82 per cent call for cycling proficiency on the National Curriculum

As 55 per cent of nation agrees the Government could do more to encourage safe cycling

Today, Thursday 22nd May, a new report on cycling safely by the UK’s leading bike retailer, Halfords, uncovers how important a topic this is to our nation. A massive 82 per cent of all those questioned claim they would support a requirement on the National Curriculum that all children be taught to cycle competently, confidently and proficiently on the roads (as with swimming).

The YouGov report also uncovers that, when it comes to parents of children aged five to 16, only 17 per cent of those surveyed report that their child ever cycles to or from school. The main reason for a child not cycling to school is because the roads are thought to be too dangerous (42 per cent). A massive 67 per cent of parents think that the Government should do more to promote cycling safety for children. The survey reveals that, when it comes to cycle safety, and a further 27 per cent of parents would most welcome interactive cycling bike clubs at schools/locally and free bike helmets given to all children

Says Emma Fox, Commercial Director at Halfords: ‘Our state-of-the-nation report on cycling safely shows how vital the nation thinks cycling education is from a young age.

We know how important is it to start these skill sets young and educate the next generation on cycling safely. Since April last year, more than 20,000 parents and children have attended a Halfords kids’ bike workshop, where children aged 7-11 learn basic bike safety, repair and maintenance. Halfords is also bringing bike workshops to primary schools nationwide this June as well as sponsoring ‘Bike to School Week’. These initiatives help fuel a lifelong interest in cycles – as well as sound cycling safety knowledge. ’

Halfords new report shows that it’s not just parents who think more could be done to promote cycling safely with more than half (55 per cent) claiming the Government should give more attention and investment to cycle safety in general. Again, more than half (52 per cent), also think the local council should do more to promote cycle safety. In terms of elements that would encourage Brits to cycle more, dedicated cycle lanes (40 per cent) was the top choice, with more places to park and lock bikes the next most popular choice (30 per cent).

Halfords Cycling Safely report also reveals what three outcomes will result if there is an increase in the amount of journeys made by bike. Around 3 per cent of journeys are currently made by bike with campaigners calling for this to increase to 10 per cent by 2025. The survey uncovers that 32 per cent think this increase would lead to fewer cars and less congestion, 38 per cent say commuters would save money on petrol and transport costs, and 28 per cent say it would increase conflict between cyclists and motorists or pedestrians.

The new report also uncovers the importance people place on educating both cyclists and motorists on cycling safely. Half of those questioned believe that jointly educating both groups on the topic is key.

Olympic cycling champions Chris Boardman MBE and Victoria Pendleton supported the survey results:

Says Chris Boardman MBE, Co-founder of Boardman Bikes and British Cycling Policy Advisor, says: ‘If you are eight or 80, the bicycle is simply a fantastic tool for getting around. More than 60% of people surveyed by British Cycling who don't already cycle regularly said they would if they felt safer. So the government must invest in cycling infrastructure, to take back the streets, prioritising for people who choose not to travel by car, if we are to reap the fantastic benefits that this humble machine can unlock. Health, congestion, pollution, more liveable cites...whatever topic you want to choose, the bicycle can be a large part of the answer. In fact it's the only form of mechanised transport that actually contributes to our society -the UK gains £590 a year for every extra regular cyclist."

Says Victoria Pendleton: ‘Whether it’s to aid your health and fitness, to save money on your commute, for environmental reasons, or to reduce stress, cycling has many benefits. However, it’s not just a case of pursuing a hobby and interest without taking full responsibility for cycling safely. Halfords’ new report uncovers just how important cycle safety is to our nation and it’s great to hear that such a key topic is front of everyone’s mind.’

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For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4615 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 09th - 12th May 2014. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

The Halfords Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator.

Halfords customers shop at 467 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 290 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices. Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment.

Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories and the retro-inspired Pendleton designs from Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton which combine classic lines with modern practicality.

New ranges are launching across the Carrera, Mongoose, Boardman and Raleigh brands with exclusive lines ahead of the Tour de France this summer.

In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.

For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404

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