Cycle training research
Groundbreaking new research has shown that Merseyside’s cycle training programme – the biggest in the country – is making long term changes to the way people travel.
And a third of trainees are now regularly using their bikes to travel to work, school, the shops or appointments.
Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP) has commissioned the first ever research in England and Wales into the long term effects of cycle training. More than 30,000 young people and adults in Merseyside have been trained by MTP’s TravelWise cycle training scheme since April 2006.
The new research shows a consistent and marked increase in cycling among trainees, with 37% racking up bike miles for “utility” reasons – work, school, shopping etc. – and more than 90% of them are cycling for leisure at least once a week.
In addition, almost all parents and guardians who took part in the research believed that their child’s cycling safety had improved.
Funded by MTP and Cycling England, which is supported and funded by the Department for Transport, the Bikeability cycle sessions are run by Liverpool-based not-for-profit company Cycling Solutions.
The research showed that more than 97% of parents and guardians saw an improvement in their child’s cycling safety – with 75% noting “a lot” of improvement – and reported a 56% increase in other family members cycling. The number of young people cycling to school after training is more than double the regional average.
MTP chairman Neil Scales said the results were “hugely significant, not just for this area but for the whole country.”
He went on: “For the first time anywhere in the country we have solid evidence that training programmes like ours have a clear, long term positive effect on behaviour and attitudes, not just of individuals who attend training but on their families.
“This impacts on their health and well being, on transport issues such as traffic and air quality, and in turn on economic growth in the area.”
The research was carried out via 1100 phone interviews with households of trainees from all areas and age groups offered training. The research was grouped in four key areas.
Increased levels of cycling
there was a “considerable” 37% increase in “utility” cycling (for transportation purposes)
a 63% increase in cycling for leisure
Strong positive impact on perceived safety and enjoyment
97% of parents/guardians thought the training had improved the child’s safety when cycling (75% noted “ a lot” of improvement)
73% of parents/guardians thought the child’s enjoyment of cycling had improved
Many are now regular cyclists
17% now cycle regularly to school
More than half (51%) cycle at least once a week for “utility” purposes
92% cycle at least once a week for leisure purposes
Strong impact on family’s attitudes to cycling
56% report a “real increase” in leisure cycling in the family
30% report a “real increase” in “utility” cycling
48% of parents/guardians “much more willing” to allow their child to cycle
81% report a “more positive attitude” towards cycling generally
In addition, researchers reported a “substantial number” of unprompted positive comments about the quality and benefits of the cycle training programme.
Neil Scales added: “We are particularly encouraged that 4% of parents/guardians reported that their child is cycling to school five days a week, rising to 12% for those who cycle once a week.
“In Merseyside, school census data suggests that generally only 1.2% of children cycle to school. Our research demonstrates that training makes a significant difference when compared to the background figures.”
Paula Grey, Director of Public Health at Liverpool PCT, said: “Cycling is a proven way to improve health for all ages, so this research, with its strong evidence of behavioural change, is extremely important.
“Regular cycling can play major part in leading a healthier lifestyle and we are very happy to be working with TravelWise to achieve a cycling culture locally.
“The research shows that with professional training and support through TravelWise, MTP is making a quantifiable difference to the health and well-being of Merseyside.”
Philip Darnton, Chair of Cycling England, said he was “delighted” that the first UK research of this kind showed such positive benefit. He went on: “Merseyside Transport Partnership should be applauded for the lead they have taken in this field. This research gives us clear evidence which can be used to back up training proposals all over the country.”
The website www.LetsTravelWise.org/cycling and helpline 0151 330 1290 offer advice on cycle training and further information on cycling in Merseyside.
