UK drivers ditch cars for walking and cycling amid fuel price crisis
A new survey has revealed that almost a third of British motorists now choose to walk or cycle more often in response to rising fuel prices.
15 percent of drivers are considering switching to more active travel.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by the charity Cycling UK, surveyed 2,099 UK adults between 31 March and 1 April. It found that driving less and increasing walking or cycling was a more common response to current cost-of-living pressures than other measures.
These include going out less (27 percent), using public transportation instead of driving (23 percent), cutting off elsewhere for fuel (19 percent) and carpooling (9 percent).
The findings come as oil and diesel prices remain significantly higher than before the conflict in the Middle East that began on February 28, despite a slight recent decline following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Compared to that date, a liter of petrol is still 25 pence more expensive and diesel is 49 pence more expensive.
In light of these trends, Cycling UK is calling on the UK and devolved governments to implement an urgent package of measures designed to facilitate greater walking and cycling.
The charity proposes initiatives such as financial support to improve access to bicycles and e-bikes, along with efforts to improve the safety of local roads.
Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, stressed the need for affordable travel options.
He said: “People need to travel and they need to be able to do so affordably. This includes alternatives to driving, especially for those who cannot keep up with rising costs.”
Ms Mitchell added that such measures would “protect people who would be exposed to increased fuel costs when such a crisis occurs and allow people to continue their daily journeys”.
