PROMOTING THE PUBLIC-HEALTH BENEFITS OF CYCLING

The potential health gain from increased levels of cycling in Britain is large. This paper reviews current levels of bicycle ownership and u se, and the factors which influence whether or not people choose to cy cle in Britain. Cycle ownership is strongly associated with affluence and children. Males cycle more than females. Boys aged 11-15 years cyc le the greatest number of miles per person per week, followed by men a ged 16-59 years. Cycling to work is weakly associated with affluence. Modelling cycling to work patterns suggests that hilliness, traffic da nger, rainfall and longer trip lengths are important deterrents to cyc ling. Cyclists identify cheapness, health, convenience and enjoyment a s reasons for cycling. Non-cyclists identify danger, 'unpleasantness' (e.g. traffic fumes, weather), bike security and cycling not appealing as reasons for not cycling. Part of the lack of appeal of cycling ref lects negative social attitudes towards cycling. Cycling has tended to be seen as a childhood activity and incompatible with an attractive a nd sophisticated image. Departments of Public Health Medicine and Heal th Promotion, in collaboration with other sectors, have an important r ole to play in promoting increased levels of cycling.