Survey Of 2000 GB Adults Finds Cycling Set To Overtake Public Transport For Commute

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are urging people to take care on the roads ahead of an expected spike in the number of people cycling to work.  

The national law firm is supporting Bike Week which this year is focusing on the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling.

As well as supporting the campaign, Irwin Mitchell is encouraging all road users to take care, particularly as people’s transport habits change as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to be felt.

Survey finds cycling rates set to double due to Covid-19 pandemic

A survey of just over 2,000 GB adults commissioned by the firm found people’s transport habits are expected to change as restrictions continue to be eased.

While only six per cent of GB adults said they cycled to work before the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, when asked which modes of transport commuters would use after lockdown this figure jumped to 13 per cent, making it the third most popular mode of transport behind personal car at 58 per cent and walking at 26 per cent.

Serious injury lawyers in cycling safety warning

Peter Lorence is a specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell and the company’s cycling spokesperson. 

Expert Opinion

“If as expected Covid-19 restrictions continue to be eased and people’s habits continue to adapt, more people will be traveling again.

“However, as indicated in our survey it could well be the case that many of those will still prefer to cycle in order to maintain social distancing. Particularly, they may well be compelled to do so if public transport capacity is still reduced.

“Worryingly, statistics recently released by the government reveal that an estimated 56 per cent of cars exceed 30mph speed limit, whilst a remarkable 86 per cent of drivers exceed 20mph speed limits. Yet two thirds of all crashes where people are killed or serious injured happened on roads with a 30mph limit or less. So, with an expected increased number of cyclists and motorists on the roads it’s vital that everyone takes care.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

Coronavirus leads to change in commuting habits 

The survey commissioned and released by Irwin Mitchell last summer found that before Covid-19, personal car and walking at 39 per cent and 17 per cent respectively were the two most popular ways of getting to work. Catching the bus was third at 11 per cent, followed by catching the overground train at eight per cent and cycling at six per cent.

Following the first lockdown, 58 per cent and 26 per cent respectively of those who commuted to work before restrictions were introduced plan on using a personal car or walking, with 13 per cent planning on cycling.  

The survey also found that there had been an increase in households taking up cycling. A total of 12 per cent of British households took up cycling during lockdown.  

Thirty one per cent of 18-24-year-olds had taken up cycling, as had 30 per cent of students surveyed.

A quarter of people will continue cycling post pandemic

Of those questioned just over one in four – 26 per cent – said they were likely to continue cycling post Covid-19.   

Too much traffic on the roads – 33 per cent – followed by a lack of designated and segregated cycle lanes – 21 per cent – were the biggest factors preventing people from cycling.

A personal lack of cycling experience put off 12 per cent, while eight per cent said a lack of facilities in the workplace such as showers and changing rooms were also a barrier to cycling. 

Expert Opinion

“There are real benefits to cycling – both from a physical and mental health aspect – and we don’t want to put people off from getting on their bikes.

“With businesses reopening and employees commuting by bike and car we need people to watch out for each other; to drive and ride sensibly, at the right speeds. Sadly, we see all too often the life-changing impact road injuries have on innocent individuals and their families.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

Irwin Mitchell is an associate member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking. 

Find out more about our expertise in helping people following cycling collisions at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.   

Bike Weeks runs from 30 May to 5 June and is organised by Cycling UK. For more information visit www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek