Newly released city rankings from PeopleForBikes show that the quality of urban cycling networks in the UK is falling further behind those in Europe.
The rankings also highlight that the gap in quality between cycling infrastructure in London and that in the rest of the UK persists.
Cities are scored on a scale of 0 – 100*, with the score being determined by Bicycle Network Analysis (BNA) data analysis software which assesses cycling networks based on the following six factors:
- Safe Speeds
- Protected Bike Lanes
- Reallocated Space
- Intersection Treatments
- Network Connections
- Trusted Data
107 towns and cities in the UK are featured in the new report and between them have an average score of 63. At the top of the pile is Cambridge with a score of 84, while at the wrong end of the table is Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, with 32.
The UK’s 63 average is three points higher than last year, however, it pales against the European average of 73.
Only two UK locations make it into the European top 20: Cambridge and Hackney, who qualify in 16th and 17th place respectively.
Paris is the best performer in Europe but six of the top ten are in the Netherlands.
Within the UK, London boroughs perform exceptionally well, with 13 featuring in the top 20. The most improved location in the list is Newham in London, which has seen its score rise from from 66 last year to 82.
The situation is markedly different in Greater Manchester where only the city centre makes the top 50, while Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale, Oldham and Bury are all in the bottom 15.
PeopleForBikes point out that the best performing locations in the UK have 20mph speed limits on roads connecting neighborhoods and offer residents a variety safe routes to everyday destinations. High-scoring cities also feature good connections to neighboring cities via protected bike lanes and off-street paths, including across bridges.
The organisation also voice concern over the delay in the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) being published.
Under the Infrastructure Act 2015, the Government is legally required to periodically update the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy but while CWIS2 covered the period 2022–2025, there hasn’t even been any consultation on as third iteration.
Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes President and CEO, said: ‘This year’s City Ratings highlight the progress being made in parts of the UK and the ongoing need for greater investment in safe, connected cycling lanes nationwide. We know that when cities invest in better infrastructure, more people choose to ride, and that leads to wide-ranging benefits like reduced congestion and better health outcomes,”
‘These findings give decision-makers and advocates the evidence they need to take bold, informed action to make bicycling a more accessible and appealing option for everyone.’
*And because you want to know, pictured below is the one location in the world with a score of 100. Presenting, Mackinac Island in Michigan, United States.
The full report can be read here.
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