Agenda item

The committee received presentations from Wheels for Wellbeing, JoyRiders and Transport for London as part of the evidence gathering sessions for the Active Travel Scrutiny Review.

Wheels for Wellbeing

Our organisation, a small charity led by disabled individuals, was established in 2007. Initially, our focus was on providing access to cycling for disabled individuals in South London through three inclusive cycling hubs. Over time, our efforts expanded beyond this, evolving into a campaigning and policy-influencing. We began offering training, consultancy services, and publishing materials to advocate for increased mobility justice. Our central aim was redirecting resources towards those with the least access to transport, particularly emphasising the needs of disabled individuals.

Notably, 22% of the UK population identified as disabled, with disabled individuals being 50% more likely to live in poverty compared to the non-disabled population. Moreover, disparities in access to transportation were stark, with 28% of disabled adults living in households without cars, compared to 15% of non-disabled adults.

Regarding public transport, 40% of UK stations were inaccessible, a figure that is even higher in certain areas like Islington. Furthermore, only 10% of people with mobility impairments had access to aids enabling a 1-kilometer journey, showing the challenges faced by disabled people to even be able to make short journeys.

Surveys revealed that among disabled individuals who cycled, 53% cited infrastructure as the main barrier, followed by inadequate parking/storage facilities and cost concerns. Abuse incidents while cycling were reported by 24% of respondents, showing safety issues also ranked highly as a barrier.

Despite these obstacles, there was a desire among disabled individuals to cycle, with 33% expressing interest despite not currently cycling. Notably, 60% of current disabled cyclists used standard two-wheelers, challenging stereotypes about cycling accessibility.

With the concept of equity in active travel, it was emphasised the distinction between equality and equity. While equality seeks uniformity in provision, equity aims to provide tailored support based on individual needs, ensuring fair access for all. By focusing on equitable access to mobility, the benefits extend far beyond individual modes of transportation, enriching communities as a whole.

In Islington, positive initiatives were already underway, including inclusive cycling hubs like Pedal Power. Collaborations with organisations like Bike Works aimed to enhance accessibility further, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. By prioritising the needs of the most marginalised, we argued, society as a whole stands to gain in numerous ways, from improved health outcomes to enhanced independence.

JoyRiders

Let me share a bit about my journey and the work we've been doing. I was born in the Netherlands cycling was a part of everyday life. I rode my first bike at the age of 3 and continued cycling through school and university without giving it much thought. In 2008, I moved to London.

While I didn't cycle much in my early adult life due to health issues, my perspective changed when my children needed bikes to cycle to school. Despite not seeing many cyclists like myself in London at the time, I took the plunge and bought a bike. Cycling became a liberating experience for me, providing a sense of independence in a city reliant on buses and public transport.

In 2017, I discovered JoyRiders, a group of women who rode together. I quickly became involved, eventually becoming a ride leader and trained cycling instructor. By November 2019, we secured our first major funding, and despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, we adapted our activities online, leading to unexpected growth in our community.

One of the key factors contributing to our success, especially in the early days, was the support we received from local authorities, particularly in providing infrastructure and resources. For instance, the provision of cycle hubs, maintained by the council, has been invaluable not only to JoyRiders but also to various other cycling groups in the community.

Looking ahead to 2023, our initiatives have expanded to encompass social bikeways for women across 10 London boroughs and other cities. We've also become a Bikeability provider and launched the Right to Ride program, focusing on marginalised and ethnic minority communities. Outreach remains a cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cycling is accessible to everyone.

However, we've encountered challenges, notably in the realm of bike parking. Limited and insecure cycle storage poses a significant barrier, particularly for families and residents in social housing. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between local authorities, community organisations, and developers to provide safe and convenient cycling infrastructure for all.

Our work goes beyond simply promoting cycling; it's about creating inclusive and safe spaces where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can enjoy the benefits of cycling. It's about empowering individuals, fostering community connections, and advocating for systemic changes to make cycling a viable option for all. As we continue to grow and evolve, our goal remains clear: to make cycling accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone.

Transport for London (TfL)

Cycling levels in London have been steadily increasing, with cycling emerging as the fastest-growing mode of transportation. Despite starting from a relatively low base, we've witnessed a notable rise in cycling, even during periods of reduced travel demand overall. This growth has been particularly evident in areas where new cycle routes have been introduced.

In 2023, there were 1.26 million cycling journeys, marking a 6% increase from 2022 and a 20% surge compared to pre-pandemic levels. This sustained growth indicates a fundamental shift in transportation preferences, with cycling becoming an increasingly popular choice for Londoners. We estimate that up to two-thirds of car trips in London could potentially be replaced by cycling, presenting a significant opportunity to reduce reliance on cars and align with the Mayor's Transport Strategy goals.

While commuting has been a primary driver of cycling growth, we recognise the need to diversify cycling demographics. It's essential to ensure that cycling is accessible to all Londoners for various purposes, including commuting, running errands, and leisure activities. We aim to see greater representation from women, older adults, disabled individuals, children, and diverse ethnic groups among cyclists, reflecting the diversity of London's population.

Despite progress, significant barriers to cycling persist, particularly concerning road safety concerns. Road danger remains a top concern for potential cyclists, with women, parents, and older Londoners citing safety fears as a deterrent. Addressing these safety concerns is crucial to fostering a more inclusive cycling environment. Additionally, various other barriers, including cost, practicality, social factors, and personal preferences, hinder cycling uptake among underrepresented groups. Efforts to overcome these barriers require a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure improvements, targeted outreach, and community engagement.

Over the years, we've made significant strides in expanding cycling infrastructure, tripling the size of the cycleway network from 2016 to 2023. Our strategic cycle network plan aims to ensure that 40% of Londoners live within 400 meters of the cycleway network by 2030, it is at about 22% today. This comprehensive approach involves developing orbital routes, enhancing cycle parking facilities, expanding cycle hire schemes, and providing cycle training initiatives.

Furthermore, initiatives like low-traffic neighbourhoods have proven effective in promoting cycling uptake while enhancing road safety and reducing traffic congestion and also associated with a 50% reduction in road casualties. By prioritising investment in cycling infrastructure and implementing supportive policies, we aim to create a more cycling-friendly environment that encourages diverse participation and improves overall mobility in London.

Discussion

During the discussion, it was highlighted the importance of promoting cycling as a mode of transportation and addressing barriers to its adoption.

One key point emphasised was the significant health benefits of cycling, there was a need to raise awareness about these health advantages and invest in better cycling infrastructure, taking inspiration from countries like the Netherlands where cycling is more prevalent among women. It was also noted that many disabled individuals start cycling for its health benefits and become highly engaged once they begin.

Challenges such as traffic lights favouring vehicular traffic, persuading suburban residents to cycle, and adverse weather conditions were acknowledged. Developing cycling groups further was suggested as a way to encourage cycling in all weather conditions and shift cultural attitudes towards cycling.

Questions were raised about the utilisation of provided bikes and the accessibility of cycling equipment for disabled cyclists, especially those living in flats. Suggestions were made for boroughs to prioritise addressing these issues and making access to cycles more affordable.

In terms of planning, concerns were raised about the timeline for the strategic network plan, with suggestions for expedited implementation. It was suggested that political will and funding could accelerate the process, especially with the increasing prevalence of Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) facilitating easier implementations.

Overall, the discussion showed the multifaceted benefits of cycling and the importance of addressing various barriers to promote cycling as an accessible and sustainable mode of transportation.