From the Community: What's the Biggest Barrier to Cycling?
Posted: 1 Sept 2008
Understanding the factors that put people off cycling is one of the first steps increasing cycle use. Check out this thread from the Community and don't be afraid to get stuck in with your opinions!
Above: Traffic or torrents, what makes you think twice about cycling? (image left: www.freefoto.com)
EA: What do you think is the biggest barrier to starting cycling? There a so many benefits to riding a bike, economically, environmentally and socially but there are also many reasons cited by people who'd like to cycle but a prevented by fears and inhibitions. Tell us your barriers and let's see if we can dispel a few myths and give some practical advice.
HM: When I started it was talking to other people and the perception of the danger from motorists while cycling. Of course you need to keep your wits about you but this shouldn't put people off cycling. I think its vital to pick your route very carefully until you build up confidence. I kept well of the roads to start with even while commuting to work. The other thing I have thought about is when the dark nights roll in and the weather gets colder!! But I can't see it damping my enthusiasm so far.
NG: The weather! And from a woman's point of view a lack of safe cycling routes in some towns and cities
EA: The weather holds no fear provided you're wearing the right clothes and you plan ahead.
EA: Contrary to our national obsession with the lottery that is our weather, we don't have it so bad, and we never ever get conditions when it's too hot, cold, wet or windy to ride. The key thing is, especially if you're commuting to work, is to have something to change into when you get to work if you do get caught in a downpour.
HM: I must admit when I cycle to work I take a rucksack, which I prepare the night before which has spare socks, gruds, 1 x waterproof cycling jacket and a pair of Goretex over trousers just in case. I got caught in very heavy rain on the way home last night so I rode home with full waterproofs on!! Think safer cycle routes definitely need establishing across all towns / cities my route isn't particularly safe but you do become accustomed to motorists clattering past your knee
LC: In a word FEAR, Fear of the traffic, fear of the weather, fear of being different from the car driving majority etc. I have made a point of talking up the advantages in time, congestion busting, fun, exercise and cyclogical (yes I know its misspelled) well being. Since then the riding population of Stafford ambulance station has swelled to 14. This has put us in a strong position to get better facilities when we move sites later this year. We should encourage those who are unsure to take the plunge, possibly by making a point of riding with them until they get their eye in. I used to carry a rucksack and arrived at work with a sweaty back. Now I have dug out some old panniers and find this method of carrying much more preferable. The bike doesn't feel too weighed down and I can ride a bit harder without suffering any more. This is a great forum, so let others see it and make comment. The more people feel able to enter this weird and wonderful world that is Everydaycycing.com the better.
Get involved in the discussion in the Beginners group
Everyday Community Comments
Share this article with your favourite social networking sites.