Unmet demand for cycling from ethnic minority and other disadvantaged groups

New guidance by Sustrans and Arup shows an unmet demand for cycling from ethnic minority and disadvantaged groups

Why is equitable access to cycling important?

Cycling benefits both physical and mental well-being, and can help reduce social and economic inequalities by increasing access to work, education, food, health services and recreation. All urban design (including cycling investment) has an impact on social equality, it is therefore important that the people who design, plan and improve our cities understand the implications of the decisions they make.

Many people have been excluded from cycling. There is a lack of diversity in people that cycle, with current cycling policies serving those who are already privileged in society. People who have the greatest need, and stand to benefit the most, should be placed at the centre of cycling investment plans.

A new report, with guidance for people making decisions on cycling in the UK, has been produced with the aim of making cycling attractive and accessible to everyone.

Existing inequalities

There are inequalities within cycling participation in urban areas between different demographics. Those from ethnic minority groups, women, disabled people, older people and those from deprived areas are less likely to cycle, despite 55% wanting to start.

There has been an increase in the number of people cycling during the Covid-19 pandemic, with cycling shown to be a safe and socially distanced way for people to get exercise and travel.

However, research suggests that many people are excluded from cycling. The following groups currently do not cycle:

• 85% of people over the age of 65
• 78% of disabled people
• 76% of women
• 75% of people at risk of deprivation
• 74% of people from ethnic minority groups

The transport sector should address barriers for these groups

The report found that the transport sector was not doing enough to address the barriers faced by ethnic minority groups. Some of the barriers faced by ethnic minority, and other disadvantaged groups, are similar to barriers faced by other groups: lack of confidence, lack of facilities and cost.

What needs to be done?

Key recommendations from the guide include:

• Extension of UK Government’s Cycle to Work Scheme to include low income jobs to ensure cost is not a barrier to those looking to purchase a bike.
• Improvements to secure cycle storage in residential areas, particularly for flats and high rise buildings.
• Free cycling training needs to be provided to all children and adults.
• Cycling infrastructure should be expanded to reach areas where transport options are poor and high levels of traffic exist.

The full guidance, with more recommendations about how to improve cycling for everyone, can be found here.