One in four families not comfortable cycling, says survey
Posted on in Cycles News , Outdoor News
One in four (25%) families are not comfortable cycling, a survey has found.
A poll of more than 500 families found that fears of collisions with motor vehicles, uncertainty over the weather and ill health are among the reasons why they are not confident cyclists.
More than one in 10 (12%) families with children aged under 13 say at least one family member does not know how to ride a bike, according to the research commissioned by charity Cycling UK and Halfords to mark the launch of the annual Bike Week campaign to promote cycling.
Paul Tuohy, chief executive of Cycling UK, said: "During the Olympics the Government showed what can be achieved if we invest wisely in sport. Now's the time to invest in more than medals, by funding the health and well-being of our next generation.
"Cycling UK wants to help millions more people to rediscover or find out for the first time just how much fun you can have cycling."
More than three-quarters (76%) of families claim they would cycle together more often if there was a rise in the number of traffic-free routes, while 36% would increase the frequency of their bike rides if they were trained to cycle through school clubs or locally funded courses.
Halfords group cycling director Simon Irons said: "Cycling is a core life skill and is one activity that can give children the exercise they need, and develop their confidence, health and well-being.
"We are encouraging schools to invest their physical education premium by making cycling a central pillar in active schools clubs to give children the confidence to cycle more."