Why cycling isn't too common in the UK

The Ultimate Middle Ground

If you think about it, cycling is a pretty neat form of transport:

• No recurring costs (e.g., petrol, insurance) - besides occasional maintenance, the only major expense is the bike itself and accessories.
• More convenient than public transport as you don't have to rely on a schedule.
• Faster than walking - with an e-bike, you can even keep up with traffic (in urban areas, obviously not on the motorway)
• Better for the environment - even an e-bike is better for the environment than driving a car
• Form of exercise
• Not just limited to people who have a driving licence

Of course, cycling has limitations. It's not as comfortable as driving, you're limited on cargo space and the amount of passengers you can carry (usually zero unless it's a tandem bike), and it's less accessible to people with physical disabilities.

However, just like with cars, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to bikes...some prioritise comfort, some prioritise aerodynamics, some are better for the road, some are better for paths, and some are better for sports (like BMX).

Sport or Transport

In the UK, cycling is generally seen as a sport or a leisure activity rather than a legitimate mode of transport. In my area, the only people I see cycling specifically to get somewhere are school kids and delivery riders. Most people I see riding though do it for sport. That might be because I live in a small town surrounded by country roads and dirt paths.

There's nothing wrong with cycling as a sport if that's what you enjoy, but a lot of people get the impression that bikes are just for kids and adults "should have a driving licence".

Stigma around cycling

A lot of drivers don't like cyclists. As a driver myself, I get that it's not fun to be stuck behind one, but legally they have just as much right to be on the road as us. The problem isn't cyclists, it's the lack of good cycling infrastructure that forces them to be on the same roads as cars.

However, there are some drivers who intentionally cut cyclists off or overtake very close to "punish" them for being on the road, which is obviously very dangerous and completely unacceptable in my opinion. Imagine punishing an old-age pensioner by pushing them over because they walk slower than you.

The Vehicle Tax Myth

A lot of drivers feel like they own the road because drivers pay vehicle tax and cyclists don't. First of all, vehicle tax is an income source for the government like any other tax, so the amount you pay in vehicle tax doesn't necessarily contribute to improving the roads.

Secondly, cars have a greater negative impact on the roads and the environment than bikes do. They cause more wear on the road because they're heavier, they pollute the air with CO2, they take up more physical space, and cars are a greater danger to pedestrians than bikes.

If you want the advantages that come with riding a bike, then ride a bike.

Too dangerous?

Believe it or not, a lot of people have considered cycling, only to not actually cycle because they feel like it's too dangerous. It's honestly not hard to blame them.

E-Bike Restrictions

Government legislation restricts the kind of e-bikes we can ride in the UK. For those unfamiliar with how e-bikes work, they can either be propelled by a pedal (like a normal bicycle) which activates "power assist" or they can be propelled with a hand throttle.

The bike cannot have a continuous power output over 250 watts. The vehicle needs to be approved if it has a throttle, and if you can go more than 15.5mph/25kph without pedalling and/or the motor is above 250 watts, then the bike is legally classed as a moped or motorbike.

If your e-bike is considered a moped or motorbike, it defeats a lot of the advantages of cycling as you can no longer ride on cycle paths, you have to ride on the road. The bike also has to be insured & taxed, and you'll need a moped/motorcycle licence.

E-bike legislation is a real life example of "have u got a loicense for that m8?".