 54% of people more likely to make walking trips with improvements to streets for walkers.

Among those aged 16 to 24 there was an even greater propensity to cycle or walk more if the streets were safer, with a third saying they would be likely to cycle more (37%) and drive less frequently (31%) and three quarters (74%) saying they’d be likely to walk more often.

With the local elections landing in May, Cycling UK will now lean on political parties to give people cheaper and safer transport options. Councillors are asked to:

• Ensure that cycling is accessible to all wherever they live; and
• Prioritise cycling to schools with school streets, Bikeability training and separated cycle routes

Owen added: “We’ve a climate emergency as declared by Welsh Government, a cost of living crisis and a burgeoning public health endemic caused by physical inactivity. Making cycling and walking easier and more attractive isn’t just what more than a fifth of the electorate wants, but it’s also crucial for the future wellbeing and prosperity of Wales.”

For those on the front line of the bike business, CI.N research has consistently shown that ‘lack of safe cycling infrastructure’ is a key business issue, with the majority of bike shops believing cycling conditions to be a leading reason among customers to not cycle and thus purchase cycling goods.

The poll was carried out in late March by YouGov on behalf of Cycling UK. 1,047 adults (16+) in Wales were asked whether they would a/ cycle more; b/ walk more and c/ drive less if the streets were safer.

Cycling UK is encouraging Welsh voters to support its manifesto by signing their petition here.