As the UK Government strive to reach ambitious cycling targets by 2025, the UK’s leading specialists in hostile vehicle mitigation, Heald, reveals the top ten cities in the UK best for cycling lovers¹.
In recent years, cycling has witnessed a surge in popularity across the UK. With the ongoing emphasis on sustainable transportation and the numerous health benefits associated with cycling, urban centres have been actively investing in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the cycling experience for their residents.
Recognising the significance of this growing trend and acknowledging the cities excelling in creating an environment conducive to cycling, Heald’s new ranking considers factors such as the frequency of cycling, bike-related shops, and road cycling routes¹.
According to the new study, the UK’s top cities for cycling include:
- London
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Nottingham
- Newcastle
- Birmingham
- Sheffield
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Leicester
London takes the top spot for the most cyclist-friendly city in the UK, with an impressive number of residents cycling at least five times a week (3.10%). Additionally, with 240 bike-related shops and over 8,000 road cycling routes available within a 10-mile radius of the city, it’s evident that the cycling community in London is thriving. However, this also means that more cyclists are exposed to potential road risks and security experts at Heald believe that the city’s high traffic congestion warrants additional safety measures.
Heald Managing Director, Debbie Heald MBE comments: “Local councils must consider implementing extra bollard protection to mitigate these risks and create safer environments for all road users. By strategically placing bollards in areas prone to accidents and collisions, cities enhance safety and promote a responsible and sustainable transportation culture.”
Living up to its sustainable name, Bristol ranks second in Heald’s new ranking for the most cycle-friendly city. With 4.80% of residents cycling at least five times a week, 64 bike-related shops, and 3,344 road cycling routes, Bristol is a clear haven for bike lovers.
Debbie continues: “Bristol’s infrastructure is well-designed to accommodate cyclists, with dedicated cycling lanes, shared paths, and bike-friendly road designs. However, this doesn’t solve the problem of dangerous driving, and councils should always look for new and innovative ways to improve safety.”
Manchester ranks third in Heald’s new study, which is no surprise, as in recent years, the city has implemented several cycle-friendly measures, such as dedicated cycle lanes, bike-sharing schemes, and improved cycle parking facilities. The creation of the Manchester Cycleway networks also aims to provide safer and more accessible routes for cyclists. Additionally, the city has hosted events like ‘Cycle September’ and ‘Bike Week’, and is home to the British Cycling and the National Cycling Centre.
Of those surveyed by GOV.uk, 2.90% of Manchester’s population cycle at least five times a week, and there are 86 bike shops and 1,741 road cycling routes.
Other cities that are becoming increasingly cycle-friendly include Nottingham, Newcastle, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds, and Leicester.
Debbie adds: “Embracing cycling-friendly initiatives in cities is a commendable step towards sustainable transportation and healthier communities. However, as we strive to create a cyclist-friendly environment, governing bodies must prioritise the safety of all road users. Implementing robust safety measures, such as the strategic placement of bollards or hostile vehicle mitigation, is essential to safeguard cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians.
“It’s really important not to overlook the significance of protecting vulnerable road users while we embark on this transformative journey towards more cycle-friendly cities, and hostile vehicle mitigation should be considered a key role in this movement.”
To learn more about the UK’s most cycle-friendly cities and how to protect them, please visit: https://www.heald.uk.com/news/safest-cities-for-cyclists/