Research by YouGov, acting on behalf of British Cycling, has revealed that support for segregated cycle lanes is unanimous among Labour and Conservative voters.

Almost 75% of Labour voters support the need for more cycle lanes along with almost 70% of Conservative voters. Support is now widespread among all groups – taking into account gender, age, social background and political beliefs. 

Dr Rachel Aldred of The University of Westminster, who co-ordinated the research on behalf of British Cycling, said:

“This shows the substantial support for cycling provision across ages, genders, and political viewpoints – and among users of all modes of transport. It suggests cycling investment can be a vote winner, as well as being a good thing to do for many other reasons.”

Women were slightly more likely than men to support cycle tracks on main roads in their area with 74% in support opposed to 68% of men. Support was also revealed to be particularly high among those aged under 55 years old. The figure was over 70% for all age groups in the under 55 age range, while support among those aged 55-64 was 66.2% and the figure for those aged over 65 was 64.8%

When respondents were split up into four social grades (AB, C1, C2 and DE) based on a person’s occupation used as a proxy for annual income, the highest support for cycle tracks was found among the C1 group (76.8%). Lowest was among C2s with 65.8%.  

Respondents were also asked about their current commuting habits, including being asked to consider the impact of more cycle lanes on their existing commute. Over 70% of car and public transport commuters, and 80% of those who walk to work, support cycle tracks along main roads.

When asked to take into account a potential delay to their current commute, support remained encouragingly high. Over 70% of respondents who have a regular commute said they would support cycle tracks even if it delayed their commute by one minute. Over half (54%) would support cycle tracks even if it delayed their commute by five minutes.

As revealed to mark the start of the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in London earlier this month, the survey also found that more than 70% of the 1,600 respondents would support the building of cycle tracks on main roads in their local area.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1,600 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15th - 16th February 2016.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).