BritainS Cycling Dream Falters: Why the Post-Olympics Boom Never Materialized
Despite predictions of a cycling revolution following team GB’s success at the 2008 Olympics, the UK has largely failed to become a nation of cyclists. While a surge in bike use occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall cycling rates in England have remained stagnant for years, and recent sales figures paint a concerning picture for the industry.
A Decade of Declining Bike Sales
Recent data reveals a troubling trend in the UK bicycle market. In December, Brompton, renowned for its folding bikes, reported its lowest annual sales since 2021. Statistics from the Bicycle Association,the leading trade body for the British bike industry,indicate that 2024 saw fewer conventional bikes purchased than in any other year this century.
“If you look at the sales of pedal cycles as 2010, there isn’t a year except the Covid year when sales haven’t been in decline,” explains Philip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association. “The market is contracting.”
The Potential Cycling Population
The Bicycle Association estimates that 4.5 million people in the UK cycle at least once a week, but this represents a small fraction of the potential cycling population.
Safety and Infrastructure: the Core of the problem
Those who cycle for daily transportation are far more critical to achieving a true cycling nation, and they prioritize safety above all else. Experts agree that sustained investment in cycling infrastructure is essential to encourage this group. The rise of ebikes and dockless hire schemes like Lime are transforming the landscape, but some argue the government isn’t adapting quickly enough.
“All this is a code for people saying, ‘I don’t like being near cars as I don’t feel safe’,” explained Adam Tranter, a PR professional formerly serving as the walking and cycling commissioner for the West Midlands. “Whichever way you look at it, you can’t reach the potential of cycling without making it much more safe and hospitable to cycle. It all comes down to that basic fact.”
Political Will and Consistent Investment
The lack of consistent government support is a notable obstacle. While administrations under Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer showed some enthusiasm,the current government’s approach has been less supportive. In contrast, London has benefited from over two decades of sustained support under successive mayors – Ken Livingstone, johnson, and Sadiq Khan.
“For things to really change you need strong, consistent political leadership over a sustained period of time,” a senior figure in cycle policy stated. “If you have consistent investment you can also attract and keep the talent and skills you need to make cycling work in somewhere as ancient and tightly packed as London. These people aren’t easy to find.”
Europe’s E-Bike Advantage
The disparity in e-bike adoption is notably striking.This year, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain are projected to sell over 5 million electric bikes collectively. The UK, though, is unlikely to surpass 150,000 units. This difference is attributed to safer road conditions and government subsidies in other European countries,incentives currently reserved for electric cars and motorbikes in the UK.
The Rise of Illegal E-Bikes and a Damaged Image
Adding to the complexity is the proliferation of powerful,often illegally modified,electric bikes used by gig economy delivery riders. These machines, exceeding legal e-bike specifications, pose safety concerns and contribute to a negative perception of cycling.
“It’s a massive image problem for cycling because more or less everyone conflates the two things,” Tranter said. “You could tackle this more or less overnight by forcing delivery companies to make checks, such as monitoring riders’ speeds. But it seems we’d rather just moan about it.”
A Leisure Pursuit?
The decline in conventional bike sales throughout Europe is being offset by e-bike sales in many countries, a trend not mirrored in the UK. Without a shift in policy and investment, the UK cycle market risks becoming solely a leisure pursuit, akin to golf or tennis. As one analyst put it, “Unless we can do what Europe does, what is going to happen to the UK cycle market is it’s going to be a leisure market.”
