Yes – when I read that, I thought what? But it is as you read it – for every time a driver becomes a cyclist, the country becomes £400 better off. Apparently there are approximately 26 million cars on the road. Let’s say generously that there are 6 million cyclists who also own cars, that leaves 20 million. A quick calculation makes that £8,000,000,000 – I dunno what that number is called – is it £8 billion?
Anyway – whatever it is, it shows that there is a real need and benefit for everyone in getting more people to cycle.
The report I have been reading came from the Local Government Information Unit http://www.lgiu.gov.uk/. It really is quite interesting – the figure above is calculated on the savings drawn from reduced medical bills, congestion and pollution. I’ve no idea how this is even calculable, but I’m prepared to believe it.
It goes on to debunk a few myths about cycling, too, one point is about the perceived risk of cycling:
“The evidence shows that an increase in cycling can increase road safety, with a doubling of cycle rates leading to a 34 per cent reduction in the risk of injury faced by each cyclist2. A theory supported by evidence across Europe. Despite these figures, there is a disproportionate perception that cycling is too dangerous. This is stopping people getting on their bikes and encouraging their family and friends to do the same. They need to believe that they are going to be safe on a bike.”
The point I have made a few times now is that there is a kind of tipping point where enough people cycling essentially makes it safer for everyone as bikes are perceived as a constant rather than an individual obstacle. The more it is perceived to be safe, the more people will cycle. If there were no cars on the road who wouldn’t want to cycle? It’s much more pleasant plus you get a workout. But right now, you feel like you take your life in your hands each time you go out.
Anyway check the site out and download the pdf and have a read.
Leave a Comment
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
