I would love to see more people cycling. I sometimes ask non-cyclists what might encourage them to start cycling. These are some of the common issues which might encourage more to give up 4 wheels for 2.
1. Cycle Schemes
The Paris cycle scheme has been a good success. With a credit card deposit, commuters can pick up bikes at certain points and return them within 30 mins for free. It saves having to break a foldup bike on a train into city centres. I would definitely use a scheme in London if it was fully implemented. However, whether it would get new cyclists is an interesting question.
2. Intelligent Cycle Lanes.
Bad cycle lanes are worse than no cycle lanes at all. (see: crazy cycle lanes) A good cycle lane is well maintained and actually improves safety. Cycle lanes which are separated from roads are often good. But, I am suspicious of cycle lanes which have been made out of pavements, often they are unhelpful. It is not enough just to spend money and put in lanes, it has to be done intelligently (tip to UK planners – try visiting Netherlands) A good cycle land along a canal bank makes cycling a joy.
3. 20mph speed limits in residential areas.
One of the biggest disincentives to cycling is the perceived danger. Many parents say they don’t want their children to cycle because they feel it is unsafe. Reducing car speed reduces both perceived dangers and actual fatalities.
4. Showering facilities at work.
People often say that being hot and sweaty is a disincentive to cycling. More changing facilities may encourage those with a longer commuting time. Personally, I wouldn’t want to get showered at work. I just cycle relatively slowly and wear few clothes so I don’t get too hot.
5. Rising Petrol Prices / Car Parking Charges.
My landlord used to always drive to work (2 miles centre of Oxford). Then the University clamped down on free parking, he switched to cycling. He said the first few days his legs felt like jelly, but, now he really loves the speed and freedom of cycling to work (though it failed to remove his pot belly alas….)
Motorists often have an expectation that parking in city centres should be free. However, since driving into city centres creates negative externalities such as congestion and pollution, there is a justification for charging for it. Higher price of motoring does increase demand for an alternative – cycling.
6. Critical Mass
If you increase cycle use by 10%, the sight of extra cyclists encourages others to start cycling. Their is nothing more intimidating to cycling when you don’t see anyone else venture out. It’s like that in parts of New York, I visit twice a year. Hopefully, small efforts to increase cycle usage could have a multiplier effect
7. Good Road Surface
Potholes can be dangerous as well as irritating. Giant potholes in roads can force you out into road to avoid. On the country lanes I cycle, you can come across an unexpected pothole hidden by a shadow. It’s pretty dangerous. Even in city centres, potholes can persist for a long time.
8. Improved standards of Driving
Of course easier to say than to actually change. The problem is many cyclists feel that drivers can act dangerously with impunity. If a car nearly knocks you off because they drive too close, their is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
9. Improved Standards of Cycling
I actually feel that some people are put off cycling because the reputation cyclists can get for jumping lights cycling on pavements e.t.c. Maybe if advanced Cycle proficiency tests were offered to adults, it may give more confidence for them to go cycling. I don’t just mean the ability to cycle round cones at 5mph. But, practical advice about the importance of looking over your shoulder when turning e.t.c.
The trouble with 20 mile an hour limits is the same as 30 mile an hour limits, no one keeps to these speeds unless there is a camera to catch them out, and now councils are scrapping cameras on streets.
What is the point of giving limits if there are no cameras?
Good point Dan, I think people lack confidence cycling and personal experience is best way to overcome
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned here but I’ve heard a lot about is “bike buddy” schemes. They pair up a commuter with an experienced cyclist. For the first few weeks they do the daily commute together, just to help the newbie get over the initial confidence hump, and to help them feel more safe on the roads. After that they might do slightly longer or unfamiliar rides together, to help the newbie learn to spot the ridiculously small cycle route signs and markings, and to plan routes; and after that the buddy is available to give advice by email or to meet up infrequently with advice on lighting, wet weather gear, or anything else you can only really be told by a more experienced person.
I haven’t taken part in one of these, but from what I hear the new cyclists really appreciate being able to learn from a good example, and just having someone there so they’re not doing this unfamiliar and scary thing alone.
Missed this post a few weeks ago. Here’s a good way to get people to give cycling a go: http://www.swindoncyclechallenge.org.uk/
Thanks Nigel, I like the posts on your blog. http://www.bikingbrits.blogspot.com/ It would be great to see more of cycling culture here in UK.
My Utopian ideal would be for every primary school child to have the opportunity to be trained to National Standard Level 2 (an improved version of the old Cycling Proficiency training) by the age of 11. Cycling, like crossing the road safely, should be regarded as a “life skill” and ideally even be part of the National Curriculum.
Further, every applicant for a Provisional Driving Licence should be trained to National Standard Level 3 (advanced cycling in urban traffic) before they are issued with the licence.
Not only would new drivers then learn a greater awareness of road conditions, their roadcraft skills would be much greater, having been trained road users for several years before taking up driving. Far better than the current situation when a youngster “graduates” from the rear passenger seat to the driving seat without ever even being taught to cross the road safely.
One final benefit is that every driver would also, by default, be a cyclist too. Thus eliminating at a stroke that tedious “us-and-them” situation we all suffer on the roads today.