Why do people not cycle?

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The last post was too long to continue so I have had to make this a separate one. When I started on the list of reasons people may have for not cycling, it was far longer then the ‘reasons they do’ list. And one striking aspect of this was that almost half of the reasons are based on what people think about cycling – and are generally misguided. Based on this I would say that to get more people on bikes is going to take a multifaceted approach to changing the mindset of many different groups of people. Spending millions creating pointless cycle lanes is going to make very little difference! Here’s my list: They never learned. They’re not sure whether to spend the money on a bicycle in case they don’t like it. They think they need special kit, clothing etc. They think they can’t cycle to work unless their workplace provides changing and showering facilities. They’re worried about the bike being stolen. Their bike does get stolen and they don’t replace it as they have a car to use instead. The bike needs repair and they just leave it in the shed and don’t get around to taking it anywhere to be fixed because they can’t get it to a suitable place at a suitable time. The bike gets a puncture and they don’t know how to do simple repairs. It’s difficult to carry a lot of things. It’s difficult to travel with children especially if you have several young ones plus shopping etc. unless you buy a very expensive specialist vehicle – and then there’s nowhere safe to park such a thing. Skewed risk perception – short-term risk of traffic accident vs long-term health benefits. They don’t want to go out in bad weather. Hills! They don’t want to cycle on dark rural roads especially in winter. They’re afraid of other traffic. Scare stories in the media exacerbating fears of health risks (cycling associated with increased risks of testicular and prostate cancer, and of genitourinary infections). In some communities cycling just isn’t ‘the done thing’ especially for women, for cultural or religious reasons. Can be difficult to transport fragile things e.g. glassware, laptop, fresh fruit, over bumpy roads. They think riding a bike is just for children. They think they can’t ride a bike in smart clothes if going to a special function. They have tried riding a borrowed bike not suitable for them and that put them off. It’s difficult to take your dog with you. Time limitations e.g. dropping children at school at precisely 8:45 followed by getting to work by 9am, doesn’t allow enough time to walk to school and back then get on your bike. Work involves visiting clients and arriving on a bicycle with ‘helmet hair’ and watering eyes just doesn’t look professional. There’s nowhere at work to dry wet stuff if it’s raining. They think cycling is just for poor people. They think they need to get fit first. If they’re overweight, they’re afraid they’ll look stupid or be laughed at puffing along. Do you cycle as a means of transport for short journeys, and if not, why not? All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2025.