A survey of more than 7,600 adults in the UK, published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2018, shows that only 7% of the nation is commuting to work on a bike.
Cities including London, Cambridge and Manchester, have made drastic changes to accommodate cycling. But more than one in four commuters still feel that the risk of being in danger during traffic, is too high.
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport, and other physical activities across the year through a monthly national survey. Its UK Marketing Director, Philippe Rebelo expressed that: “we want to help the UK fall back in love with sports. We believe that sports should be accessible for all, cycling included”.
The survey also found that 17% admitted to not owning a bike, although programmes like Cycle to Work scheme, aim to make cycling more viable for commuters. Which has proven to be successful, as 183, 423 employees have registered since 2014. Rebelo clarified that “those without a bike can get one with the government’s Cycle to Work scheme, and there are a number of bikes that can be rented in UK cities too”.
Philippe Rebelo commented that: “it is clear to see that not many of us actually choose to commute to our workplace with a bicycle. This is despite the government increasing the spend on cycling, with improvements for cycle to work schemes and even overhauls of roads in cities to accommodate cyclists”.
Distance is also another factor to the decreasing number of cyclists, as 21% of commuters said that their workplace is too far for travel with a bicycle.
Further research shows, one in seven said they dislike cycling to work therefore, it wouldn’t be an option for them. However, Rebelo argued that, “there are many advantages of cycling to work that people seem to be missing out on. Commuting to work with a bike, is a great way to form a healthier lifestyle, it is cheaper and is better than other options. It is extremely inexpensive in the long run as you only need a bike, lights and a helmet and you’re off.
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