Cyclists put off by potholes and traffic conditions

Britain’s poorly maintained roads and having to share the road with lorries and other large vehicles are the biggest factors stopping more people taking up cycling in the UK.

A poll of 2,000 adults, carried out by Cycling UK, found that 57 per cent are worried about sharing the road with lorries and large vehicles and that a further 56 per cent are put off from travelling by bike in the UK because poor road conditions, such as potholes.

Other concerns included crossing busy junctions and roundabouts with other vehicles and car doors being opened in their path while cycling.

However, the poll also revealed that separate cycle paths away from roads (45 per cent), segregated bike lanes (45 per cent) and better road conditions (42 per cent) would encourage people to cycle more. Therefore, Cycling UK is calling on the government to make fundamental changes in six areas, which the charity believes will help give more people the confidence to cycle more often: changes to the Highway Code; safer vehicles, especially lorries; road and street design; enforcement; road traffic offences and penalties review; and funding.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, said: “The government wants more and safer cycling, but as Cycling UK’s research shows, people who don’t currently cycle need change if they’re going to choose to cycle short distances rather than drive. Cycling is still a minority activity in the UK with only two percent of all journeys made by bike. Those who do cycle put up with the potholes and dangerous traffic conditions daily and still continue. However, it’s not always pleasant and it’s no surprise most people do not consider cycling for their short every day journeys.

“In England in 2016, 64 per cent of all trips between one to two miles were driven. Making cycling more accessible and safer will give people the alternative transport solution they need. Cycling UK’s ‘Cycle safety: make it simple’ explains how this can be achieved, simply and cost effectively, and we look forward to working with the government to help bring about the long awaited cycling revolution the UK desperately needs.”