65% of people wish to see segregated cycling routes on roads

A study of a pool of 26,000 people has discovered that around 65% of people wish to see cycling routes in towns and cities that are physically separated from motor traffic, thus promoting bike riding as a safe transport form for all.

The Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index research discovered that the importance of such an option was particularly sought after among those on low incomes who may disproportionately be feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, plus have less access to cars. 58% of low income respondents were in favour of protected cycling routes being laid in their locality.

In making the finding Sustrans is keen to stress the silver bullet that is active travel, pointing to the benefits to health, congestion, air quality and many more societal wins.

As such it now has three asks of the Truss Government and its new active travel minister, Baroness Charlotte Vere. These are:

• A ban on pavement parking – putting an to end this discriminatory practice nationwide (outside of London)
• The creation of 20 Minute Neighbourhoods – new housing developments to be within a 20-minute return walk of local amenities
• Protected cycling routes on main road routes to schools – to make cycling feel safe and welcome to all

Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, said long term barriers to feeling welcome and safe on the road had to be removed and quickly by this Government.

He said: “Engaging this generation of younger school pupils with cycling and teaching them the importance of travelling actively, will only have lasting impact if we all strive to make sure children and families feel safe and welcome on the road. That’s why this Cycle to School Week (October 3rd to 7th), Sustrans calls on Local Authority leaders and the Government to show real ambition and commit to installing protected cycle lanes along main road routes to schools.

“Enabling and encouraging families across the UK that are suffering financially to choose to travel actively would demonstrate commitment to a new transport hierarchy in which the car is not king, for the sake of our wallets, our health and our planet.

“With new leadership from Prime Minister Truss, there is fresh opportunity to renew our transport priorities for what the UK people need. It is vital active travel is embedded into in our transport system and that roads are safer for all.”