Brits are cycling more, confirms DfT stats

Department for Transport figures released today reveal that cycle mileage was 3.8 percent higher in 2014 than in 2013, a 24-year high. Brits are now cycling 3.25 billion miles each year, a level of use not seen since 1990. .

In 1949, Brits cycled 14.7 billion miles a year. By 1966 this had decreased by an astonishing 10 billion miles a year. However, bike traffic has now risen every year since 2008.

Sustrans Policy Director, Jason Torrance, said:

“It’s heartening to see cycling on the rise yet again in these latest figures. More and more people are taking to bikes to avoid the cost, inconvenience and congestion that comes with running a car.

“The numbers also make the argument for more of the transport budget to be spent on cycling infrastructure even more compelling. Demand for cycling is swelling every year and Government must do more to help keep them safe and provide convenient routes.”

Car use in miles is growing at about 1.3 percent a year.