Nearly a third of British drivers have switched to walking or cycling more often due to soaring fuel prices, according to a new survey. The YouGov poll, commissioned by Cycling UK, found that 30% of motorists are now choosing active travel, while a further 15% are considering making the change.
The survey of 2,099 UK adults, conducted between 31 March and 1 April, revealed that cutting back on driving was a more common response to cost-of-living pressures than other measures. These included going out less (27%), using public transport instead of driving (23%), cutting back elsewhere to afford fuel (19%), and car-sharing (9%).
Petrol and diesel prices remain significantly higher than before the conflict in the Middle East began on 28 February, despite a slight recent dip. A litre of petrol is still 25p more expensive, and diesel 49p more, compared to that date.
In response, Cycling UK is urging the UK and devolved governments to implement an urgent package of measures to facilitate greater walking and cycling. The charity suggests financial support to improve access to bicycles and e-bikes, alongside efforts to enhance the safety of local roads.
Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, said: 'People need to travel and they need to be able to do this affordably. That includes alternatives to driving, particularly for those who simply won’t be able to keep up with rising costs.' She added that such measures would 'protect people who would otherwise be exposed to rising fuel costs when a crisis like this hits, and allows people to continue making their everyday journeys.'
