It is false economics to suggest that a decline in cycle sales means fewer people are cycling (Cycling growth in UK at risk of being left behind by Europe, experts warn, 8 August). When car sales drop, we do not say fewer people are driving. It is a change in consumer not travel behaviour.
Cost of living pressures are forcing people to consider cheaper alternatives for their shorter journeys. Regularly updated Department for Transport travel figures show a huge 47% surge in weekday cycling trips since petrol prices began escalating in March, much like we witnessed during the 70s when the oil crisis made driving unaffordable for many.
