Rising fuel prices are driving London motorists to consider cycling as a viable alternative, according to a new survey. The research, commissioned by e-bike rental company Lime, found that 29% of drivers in the capital are either cycling more or seriously thinking about taking up cycling due to the increasing cost of petrol and diesel.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey, conducted by Opinium among 1,000 London adults between April 8 and 13, also revealed that 15% of respondents intend to switch to cycling if pump prices continue to rise. Among younger motorists aged 18-34, nearly half are cycling more or considering it.
Impact of Global Events
Geopolitical tensions, including Iran's restrictions on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed up fuel prices significantly. The average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts is now 26p higher than before the conflict began on February 28, while diesel is 44p more expensive.
Expert Opinions
Alice Pleasant, senior public affairs manager at Lime, acknowledged that cycling won't replace every journey but described it as a practical, low-cost way to travel. She said: Rising petrol prices are the latest in a number of factors prompting a shift in how Londoners travel, with many drivers actively rethinking their reliance on cars. More people are starting to look for alternatives that are affordable and flexible – cycling being the obvious choice.
Tom Fyans, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, added: Cycling more is an ideal way to beat surging prices at the pump. It's not only cheap and will stay cheap – it's also healthy, very safe in London and helps us do our bit in not feeding global instability.
Previous Trends
Separate Lime research from September last year indicated that Tube strikes also encourage cycling. During a four-day period of industrial action, trips on its bikes rose by 54% compared with a week earlier, and 28% of Londoners said they were more likely to consider cycling due to the disruption.
