British Cycling has set out a four-year goal to reinforce Britain’s position as a world-leading cycling nation while delivering a contribution to society, health, and the economy.
The national governing body notes that 27 million adults in Britain ride a bike each year, making cycling one of the most popular national activities. However, new research undertaken for British Cycling has identified that inequalities currently exist in terms of access – particularly among children from lower-income families.
British Cycling has found that:
- 97% of children from the highest socio-economic backgrounds can ride a bike, compared with 89% of children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds – leaving nearly 350,000 children from low-income families without this fundamental life skill and exacerbating a disparity in health and social outcomes.
- Two-thirds (66%) of children who cannot ride a bike want to learn, yet 41% cite lack of access to a bike as the biggest barrier.
- Children from disadvantaged communities are a third less likely to enjoy cycling than those from wealthier backgrounds – compared to football and athletics – highlighting a divide in opportunity.
Informed by these insights, British Cycling has released a strategy:
- To support and grow the sport: Making cycling more diverse and inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, gender, or ability, can experience the joy and benefits of cycling, whether for sport, travel, or leisure.
- To lead on the world stage: Cementing Britain’s position as the most competitive cycling nation, not just winning medals, but winning ‘well’, with integrity, inclusivity, and innovation.
- To drive social impact: Using cycling as a catalyst for positive change, tackling inequalities, and helping people live healthier, happier, and more active lives.
British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton said “Cycling has the power to transform lives, yet too many people face stubborn barriers to getting on a bike.
“Whether for transport, leisure, or sport, everyone should have the opportunity to ride – regardless of their background or circumstances.
“Right now, our research shows that hundreds of thousands of children who want to ride simply don’t have access – we must change that as part of our wider commitment to breaking down barriers for all. This is about more than sport. It’s about tackling the UK’s health, wealth, and social inequalities head-on, ensuring that cycling is a force for good in every community.”
British Cycling is aiming to deliver tangible benefits for communities nationwide across Great Britain through a combination of investment, partnerships, and on-the-ground programmes, including:
- Rolling out a flagship social impact programme nationwide to break down barriers and create meaningful cycling opportunities.
- Launching a new charitable foundation to drive access, inclusion, and participation – with Ed Clancy OBE as the Managing Director.
- Continuing a modernisation of the sport through major events to reach new audiences and engage more people to experience cycling.
- Expanding the City Academies and Hubs initiative, which is providing young people – 4,500 since April 2024 – in major urban areas with better access to cycling.
- Partnering with government, local authorities, and industry to improve cycling infrastructure, stage major events, and increase community engagement.
Jon Dutton added, “Through our planned charitable arm, social impact programme and participation initiatives, we will strive to deliver a generational shift in access to cycling. We are ready to drive this change, and we call on partners from across sport, government, and business to join us in making it happen.”
It is recognised that regular cycling reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, with research reporting by as much as nearly 50% while also significantly improving mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly relevant when considering that only 43% of trips under five miles in towns and cities are made by walking or cycling – a figure British Cycling aims to increase dramatically.
In addition, the UK’s cycling industry is worth £7.5 billion annually, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Boosting participation can reduce pressure on the NHS and social care system while stimulating local economies and improving social mobility.
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, said “We know that increasing physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to reduce NHS pressures, enhance wellbeing and support our overall health mission.
“British Cycling’s commitment to making cycling more accessible, particularly for children and disadvantaged communities, will help us towards a healthier and more active Britain.
“Breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to ride can help tackle some of the challenges we face, be it reducing childhood obesity to improving the nation’s mental health. As we deliver our Plan for Change, the Government is supportive of this vision, and we look forward to working with British Cycling to make it a reality.”
