Sustrans, a UK-based charity, has completed research on improving cycle parking for people on low incomes or the unemployment. The study, funded by Cyclehoop, reveals how inadequate cycle parking hinders cycling adoption among these groups and proposes solutions to address this issue.
The key findings of the report have shown that only 12% of people on low incomes or not in employment own and use a bicycle. Most importantly, 32% of this demographic lacks convenient and secure cycle parking at home, affecting approximately 3.7 million people.
Nearly half (47% or 55 million people) would start cycling or cycle more if they had access to convenient, secure, safe, and accessible cycle parking at home. The most pronounced disparities are in disabled people (39%), women (34%) and ethnic minorities (36%).
Whilst there are strong indications that active travel like cycling is a great option for unemployed people or those who are in low-income brackets, with the rising costs of car ownership and expensive public transport, lack of secure, accessible cycle parking is a serious impediment to both adults and children.
Sustrans has recommended the following to local authorities:
- Increasing residential parking provision, focusing on flats and areas of deprivation
- Providing communal cycle parking for flats
- Raising awareness about residential cycle parking among local communities
In accordance with the government’s commitment to active travel, they have also recommended the following:
- To strengthen guidance for local authorities on improving residential cycle parking
- To ensure long-term funding for sustainable transport initiatives
- To reform planning regulations to mandate adequate cycle parking in new homes
- To amend permitted development rights to allow cycle store installation at the front of houses and flats
Sustrans has also recommended the creation of stronger cycling infrastructure. Not only will this support active travel to work or school but will provide a stronger imperative for cycle classes and programmes for the activities sector.
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