Cycling reflects Bristol’s inequalities according to major new report

Cycling has the potential to reduce inequality in Bristol but investment in infrastructure is vital, say campaigners.

People in lower socio-economic brackets are less likely to ride a bike and are also among the least likely to own a car, making access to jobs, healthcare, services and opportunities more difficult, according to a major new Bike Life report, published on Wednesday, March 4.

The survey of more than 1,400 residents found that 35 per cent of this group would like to start cycling, but face numerous barriers including concerns about safety, a lack of confidence, and the cost of a suitable bike.

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Walking and cycling charity Sustrans is calling on local government to design and build suitable infrastructure to address existing barriers and make cycling a more equal and inclusive option for all.

“Cycling has real potential to reduce inequality in Bristol, helping people get to employment, healthcare and everyday services,” said Jon Usher, Sustrans head of partnerships for England South.

“But this will only happen if everyone feels that cycling can be a viable option for them. We need to make it an attractive, accessible and safe option.

“Our research shows that people really do support more investment in cycling in the city, and that people want to cycle more. By designing and building infrastructure that caters for everyone’s needs, we can help ensure cycling in Bristol is more equal, reducing transport poverty and helping to improve overall everyday cycling levels.

“We’ll need to see a step change in the levels of funding available for cycling if this is to happen.”

Bike Life, the UK’s biggest assessment of cycling in cities, found that only nine per cent of people in the lower income bracket, or unemployed, currently cycle at least once a week.

In addition, women, people from minority ethnic groups and disabled people are all less likely to cycle than their white, male, non-disabled counterparts.

Bristol’s One City Plan, launched in 2019, acknowledges the need to increase active travel in the city, setting a target for a minimum of 40 per cent of all journeys to be made by cycling, walking or public transport by 2030.

Commenting on these latest findings, mayor Marvin Rees said the report supports council data showing cycling rates are lower in areas of higher deprivation.

“Tackling inequality is a key challenge and this survey has provided valuable insights that can inform ongoing work,” said Rees.

“In the past few years, the council has invested over £19m in new or upgraded bicycle routes – with many routes specifically chosen to improve access to deprived areas of the city. We are also developing and extending existing routes to improve safety and inspire confidence.

“Increasing cycling rates has an important role to play in tackling inequality, from helping people access employment opportunities to improving public health and air quality. I encourage anyone who wants to learn to sign up for cycle training, or our loan bike scheme, which lets you try out bikes without committing financially. We are committed to helping everyone in Bristol start cycling if they want to.”

Run by Sustrans in partnership with Bristol City Council, Bike Life is part of a wider piece of research by Sustrans covering 17 cities across the UK, assessing cycling development, attitudes and behaviour in each city.

70 per cent of residents support building more protected on-road cycle tracks, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic, according to the Bike Life survey

The report also found:

●      62 per cent of Bristol residents would like to see more government spending on cycling.

●      66 per cent of Bristol residents think fewer motor vehicles on our streets would be useful to help them cycle more.

●      70 per cent of residents support building more protected on-road cycle tracks, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.

An event to mark the launch of the report and discuss some of the topics covered will be held on Tuesday, March 10. For more information and to register, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transforming-cities-bristols-bike-life-launch-tickets-88640009655.

All photos by Jon Bewley for Sustrans

Read more: ‘My goal would be to get as many people as possible cycling’