Almost 2 million people on low income or not in employment want to cycle, but are “effectively excluded”, finds Sustrans research
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
A report from active travel charity Sustrans has found that a total of 1.9 million, or 38 per cent of people on a low income or not in employment want to cycle, or cycle more, but are priced out of the activity and its benefits due to the high costs and the lack of discount offers such available, with Sustrans recommending a “parallel initiative” to Cycle to Work to end “cycling inequality” and bring in economic benefits of up to £60 million.
The Cycle to Work scheme was initially launched in 1999 by the UK Government and currently offers millions of people discounts of up to 40 per cent when buying a new bike and additional safety gear such as locks and helmets. However, people on a low or no income are excluded as they do not meet the scheme’s entry criteria.
The research found that of those in the working age (16-65 years old) and without a job, or employed but earning less than £17,000 per year, 14 per cent (1.6 million) people would be “very likely” to use a voucher scheme providing 40 per cent off retail cost, while 18 per cent (2 million) of those not in employment said they would use a cycle to get to and from work if they find a job in the future.
Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, said: “A new UK Government brings new opportunities. Their focus on the economy, opportunity and health is critical, and integrating transport with walking, wheeling and cycling must be a part of this. To include those at all economic levels in this is a priority, or we risk leaving two million people to the dangers of transport poverty.”
While only 30 per cent of people on a low income or not in employment have access to a cycle, data from Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index found that 59 per cent of people in professional occupations on the other hand have access to a cycle.
The scheme’s modelling reveals a 40 per cent discount voucher - aligned to the discounts available via Cycle to Work - would have an annual economic benefit of £60 million, at a cost of just £18 million. By improving people’s health and wellbeing, the scheme will reduce costs to the NHS and thousands of sick days will be prevented. It will improve access to work and education opening opportunities and boosting the local economy.
Brice continued: “The opportunity to get more people cycling is right here for the taking. The Cycle to Work scheme has existed for 25 years. Why shouldn’t the same opportunities be extended to the people that need it most — now?
Using the Cycling Opportunity voucher scheme, we can tackle this inequality together and enjoy the benefits together too; for our bank accounts, our NHS and our environment.”
The walking, cycling and wheeling charity said: “The UK has 11.7 million people earning less than £17,000 per year or not in employment. People in this group are much less likely to have access to a car compared to the general population. For those who do, rising costs are making it unaffordable to run.”