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Respondents were asked if they take any journeys by bicycle and the frequency. Only 15% ever choose to take a journey by bicycle – 2.2% at least 5 times a week, while 1.8% do so 3 to 4 times a week and 2.8% 1 to 2 times a week. Only 2.1% of respondents said that they cycle less than weekly but more than once a month. One in sixteen (6.1%) take a journey by bicycle less than monthly. See Table 12.1 and Figure 12.1.
The average distance of a typical journey by bicycle was 9.5km.
| Male | Female | |
| 18-24 years | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| 25-34 years | 9.1 | 9.4 |
| 35-44 years | 12.6 | 8.4 |
| 45-54 years | 10.7 | 9.3 |
| 55-64 years | 18 | 9.3 |
| 65-74 years | 10.2 | 7 |
| 75+ years | 13.6 | 5.7 |
Respondents who cycle were asked for their reasons for doing so. By far the most common reason was that they enjoy cycling (55.7%), followed by keeping fit/exercise (49%). Greater freedom was cited by 17.6% of persons who choose to cycle, while one in six (16.5%) felt that it was more convenient. See Table 12.2 and Figure 12.2.
| Enjoy cycling | Keeping fit/exercise | Greater freedom | More convenient | To help improve the environment | Shorter journey distances | No alternatives | More reliable journey times | Better value | None of these reasons | |
| Reasons for choosing to cycle | 55.7 | 49 | 17.6 | 16.5 | 12.8 | 9.9 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 7.3 | 17.6 |
Respondents were asked what factors would encourage them to cycle more in the future. Safer cycling routes was by far the most common factor cited (31.7%), followed by better health (20.5%) and more cycling specific routes (17.3%). See Table 12.3.
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