Cycling insurance specialist Laka has unveiled the results of an independent nationwide UK survey aimed at exploring the barriers preventing more women from cycling.
The key highlights from the results indicate that over 41% of women in the UK state safety concerns and vulnerability of cycling alone as their main concerns for cycling. Over a third are concerned about other road users and 42% do not feel confident riding a bike on UK roads.
The survey was completed by over 2,000 female and male UK residents aged 16+ and encompassed both cyclists and non-cyclists. The survey also investigated areas that would encourage more people to use alternative sustainable transport such as bikes, cargo bikes and e-bikes, with nearly half of females (45%) stating that well-lit walk and cycle lanes would be a solution.
In addition, the survey revealed that despite a general desire to adopt greener, more environmentally friendly modes of transport over 63% believe their travel choices are affected either always or sometimes by the impact of the environment. Barriers were found to limit a wholesale adoption of greener modes of transport.
Findings of the research include:
- Only 48% of women surveyed owns a bike
- Over 42% of women nationwide do not feel confident riding a bike on roads
- 13% of women are unable to ride a bike
When it comes to their travel priorities, the main considerations for women are ease of travel (43%), time taken to travel (42%), cost (42%) and safety (42 %); whilst only 14% stated that they would consider their impact on the environment when choosing their method of transport.
However, over 36% of women in the survey stated they are more likely to change their primary modes of transport post COVID. According to the survey, key motivators for change would be:
- Well-lit walk and cycle lanes (45%)
- Increased infrastructure (21%)
- Government grants (27%)
Laka adds that these findings point to further, substantial investment in cycling safety and infrastructure at a local and national level, to ensure sustainable travel options also tick the boxes when it comes to safety and practicality. Whilst the idea of grants suggests there might be more to come from incentive-led schemes like Bike 2 Work.
According to Tobias Taupitz, CEO of Laka, “Whilst Covid has made many of us more introspective about our role in the environment and our lives in general, these will only be adopted in volume when women’s concerns about safety and facilities are properly addressed, as well as perceived barriers in terms of time and cost.
“The survey also shows that we are not averse to proactive financial incentives to get us motivated to explore greener methods of travel such as cycling. As cycle insurers, we are only too aware of the issues around women’s cycle safety especially in urban areas and are keen to support any initiatives that make cycle commutes safer.”
Kelly Barnes, CMO of Laka, added “Here at Laka we believe that breaking down these barriers to get women on their bikes is the easiest ride to a greener future, that’s why we’ve launched our Greener Cities Through Women Cycling Campaign, focusing on women’s cycling to help people jump back onto a bike or onto one for the first time.”
