Why Cycle More?

Cycling is gaining momentum across the UK with 3.6 billion miles travelled by bike in 2023 alone. Beyond the convenience of hopping on your bike and exercising for free, choosing to cycle has much bigger (and perhaps unexpected) benefits when more people cycle by supporting climate goals, improving public health and create more inclusive communities.

As part of its 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign, Carbon Copy is showcasing a few of the many bike-friendly initiatives around the UK that are helping people cycle more, regardless of their background, ability or experience.

Why Cycling More Cuts Emissions

Switching car journeys for bike rides is one of the most effective ways to reduce personal carbon emissions. Transport remains the UK’s highest-emitting sector, and many of these emissions come from short journeys that could be replaced by bike.

Take London as one example of the massive potential of this shift in our mobility. Londoners take a staggering total of almost 20 million trips – each day. A policy analysis report by Transport for London discovered that of these trips, 13 million are made by motorised transport and over half of these are short enough that they could potentially be cycled instead.

Projects like London’s 400km cycleway network, Manchester’s Bee Network and the Connecting Leicester scheme are helping more people cycle by improving infrastructure and creating safer, convenient and more accessible routes.

Cycle More, Live Healthier

Choosing to cycle more has immediate health benefits. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers while supporting mental wellbeing and mobility, particularly among older adults.

At a community level, increased cycling reduces local air pollution and noise, creating a healthier environment for everyone – especially those living near busy roads. Fewer cars on the road also make streets safer, encouraging even more people to consider cycling as a viable daily choice.

Carbon Copy’s calculations show that if more people in the UK cycled so the number of current cycling journeys doubled, it could lead to significant improvements in local air quality and to healthier lifestyles that would save the NHS up to £8 billion over 20 years.

Removing Barriers So Everyone Can Cycle

Making it easier for more people to cycle requires infrastructure investment, secure storage and affordable access to equipment. And it means listening to communities who have been left out of mainstream cycling narratives for too long.

For many, the decision to cycle more is not just about having a bike – it is about feeling safe, confident and welcome. Social and cultural factors can act as barriers, particularly for women, disabled people and ethnic minorities.

Organisations like JoyRiders (in London, Manchester and Oxford), Cycle of Life in Liverpool and SoulRiders in Glasgow are leading efforts to make cycling more accessible. Through free training sessions, social rides, and bike maintenance support, they are helping people take their first rides towards cycling regularly.

Cycle More as Part of Local Climate Action

Encouraging people to cycle more plays a key role in meeting local climate targets. Towns and cities across the UK are building protected cycle lanes, low-traffic neighbourhoods and e-bike trial schemes to reduce reliance on cars (particularly for short city journeys) and promote active travel.

The benefits from these changes are not just environmental; they actively support stronger, healthier communities too. When people can safely cycle more, they are more likely to shop locally, spend time in public spaces and form connections with others in their area.

How to Enjoy Cycling Where You Live

If you are looking to cycle more, there is support available. Many councils offer:

• Free or subsidised adult cycle training
• Help with route planning for new commutes
• Community-led cycling groups or confidence-building sessions
• Bike libraries or repair workshops

Even small changes, like replacing one or two car journeys per week, make a measurable difference and add support for council projects that make walking and cycling more enjoyable and safer locally. And for those already confident, inviting a friend to ride with you or supporting inclusive initiatives can help others begin their cycling journey too.

The Carbon Copy Podcast: Walk and Cycle

In the latest episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, Walk and Cycle, JoyRiders founder Mariam Draaijer and climate campaigner Izzy Romilly from Possible share their stories and describe how enabling more people to cycle more is not just a climate solution but an exciting social change too.

FAQs

How does cycling more reduce carbon emissions?
Cycling produces almost no emissions. By replacing car journeys, especially short ones in town or between neighbourhoods, you can reduce your personal carbon footprint significantly.

Why is it important to cycle more for public health?
Cycling improves physical and mental health, reduces strain on the NHS, and can improve local air quality for everyone.

How can I start cycling more safely?
Most councils offer free training, route planning support and community groups that help beginners cycle safely and confidently.

What makes cycling more inclusive?
Supportive spaces, adapted equipment and community-led programmes ensure more people can access the benefits of cycling – regardless of background or ability.