What is the future of cycling in the UK?

The importance of adopting green transport methods continues to grow as the UK targets net zero emissions by 2050.

As a result, cycling participation in the UK has increased substantially since 2016 (Source) with cycling becoming the most common mode of transport during peak hours in the City of London, according to research by their transport committee.

The Government has made investing in cycling infrastructure a priority in recent years, with expenditure more than tripling since the introduction of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy as they aim to double journeys from 800 million in 2013 to 1.6 billion in 2025 (Source).

A new £32.9 million Active Travel Capability Fund has also been introduced in 2023, creating a network of cycling experts that are able to cater for cycling infrastructure needs at the local level.

So, what does this mean for the future of cycling? Here are the trends you need to know about, as cycling and personal transport increase in popularity.

The growth of electric transportation

You may have noticed an increased visibility of companies like Lime and Dott offering rental ‘micromobility’ services in recent years with the businesses having tapped into the growing trend of e-bike and e-scooter travel.

European e-Bike sales grew tenfold from 500,000 units in 2009 to 5 million in 2021 (Source) and we expect this growth to continue as commuters continue to switch on to the speed, sustainability and convenience that they offer.

Equally, the appetite for e-scooters has boomed in the UK since the legalisation of rentals in 2021, and this market is forecast to increased at a 13% cumulative annual growth rate from 2022 to 2028 (Source).

We have seen an increase in both residential and commercial sites enquiring about e-bike and e-scooter storage options and have subsequently developed a range of e-bike storage options to facilitate this trend.

As electric transport continues to grow in popularity, making sure you offer storage solutions that enable people to securely “park and charge” will be important part of catering for your future commuters.

The value of living roofs

The need to create more green spaces has grown in importance in the collective conscience, and bike shelters are prime real estate for quickly adding greenery to any area.

According to research from the highly regarded consultancy Grand View Research, green roofs are expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 17% from 2020 to 2027 in the USA (Source) and we’re anticipating a similar trend in the UK across this period.

Sedum roofing brings numerous environmental benefits to your property, including improving biodiversity, reducing urban heating, absorbing storm water and capturing carbon.

By investing in a living roof, you help play a role in tackling climate change.

Check out our guide to sedum roofing for more insights into their benefits.

Quality end of journey facilities growing in popularity

As highlighted in the introduction to this blog, cycling has grown significantly in recent years, and an increased focus on improving cycling infrastructure means this trend is likely to continue.

We believe providing adequate provisions for cycling commuters will increase in importance over the coming years and we have seen a growth in clients producing bike storage areas with end of journey facilities included in their designs.

These designs have varied from installing various lockers to including dedicated shower facilities, towel stations and airing stations.

As more commuters take to two wheels, ensuring your commercial or residential property can deliver a high-quality end of trip experience is essential for remaining competitive, obtaining clients and keeping them.

To meet these changing attitudes to facility provisions, our team has created several end of journey products to help customers future proof their facilities; feel free to contact us if you would like to learn more about how we can provide a bespoke experience for your commuters.

Appealing to future generations

Understanding the attitudes of the younger generations is critical to understanding the future of cycling.

At 14.26 million, millennials are the largest generation in the UK (Source) and Generation Z represents a further 10 million people (Source).

Sustainability is a motivating factor for both generations, as exemplified by research from Nielsen indicating that 75% of Millennials will favour environmentally friendly products over alternatives.

(Check out our Nielsen bike shelter installation case study)

Equally, industry research by VanMoof suggests that millennials are at the vanguard of a cycling boom across the globe, with the generation ‘surging ahead’ when it comes to having a ‘cycle-first’ attitude.

With cycling a low carbon transport method, it is easy to see why its popularity has increased with the generation in recent years – especially with the ‘cost of living crisis’ pushing people towards the low-cost commute.

All this, combined with government efforts to improve cycle infrastructure across the country, indicates a healthy future for cycling – driven by the younger generations.