Cycling for recreation and transport purposes in Lancaster UK

Abstract Introduction: While existing research explores cycling, its positive impact on health and its environmental impact, there remains a dearth of studies on cycling for both transport and recreational purposes. Thus, the primary aim of this study is to investigate how the neighbourhood environment and policies influence cycling, particularly for transport and recreation. Methods: The case study is based in Lancaster, UK, where 65 participants were recruited to complete a survey. They were asked their socio-economic status, cycling behaviour (e.g., frequency of cycling), opinions on the neighbourhood environment, and experiences with both transport cycling (TC) and recreational cycling (RC). Additionally, interviews were conducted with representatives from the City and County Councils (n=3) to gain insights into relevant cycling infrastructure and policies. These datasets were subsequently compared to assess their alignment and, importantly, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and infrastructure. Results: The study's findings reveal notable distinctions between TC and RC. A higher percentage of participants (87%) expressed the benefits of cycling for recreation, compared to around 79% for TC. Furthermore, perceptions about the quality of cycling routes varied, with 37% considering the routes convenient for TC and 62% finding them suitable for RC. Conclusions: These results were corroborated by insights from interviews and our observations of the cycling infrastructure, which exposed inadequacies in the city centre’s infrastructure, particularly for transport purposes. To promote cycling, it is imperative to establish and maintain continuous and dedicated cycling paths. The study underlines the need for improved cycling infrastructure, not only for recreational purposes but also for transport.