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Fri 30 May, 12:00 pm UTC

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Higher energy costs to fuel cycling boom says CTC

By BikeRadar

CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation – is predicting an extra 1.25 million trips will be made by bicycle every day due to the rising price of petrol and diesel.

After the 1979 oil crisis when fuel prices rocketed, cycling increased by almost 40% over thre next four years according to the CTC's interpretation of  Department for Transport statistics. With fuel prices higher than ever recorded CTC expects thousands of motorists to leave their cars at home and go to work by bike instead. However, the rise shown in the official statistics is open to a number of alternative interpretations.

 Commenting on the likely impact of rising fuel prices CTC Director Kevin Mayne said: “The amount commuters pay for fuel has a direct correlation with people deciding to take up cycling. Going by bike to work is a cheap, quick, healthy and an environmentally friendly way to commute and as people look to save money where they can, it’s the obvious choice”.

It’s not just commuters who bike to work who save money. According to a study by Cycling England every new cyclist contributes an economic benefit of up to £382 to the nation.  Using these figures the CTC calculates that a 40% increase in cycling would provide at least £1bn* worth of benefits.

In anticipation of a boom in cycling to work, CTC has rushed forward the launch of the Bike to Work package to support people leaving their cars for bicycles. The package costs £52 per year and includes breakdown assistance, insurance and all the benefits of being a CTC member. For more information about CTC’s ‘Bike to Work’ package see www.ctc.org.uk/commuter.

 Kevin Mayne added: “If you are considering going by bike to work, now is the perfect time. You’ll save money on fuel, the weather is good and CTC is launching ‘Bike to Work’ which provides cyclists with similar breakdown assistance to motorists, £10m third party insurance and CTC membership for just £1 per week.”

 There are so many benefits to leaving the car at home and travelling by bike to work instead. Here are CTC’s top five:

1.       It saves you money – no petrol, tax or parking charges.

2.       It’s twice as fast as a car in rush hour.

3.       It’s efficient.

4.       It’s environmentally friendly.

5.       It keeps you fit and healthy too. 

But what has your experience been? Have you started cycling more as a result of higher fuel costs and if so will you revert to the car if the price of fuel falls? Log-in below and have your say.

* Cycling England’s report Valuing the benefits of cycling was published last year. Using its figures CTC calculate the benefits by 2015 of cycling increasing 40% at around £1 billion. Breakdown below

 

Approximate benefit from each cyclist

40% increase in cycling (£m)

Reduction in premature deaths 

£11.16 - £242.07

£214

Reduced NHS costs

£87.06 - £175.51

£104

Reduced absence from work

£47.68

£174

Reduced pollution

£69.14

£142

Reduced congestion

£137.28

£414

Total

  

£1,048

User Comments

There are 7 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 comments

  • I've definitely started cycling more and if local councils (via central government ) offered secure cycling in city centre's ( lock-ups ) then I would get rid of my car.

    Security of bikes is still a major issue preventing a massive growth in cycling and it needs to be addressed .

    I think CTC have underestimated the growth , but there still needs to be an investment in cycle lanes and facilities , road conditions are appalling .

  • Higher fuel costs and a local bridge being closed to motor vehicles for 4 moths has encouraged me to start cycling the 6.5 miles to work. The only down side is that I have had to go out and buy a new bike as my old full suspension mountain bike was killing me up the hills.

    I am one of the luck ones who work on a secure site so bike security isn't a problem.

    Best move I have made in a long time, I feel so much better and get home de-stressed.

  • i really cant understand anyone NOT cycling to work that

    a) has to travel less that 10 miles.

    b) doesn't have to carry loads of kit.

    its a no brainer

  • As a regular cyclist I see a few issues stopping people cycling. One is the standard of roads. The surface of some of the roads I ride on is the worst I've ever seen it and quite frankly I'd be concerned about the risks to a new cyclist on those roads. As it is you spend more time looking at the ground to dodge bumps/holes rather than the cars and other obstacles. The other big issue is security. People on a budget will not have an expensive bike, or lock for that matter, but also probably can't afford to replace their bike if it gets stolen. Thankfully more and more companies are offering secure parking for staff, which covers commuting. Locking bikes up at train stations or outside shops is a different story though.

  • Likewise long term bridge closure (Wimborne- Dorset) has resulted in me returning to the saddle for the first time in 10 years for my 7/8 mile commute...i reckon im saving £40 a month on fuel and would appear to be losing a bit of weight in the process so that cant be a bad thing!

    Luckily I had a decent bike, only outgoing has been a new helmet.

  • Road conditions are a serious issue and it must be tackled.

    I reckon I'm saving £40/month on fuel by biking to work + another £40 because I've quit my gym membership.

    I think provision for cyclists ( secure lock up/showers ) should be enshrined in employment law, BUT , I also want to see secure provision in city centres so I can spend my recreation time there without having to use my car.

  • Over the last few months I have seen more cyclists commuting on the road but is that to do with the weather or fuel, probably both.

    Will they keep going over the winter that is going to be interesting?

    But I am getting more annoyed with the new cycle tracks being done in Lancashire, they are nearly all on the path so not suitable/safe for some one on a road bike doing 10- 30 mph etc. Then you can start to complain about the state of the roads (which I do using http://www.fillthathole.org.uk ).

    I am saving about 1.5 gallons of diesel per week cycling to work but more importantly I enjoy the ride and feel a lot better, even though a 15 min car journey is a 40+ min bike ride.

  • 1

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