According to statistics published by the Department for Transport (DfT), cycling use has remained at a similar level for the past 15 years, resulting in an average of 17 cycling trips per person, with the majority of local authorities reporting that less than 20% of their adult population cycle at least once a week.
The statistics also report that in a country where around 50% of the adult population owns a bicycle, 60% agrees that currently, it's too dangerous to cycle on the roads. The DfT's strategy aims to double annual cycling trips from 0.8 billion in 2013 to 1.6 billion in 2025, although without the appropriate infrastructure, this target may not be achievable.
Cycling UK insists that transport ministers and local governments develop appropriate travel and planning strategies to make cycling an attractive option for the commuting. The group's head of campaigns, Duncan Dollimore said:
"Although cycling is statistically much safer than many people think, it's clear the Government has to address the key issues of infrastructure, such as improving roads and cycle lanes, and making sure our traffic laws operate effectively to promote road safety for everyone."
The DfT's statistics for 2017 also show that the majority of journeys of two miles and under are made by car, even though nearly 40% of respondents agree that these journeys could be made by bike. Dollimore added:
"This proves there is an appetite for people to cycle more, and it's clear that cycling is growing in popularity but only as a leisure and not as the Government's ambition to make it the natural choice for shorter journeys."
