Cycling in the UK is more popular than ever. With a 14% increase over the last five years in the sales of bicycles million more and more of us are identifying with the sport than ever before. Mintel provides an overview of the UK cycling market and Brits attitude towards the sport.

1. CYCLING
HOW THE WHEELS
TURN IN THE UK
The market for cycling
has grown
over the past year
35%
adults currently
describe themselves as
cyclists
31%
would consider
cycling in the future
2013
Value of the
cycling market
WHERE ARE THE UK’S
FREQUENT CYCLISTS? BASE: 2,000 INTERNET USERS AGED 16+
31%
39%
Average consumer spend on cycles:
2008
£178
2009
2010
45%
2011
2012
THE MAJOR DETERRENT TO
CYCLING REMAINS SAFETY CONCERNS
14%
increase over the
last five years in the
sales of bicycles
£639
million
£745
million
2008
SOURCE: MINTEL
The safety of cycling is of paramount importance to consumers
38%
Cycling in towns and
cities would be safer if
cyclists were separated
from other traffic.
24%
Being able to use
dedicated bicycle lanes
would encourage me to
cycle more often.
13%
I’d like to cycle to work
but it is not practical
(e.g. no changing or
showering facilities.)
2013
safety
8%
I’d feel safer cycling
if I could ride as part
of a larger group.
7%
I’d be more likely to buy
an electric bicycle if they
looked more stylish.
8%
I’d like to cycle to work
but there is nowhere
secure to park or leave it.
32%
It is too dangerous to
ride a bicycle on the road.
BASE: 2,000 INTERNET USERS AGED 16+ | SOURCE: GMI/MINTEL
security
personal
CONSUMERS ATTITUDES
TO CYCLING BY REGION BASE: 2,000 INTERNET USERS AGED 16+
“Cycling in towns and cities would be
safer if cyclists were separated from
other traffic.”
Inner &
Greater London
South East &
East Anglia
South West & Wales
East & West Midlands
North West
Yorkshire &
Humberside
38%
of UK consumers
believe cycling in
towns would be safer
if cyclists were separated
from traffic
“Being able to use dedicated bicycle
lanes would encourage me to cycle/cycle
more often.”
“I’d be more likely to cycle if I had
someone to ride with.”
32%
of UK adults
agree that it is
dangerous to
ride a bicycle on the road
23%
current cyclists
in the UK
agree that it is
dangerous to
ride a bicycle on the road
SOURCE: MINTEL
£205
£199
£197
£206
£233
16.1%
increase in the average price of
bicycles between 2008-13
“Consumers buying bicycles in the
UK recognise that one gets what
one pays for— a good quality product
is worth the extra money.”
— Michael Oliver
Senior Leisure and Media Analyst
35%
33%
30%
36%
North & Scotland
Yorkshire &
Humberside
East & West
Midlands
North West
South West
& Wales
Inner &
Greater
London
South East &
East Anglia
SOURCE: GMI/MINTEL
North & Scotland
SOURCE: GMI/MINTEL
40%
39%
36%
38%
39%
42%
33%
37%
32%
32%
32%
31%
30%
28%
27%
27%
17%
24%
26%
24%
23%
14%
12%
8%
13%
18%
14%
13%
“It is too dangerous to ride a bicycle on
the road.”