Nearly half of Brits want to get back on their bikes – either to exercise more, to reduce their carbon footprint, or to cut back on their spending on fuel.
The average motorist coughs up £39 on fuel each week – with four in ten wanting to get back on two wheels in a bid to save some of this money.
And 40% want to use it as an opportunity to get more fresh air, with 30% excited to rediscover the joy of cycling.
In fact, nearly half (48%), of the 2,000 adults polled, said they would like to cycle more than they currently do – even if that means learning to ride a bike in the first place.
The poll also found that cycling has become a leading way Brits are looking to get around, as nearly two-thirds (63%) have sought alternative modes of transport to their car in the last three months.
One in three (34%) would like to reduce their carbon footprint, while 44% see cycling as a good way to incorporate exercise into their routines.
The research was commissioned by Chain Reaction to mark the launch of “ Wreck’d n Repaired ” – a pop-up which aims to help inspire cycling joy and restore pre-loved bikes.
Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO at the online cycling retailer, said: “We are setting out to help people get back on two wheels.
“There’s nothing quite like a trusty old bike full of memories, so our team of experts will be ready to reunite owners with that unrivalled feeling of riding a bike, and the epic adventures that lie ahead.”
The study also found, of those who haven’t cycled in the last 12 months, nearly one in five (18%) blamed a lack of confidence, while one in 20 haven’t found the time to repair their old bike.
In fact, two in five bike owners (40%) have one lying dormant in their garage or shed waiting to be dusted off – with a quarter (23%) of all adults preferring to restore a trusty old bike than buy a new one.
Of the bike-owners polled, 36% said theirs isn’t currently “roadworthy” – but 89% of these believe it only needs a few minor tweaks to make it safe to ride again.
But, for those who can ride a bike, 51% feel they only have basic knowledge when it comes to fixing a bike, and one in six (16%) “wouldn’t know where to start”.
Even of those who do have some confidence in mending a bicycle, nearly half (48%) still wouldn’t know how to pump up the tyres, put a chain on if it came off, or check the brakes.
However, 28% would like to learn, according to the OnePoll data.
The study also found, of those who can ride a bike, 25% have ridden one within the last week.
This included heading out to see friends (55%), going to the shops (55%), seeing family (48%), and commuting to work (43%).
Chain Reaction has also teamed up with ex-England footballer Ben Foster – the bike enthusiast known as “The Cycling GK” – to support the pop-up, which is launching on October 18 in Restoration Station on Shoreditch High Street.
