TRL | Bikeability Widening Participation Fund EvaluationA recent report from The Bikeability Trust highlights a pressing issue: a significant portion of adults in the UK lack the necessary skills and confidence to cycle, with three-quarters not cycling at all in the past year. This “lost generation” of adults, who missed out on formal cycle training during their youth, often feel unprepared to navigate roads and traffic safely. (bikeability.org.uk)
The Bikeability Trust, which manages the Department for Transport’s Bikeability national cycling training programme, emphasizes that while investments in cycling infrastructure have improved conditions in some areas, participation remains limited. Confidence is often restricted to low-stress environments, such as traffic-free zones, and declines significantly in more complex traffic situations, even among existing cyclists. (bikeability.org.uk)
This lack of confidence has broader implications, potentially limiting the effectiveness of investments in cycling infrastructure if individuals do not feel capable of utilizing it. Studies indicate that women and people from ethnic minority groups may be deterred from cycling due to safety concerns and intimidation from other road users. Improving infrastructure alone is unlikely to increase participation among these groups without addressing issues of confidence and capability. (bikeability.org.uk)
The Bikeability Trust suggests that adult cycle training plays a crucial role in overcoming these barriers. Among individuals who have undertaken training, 25% reported increased confidence, and 18% noted an improved ability to ride in traffic. However, participation in adult cycle training remains “extremely limited,” indicating a clear gap in provision. (bikeability.org.uk)
To address this, the Trust recommends expanding and normalizing adult cycle training, increasing awareness of available training, and targeting underrepresented groups. Additionally, fostering better interactions between drivers and cyclists through driver awareness and road-sharing initiatives is essential. (bikeability.org.uk)
Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of The Bikeability Trust, asserts that building confidence in cycling is an effective strategy to combat transport poverty. She emphasizes that adult cycle training remains fragmented and inconsistent, but with sustained government investment in active travel and centralizing adult training through Bikeability, robust data and outcome tracking can demonstrate the return on active travel investment. (bikeability.org.uk)
The report, launched at the Houses of Parliament, was sponsored by Forest, a shared electric bike operator. Forest’s data suggests that shared electric bikes can act as a catalyst for cycling, with nearly 80% of users cycling more than they did before discovering Forest. Recent figures estimate that 10% of London’s 1.5 million daily cycling journeys are made on dockless e-bikes, such as Forest’s. The City of London Corporation also reported that dockless cycles have quadrupled since 2022, now accounting for one in six bikes on City streets. (bikeability.org.uk)
Agustin Guilisasti, CEO and co-founder of Forest, highlights the importance of rider education and safety initiatives, as well as accessible training programs. He notes that while e-bikes are helping more Londoners choose cycling for everyday journeys, increasing participation isn’t just about adding bikes to the road; it’s about ensuring people feel comfortable and confident every time they ride. (bikeability.org.uk)
In summary, addressing the skills and confidence gap among adults is crucial for increasing cycling participation. Comprehensive adult cycle training, improved infrastructure, and targeted initiatives for underrepresented groups are key to fostering a more cycling-friendly environment.