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Survey: 29 Percent of London Drivers Consider Cycling as Fuel Prices Rise
A poll of 1,000 London adults shows 28 percent of drivers cycling more or planning to switch due to higher petrol and diesel prices. The increase follows restrictions on tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz that began on 28 February.
May 20, 4:48 AM·1m read1 source
The IndependentAudio version
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Nearly three in ten London drivers are cycling more or considering a switch to bicycles because of rising fuel prices, according to a survey commissioned by e-bike rental company Lime. The poll of 1,000 London adults conducted between 8 and 13 April found that 28 percent of respondents with cars in their household are already cycling more or seriously considering it.
Another 15 percent said they would switch to two wheels if pump prices continue to climb.
The average price of a litre of petrol has risen 26p and diesel 44p at UK forecourts since the conflict began on 28 February. The price increases are linked to Iran’s restrictions on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Younger drivers are leading the shift. Among motorists aged 18-34 in London, 44 percent said they are cycling more or contemplating the change.
Alice Pleasant, senior public affairs manager at Lime, said cycling offers a practical, low-cost alternative even if it does not replace every journey. Tom Fyans, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, said cycling more is an ideal way to beat surging prices at the pump.
Separate Lime research from September last year showed trips on its bikes rose 54 percent during a four-day Tube strike compared with the previous week. A survey at that time found 28 percent of Londoners were more likely to consider cycling because of the disruption.
8 percent in April. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the decisions taken in last year’s Budget have kept inflation down amid global instability.
