Research by Cycling UK reveals that female cyclists in the UK are deterred from cycling due to intimidating driver behavior, inadequate infrastructure, and safety concerns. These barriers have grown for women over the past seven years, while men’s concerns have slightly decreased.
A Cycling UK survey showed that experiences of intimidation, like close overtaking and threatening incidents, remained steady for women, though they declined for men by 5%. Safety concerns and the absence of adequate cycling infrastructure limit cycling journeys for over half the women surveyed.
Cycling UK emphasizes the need for infrastructure investment and safer streets tailored to women’s experiences. The group calls for active travel to account for 10% of travel budgets.
Simon Irons of the Bicycle Association underlines safety as the primary obstacle to cycling and notes that the “Covid boom” in cycling waned as roads became busier again.
The latest data from the Bicycle Association shows a decline in bicycle sales, with 1.45 million bikes sold in 2024, marking a new low point. E-bike sales dropped by 5%.
Shared bike schemes saw a growth, but its impact on bike sales is uncertain. Children’s bike volumes decreased by 2%, despite increased demand for loaned bikes for training, highlighting access inequalities.
Emily Cherry of the Bikeability Trust mentions a rising demand for loaned cycles and says many children in deprived areas lack access to safe cycling facilities.
Sarah McMonagle of Cycling UK advocates for safer cycle routes that consider women’s experiences and addresses poor road behavior.
