DfT: ‘Cycling is up and car use is down’

Government data published today has revealed that cycling has hit its highest level in decades.

According to the Department for Transport’s report on travel in 2009, cycling journeys have increased in terms of distance. In 2009 cycle journeys rose to 46 miles per person, compared with 42 miles per person in 2008.

The number of trips made has remained the same as in 2008, however, at 16 per person per year.

Average cycle trips have increased from 2.4 miles to 2.8 miles.

The increase was not entirely unforseen, according to national cyclist organisation the CTC.

Policy coordinator Chris Peck said: "We expected that the recession, along with high fuel prices, would lead to an increase in cycling.

"What is surprising is that the growth is particularly associated with those in the highest income bracket, which may be as a result of the boom in leisure cycling and commuting by bike."

Peck added that much of the rise had been experienced in the south of the country.

"The upward trend has been most marked in the south of England, with 8 per cent of inner London residents and one in 25 workers in the South East and South West now saying they cycle to work.

“At the same time as cycling is increasing, car use is steadily falling. Expenditure on new cars is down by 13 per cent in three years, while sales of bikes have soared by 25 per cent over the same period."