Study: Improved safety could encourage more Gen Z Europeans to cycle

Cycling has become part of young European’s lifestyle but they look for more protection and convenience on the road, according to a DECATHLON study.

The sporting goods retailer and manufacturer’s study, the European Urban Mobility Barometer, surveyed 4,094 people aged 18 to 28 in six European countries, including France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. In the study, 75% of respondents reported using a bicycle in their mobility habits, and 58% stated that they cycled at least once a week.

However, although the majority (87%) of them said they had “a general feeling of safety” during cycling, 61% of respondents did not feel completely safe when they were on a bike.

Geographically, riders from Poland and Spain had the highest feeling of safety, while in France and Italy, one in five young people did not feel safe when cycling.

Enhancing safety will be essential to encouraging young riders in Europe to cycle more frequently. According to the study, 54% of respondents said they would be more willing to cycle if there were more protected and separated bike lanes, while 43% said that secure bike parking spaces could help.

Additionally, 36% said better cycling signage and maps are needed.

Aside from safety, the study also covered the reasons for young European’s motivations for cycling. The intention of staying fit and healthy was the major reason (79%), followed by enjoying freedom and the playful experience that cycling could offer (68%).

The same amount of respondents (68%) said they cycled to save time and avoid traffic, while 67% said they could save money compared to other transport options.