What do you think prevents people from bike commuting in the UK?

[bikecommuter99]

What do you think prevents people from bike commuting in the UK?

Thanks.

[imphalblue]

The weather,the atrocious state of the roads,lack of changing facilities,aggressive drivers,poor light in winter,laziness,the idea that cyclists are a breed apart(Lycra-clad loons),poor road layout etc etc. There are a few of us struggling along in all weathers. I am a truck driver who has been commuting by bike for the last few years and I can honestly say that I feel fitter and fresher now than ever before. If you sit down all day there is no better way to start. I am now contemplating a 150 mile ride in 2 days in the highlands in September so more saddle time needed!

[daven1986]

I agree with some of the above, especially lack of changing facilities and laziness. I have a gym at work that I can change in, but not everyone has this luxury, and it would make it much harder in the morning if I didn't.

Weather too plays a big role, and I guess the another thing is that people don't think they can do it.

Being scared of cars / lorries etc. is also a contributing factor. However I think that becoming more comfortable takes a bit of experience like most things!

Daven

[hagen2456]

I agree with some of the above, especially lack of changing facilities and laziness. I have a gym at work that I can change in, but not everyone has this luxury, and it would make it much harder in the morning if I didn't.

Weather too plays a big role, and I guess the another thing is that people don't think they can do it.

Being scared of cars / lorries etc. is also a contributing factor. However I think that becoming more comfortable takes a bit of experience like most things!

Daven

I think that if you compare to Holland and Denmark, you'll find that the one distinguishing factor is bike infrastructure/lower speed in the cities. Not the weather, nor changing facilities, nor poor light, nor laziness.

Look at the city of Västerås in Sweden http://maps.google.dk/maps?hl=da&sug...ed=0CGAQ8gEwAg. 30% commute by bike, a great deal of them thoughout all the seasons. Winter is to be reckoned with in that place - but they've build more than 350 km of bike lanes. Makes a difference.

And cars are actually quite cheap in Sweden.


Edit: The number is not 30% any more. With suburbia spreading farther out, it has fallen to about 20% during the last 10 years.

[U.V.]

i think the main problem is people living so far away from there place of work, i don't drive, so my job can only be so far from where i live. a couple of years ago i had no trouble moving jobs to do a 30 mile round trip every day, but, most people are just not in the cycling mind-set
plus jobs are harder to find these days what with the financial climate what it is

[bunman]

I work in London. These are the things that prevent me commuting by bike:

1) the last part of the commute would be through central London. I cannot think of a mnore dangerous, stressful place to cycle. No way, never in a million years
2) lack of showers/facilities and place to keep my bike safe at work

Bunman

[apollored]

1. Not having a job

2. Injury - not permanent I hope

3. Lack of safe storage.

4. Shower facilities would be nice but have got around that in the past.

Apart from the obvious questions you'd ask about a new job, one of mine is

"Is there somewhere safe to store my bike?"

One place I worked actually had an enclosed area which was only accessible by keys picked up at reception and they had to know you had a bike to get one so it was pretty safe though I think I was the only one who locked my bike as well.

But at other places I have had to lock it outside at the nearest facility especially last year in all the snow and it was badly damaged by salt grit etc.

[apollored]

But especially in Manchester, the amount of people commuting by bike has grown so much esp in the past few years.

Once the canal towpath was empty, but at rush hour its heaving lol.