58% of UK residents agree more should be spent on cycling infrastructure

A new report published today (March 4) by walking and cycling charity Sustrans suggests the majority of UK residents support efforts to reduce car use and believe that the government should make it easier for people to cycle.

Road transport currently accounts for 27% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, of which the main source is private vehicles. 

According to a survey conducted for the report on over 16,900 UK residents, over half of the individuals surveyed (58%) agreed that there should be more investment to cycling than driving. 

Currently, there are only 50 miles of protected cycle tracks in the UK, in comparison, Copenhagen, with a population of 1.3 million has 237 miles of protected cycle tracks. 

The survey also revealed that one in two residents agreed with the statement that there are too many people driving in their area. 59% agreed that reducing road traffic would make their area a better place to live and work. 

56% of those surveyed were also in support of the idea to charge polluting vehicles to enter the city if the financial proceeds are then used to fund public transport, walking and cycling services. 

Daisy Narayanan, director of urbanism at Sustrans said: ‘The climate crisis is the greatest environmental and health challenge of the 21st century. 

‘With road transport being one of the major sources of greenhouse gasses and air pollutants, it’s time we end car-centric planning which has shaped our cities and towns for decades and reprioritise our streets towards people.

‘Many cities are taking action to reduce car trips and make it more convenient for people to walk and cycle. Our report shows the public is supportive of these plans.

‘Ahead of crucial climate talks at COP26 in Glasgow, we urge the UK Government to show leadership and make a step-change in investment for cycling and walking, including protected cycle lanes, and adopt policies to support more people to switch from driving to walking and cycling for shorter journeys.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay