A new survey of 2,000 cyclists across the UK has found that 65% of respondents consider potholes a major problem when riding their bikes. The study, commissioned by Halfords, highlights that cyclists in Leeds and Leicester are most affected by road damage, while Southampton has been named the best city in England for cycling.
Southampton Crowned Best Cycling City
Southampton topped the list, followed by Newcastle and Cambridge. Brighton and Hove and London rounded out the top five. Cyclists in Southampton praised the city for its good cycle lanes (54%), clear signage (48%), and ample parking (43%). The research also named Newcastle the UK's cycling commuter capital, with 91% of cyclists there using their bikes as their main mode of transport to work.
Potholes a Major Concern
Potholes are a significant issue for the majority of cyclists. In Manchester, 53% of cyclists reported damaging their bike or injuring themselves after hitting a pothole. Nationwide, 65% of cyclists said potholes make cycling difficult. Rising petrol prices have also influenced behaviour, with 57% of cyclists considering cycling more often due to fuel costs, while 74% took up cycling for fitness.
E-Bikes and Commuting Barriers
Birmingham leads in e-bike commuting, with 39% of cyclists using an e-bike at least some of the time. Nearly half (45%) of cyclists said an e-bike would make them more likely to cycle to work. However, barriers remain: 56% cited distance as the biggest obstacle, 29% disliked arriving sweaty, and 36% would cycle if their workplace provided a shower. Additionally, 30% blamed a lack of secure bike storage.
Pippa Wibberley, director of cycling at Halfords, said: “Cycling is great for the environment – and your legs - and with plenty of traffic on the roads, it can sometimes be quicker than getting in a car. But it seems some cities are better suited to bikes being on the road than others – it is clear the key is good cycle lanes and courteous drivers.” She added: “There is clearly a growing appetite across the UK for cycling, whether it be to work or leisure. But there’s still work to be done to help those who are keen, whether that’s employers stepping up by providing showers at work, or councils tackling the ongoing pothole problem on our streets.”
Top 10 Cycling Cities
The top 10 cities for cycling, according to the survey, are: Southampton, Newcastle, Cambridge, Brighton and Hove, London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Glasgow.
