Bike Is Best – Statistics Overview on the British Public’s Perception of Active Travel

This report highlights that the British public are in full support of making changes to our streets to reallocate priority away from motoring and toward walking and cycling. Research conducted by YouGov shows that 6.5 people support changes to their local streets for every 1 person who doesn’t. The results are a clear indicator that there is overwhelming support across the country to bring about lasting changes to transport infrastructure which can tackle air pollution and climate change, as well as make streets more pleasant places to socialise and shop. 

Whilst the British public think more cycling would be good for the nation, they underestimate how much other people agree with this and overestimate how much other people disagree. This tendency to overestimate other people’s dislike of cycling might partially explain why minority opposition to active-travel schemes is often given undue weight.