South East cyclists are more likely to be using their bikes for leisure and fun than any other region in England, according to new figures from the Dept for Transport.
The government’s research reveals that the region’s cyclists are most likely to use their bikes five times a week, and they also top the charts for those that manage three trips.
Cyclists in the South East are also some of those most likely to cycle to work, with only the East of England region and London in the saddle more for their commute.
Looking closer, Oxford came out top for the region’s most active cyclists overall, followed by Portsmouth.
While Portsmouth, followed Basingstoke and Deane, residents primarily use their bikes for leisure, with the students, academics and workers of Oxford being more likely to use their bikes to pedal to classes and workplaces.
Nationwide, cycling trips shot up 26% in 2020 compared to the previous year and riders also travelled much further, with average cycling distances 62% longer than in 2019.
The research shows potential for an increase in cycling over the coming year, with 47% of all persons over the age of five in England now having access to a bicycle, up from 42% during 2017-19, and ownership is highest in the under-17 age group.
The report also references recent government research which shows that 53% of respondents would be encouraged to take to the roads, if they were safer.
The anticipated introduction of new Highway Code guidance this Autumn is expected to address this issue and give cyclists more protection – by establishing a ‘hierarchy of road users’ ranking the most vulnerable to harm and placing the greatest responsibility on drivers for the safety of other road users. Among the changes proposed by the transport secretary, will be giving cyclists greater priority over vehicles at zebra crossings and junctions.
The DfT announced the changes as part of a £338 million investment package to boost cycling and walking across the country.
Responding to the latest figures, Insurance Comparison Expert Lee Evans at Quotezone.co.uk – which launched one of the UK’s first price comparison services for bicycle insurance – comments: “It’s great to see the South East at the forefront of the nation’s cycling boom, with so many taking advantage of their bikes for leisure and work while getting fit and saving money in the process.
“It will come as no surprise to many that cycling is flourishing, given the inadvertent boost from many months in lockdown, but the proposed changes to the Highway Code are a very positive step in supporting the increasing popularity of cycling and giving cyclists confidence to take to the roads. Given it’s been six years since the last change to the Highway Code, this is a significant development.
“Even though cycling has been surging, bicycle crime and accidents actually fell during the pandemic, but there’s always the risk that this downward trend might stall as traffic stabilises to pre-pandemic levels and opportunistic thieves emerge from lockdown restrictions. Which is why it’s still important to consider bicycle insurance – since some bicycles, especially electric models, can retail for thousands of pounds.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products, including niche items such as road bike insurance, electric bike insurance and cycling liability insurance.