Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Andrew Young

Nearly half of adults want to cycle and exercise more - to cut money spent on fuel

Nearly half of Brits want to get back on their bikes – either to exercise more, to reduce their carbon footprint, or to cut back on their spending on fuel.

The average motorist coughs up £39 on fuel each week – with four in ten wanting to get back on two wheels in a bid to save some of this money.

And 40% want to use it as an opportunity to get more fresh air, with 30% excited to rediscover the joy of cycling.

In fact, nearly half (48%), of the 2,000 adults polled, said they would like to cycle more than they currently do – even if that means learning to ride a bike in the first place.

The poll also found that cycling has become a leading way Brits are looking to get around, as nearly two-thirds (63%) have sought alternative modes of transport to their car in the last three months.

One in three (34%) would like to reduce their carbon footprint, while 44% see cycling as a good way to incorporate exercise into their routines.

But half wouldn't know how to pump up a bike tyre, or check their brakes (BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The research was commissioned by Chain Reaction to mark the launch of “ Wreck’d n Repaired ” – a pop-up which aims to help inspire cycling joy and restore pre-loved bikes.

Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO at the online cycling retailer, said: “We are setting out to help people get back on two wheels.

“There’s nothing quite like a trusty old bike full of memories, so our team of experts will be ready to reunite owners with that unrivalled feeling of riding a bike, and the epic adventures that lie ahead.”

The study also found, of those who haven’t cycled in the last 12 months, nearly one in five (18%) blamed a lack of confidence, while one in 20 haven’t found the time to repair their old bike.

In fact, two in five bike owners (40%) have one lying dormant in their garage or shed waiting to be dusted off – with a quarter (23%) of all adults preferring to restore a trusty old bike than buy a new one.

Of the bike-owners polled, 36% said theirs isn’t currently “roadworthy” – but 89% of these believe it only needs a few minor tweaks to make it safe to ride again.

But, for those who can ride a bike, 51% feel they only have basic knowledge when it comes to fixing a bike, and one in six (16%) “wouldn’t know where to start”.

Even of those who do have some confidence in mending a bicycle, nearly half (48%) still wouldn’t know how to pump up the tyres, put a chain on if it came off, or check the brakes.

However, 28% would like to learn, according to the OnePoll data.

The study also found, of those who can ride a bike, 25% have ridden one within the last week.

This included heading out to see friends (55%), going to the shops (55%), seeing family (48%), and commuting to work (43%).

Chain Reaction has also teamed up with ex-England footballer Ben Foster – the bike enthusiast known as “The Cycling GK” – to support the pop-up, which is launching on October 18 in Restoration Station on Shoreditch High Street.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.