Dedicated safety routes 'would get people on their bikes'

Date: 27/5/2011

More people would be encouraged to take to two wheels to get around if additional facilities were put in place to enable them to do so safely, according to one charity.

Brake notes that 71 per cent of respondents to its poll never use their bicycle on the road, while 59 per cent do not cycle at all.

However, 34 per cent of these individuals say they would hop on their bike to travel from their home to local shops and services if there were trails in place to allow them to do so safely.

As a result, the charity calculates that 20 per cent more people could be persuaded to use their bikes to get around if such facilities were introduced.

This would help to lower emissions and reduce congestion, it says.

Any planners, engineers and policymakers who wish to encourage cycling in their area can get help from TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and their Cycling Environment Review System (CERS).

This tool examines cycling environments in terms of their quality, safety and levels of rider comfort.

Assessments are conducted on bicycles, and seek to evaluate how riders can be better catered for alongside other modes of transport, ultimately with the aim of improving cycling facilities for all potential cyclists including children and novice riders.

CERS has been used by TRL for a variety of applications including safe cycling routes to schools, implementation of bicycle masterplans and upgrades of rider facilities in town centre environments.

Posted by Sarah Bailey