Fewer people in Ipswich are cycling weekly than before the pandemic

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams

13 September, 2024

The number of people in Ipswich cycling at least once per week has decreased from 9.9% in 2022 to 7.1% in 2023, while Suffolk as a whole has maintained more stable levels, putting Ipswich below both county and national averages.

Why it matters: The difference between Ipswich and wider trends suggests local factors could be influencing cycling habits. Understanding these could help improve active transport options in the town.

By the numbers:

Ipswich: 7.1% cycled weekly in 2023, down from 9.9% in 2022 and 14.3% in 2019, before the pandemic
Suffolk: 10.9% cycled weekly in 2023, unchanged from 2022, down from 13.8% in 2019
UK: 10.1% cycled weekly in 2023, up from 9.3% in 2022, but below 11.2% in 2019

Possible factors affecting cycling rates:

Infrastructure: Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, notes that many roads lack joined-up cycle lanes or bike parking.
Quality of facilities: "Where [cycle lanes] do exist, they're often inconsistent and sub-standard and this plays a big part in deterring people from cycling more," McMonagle explains.
Remote working: The increase in working from home has reduced overall transport use across most modes.
Local conditions: Ipswich-specific issues such as road layouts, cycle lane quality, or changes in public transport could be influencing cycling rates.
Economic factors: The survey found that 11.1% of better-off people cycled weekly, compared to 8.7% in the most deprived areas.

Meanwhile, walking for leisure has increased:

Ipswich: 50.3% took regular leisure walks
Suffolk: 60.2% took regular leisure walks
UK: 54.8% took regular leisure walks, up from 50.9% in 2019

This could suggest a shift towards walking as a preferred form of active transport in Ipswich.

What's next: The Department for Transport says it will use this data to shape its long-term vision for cycling and walking across the UK.

The bottom line: While Ipswich has seen a decrease in cycling, rates remain stable in Suffolk and have slightly increased nationally. Local authorities may want to explore Ipswich-specific factors to encourage more cycling in the town.