The Role of Infrastructure in Encouraging Family Cycling
Cycling has long been heralded as an efficient, eco-friendly mode of transport. However, the presence (or absence) of dedicated cycling infrastructure plays a pivotal role in determining how many people—especially families—choose to cycle regularly.
Studies have shown that the introduction of bike lanes significantly increases cycling participation among all age groups, with families being among the greatest beneficiaries (The Guardian).
I’ve witnessed this myself at the school gate. I listened in to a conversation between two parents of Year 5 children who were about to do Bikeability training. They suggested they were happy for their children to do the playground training but wouldn’t consent to them doing the road training (which is usually within a safe/closed cul-de-sac or side streets).
I couldn’t help but think we’d made a wrong turn somewhere in a society where parents are too scared to allow their children to ride a bike. I’m obviously biased but bikes are the facilitator of freedom. They are enablers; particularly for those growing up as a means of transportation. Not only that but from a health and environmental perspective. What world have we created where we are happy for our children to lead sedentary lifestyles over active ones?
I must confess it’s not easy to cycle within a suburban environment. Pavement parking, speeding, close passes, distracted and rushed drivers. It can be a real challenge; especially with two children in tow.
I believe infrastructure matters and 30+ years of poor infrastructure choices have contributed to a decline in health (mentally and physically), time, happiness and autonomy. But how do we change 30 years of poor planning decisions and the subsequent impact on our society? Let’s look at how the impact of infrastructure can bring positive change, the net benefits of doing so and the next steps.
- The Role of Infrastructure in Encouraging Family Cycling
- Case Studies: The Impact of Infrastructure on Cycling Uptake
- The Net Benefits of Improved Cycling Infrastructure
- Health Benefits & NHS Savings
- Freedom & Autonomy for Children
- Schools & Traffic: The Need for Change
- Case Study: Transitioning to a Cycle-Friendly Community
- Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done??
- Final Thoughts
Case Studies: The Impact of Infrastructure on Cycling Uptake
The Netherlands: A Cycling Utopia
The Netherlands is widely recognised as a global leader in cycling infrastructure. Since the 1970s, the country has invested heavily in segregated bike lanes, traffic-calmed neighbourhoods, and pedestrian-prioritised spaces. We witnessed this first hand when we compared cycling in the UK vs the Netherlands on a trip within Europe. In the Netherlands, cycling infrastructure is everywhere. Even quiet roads have cycling lanes. But not just this; it’s embedded in the DNA of those within the Netherlands.
As a result, cycling has become deeply embedded in daily life. Today, around 75% of secondary school children cycle to school daily, contributing to lower traffic congestion and healthier lifestyles (Dutch Cycling Embassy).
Key factors contributing to the Netherlands’ cycling success include:
- Extensive cycling networks: Over 35,000km of dedicated cycle lanes, ensuring safe routes for cyclists.
- Car-free city centres: Many urban centres prioritise bikes and pedestrians over cars.
- Education and policy support: Cycling is integrated into road safety education from an early age.
Seville, Spain: Transforming a City with Bike Lanes
Seville a city in Spain offers a compelling example of how rapid investment in cycling infrastructure can transform a city. In the early 2000s, the city implemented an ambitious plan to construct 80km of fully segregated cycle lanes within just a few years. The results were immediate and dramatic: cycling levels increased tenfold from 0.5% to 6% of all trips between 2006 and 2011 (European Cyclists’ Federation).
Key takeaways from Seville’s success include:
- Clear segregation from traffic: Seville’s bike lanes are physically separated from roads, making cycling safer and more attractive.
- Improved air quality and reduced congestion: The shift toward cycling has helped reduce traffic emissions in the city.
Both the Netherlands and Seville showcase how well-planned infrastructure can lead to a dramatic increase in cycling uptake. The UK can learn from these successes to create safer, healthier, and more accessible cycling environments for families.
The Net Benefits of Improved Cycling Infrastructure
Economic & Environmental Benefits
Investing in cycling infrastructure provides clear financial and environmental advantages:
- Reduced congestion: Cycling infrastructure reduces reliance on cars, easing congestion and shortening commute times. A study analysing London’s Cycle Superhighways found that these dedicated lanes led to a significant reduction in traffic congestion on adjacent roads, demonstrating that well-planned cycling infrastructure can alleviate congestion (arxiv.org).
Additionally, although this is self-explanatory when you look at the size of a bike vs a car research indicates that cycle lanes can move more people in less space compared to car lanes, making urban mobility more efficient (Cycling UK). - Lower pollution levels: Encouraging families to cycle instead of driving reduces air pollution and carbon emissions (Sustrans).
- Boosting local economies: A report by Sustrans found that walking, wheeling, and cycling contributed £36.5 billion to the UK economy in 2021, factoring in health benefits, reduced congestion, and local business growth (Road Safety GB).
- Increased retail spending: A study by Transport for London found that streets with dedicated cycle lanes saw a significant rise in retail sales, showing that active travel-friendly streets help boost economic activity (TfL).
What’s compelling about the evidence above is that arguments around cycle infrastructure usually lean on economic outcomes. But evidence suggests even economically the benefits are staggering. But are economic benefits the primary reason for better infrastructure? I think they certainly help with getting local councils on board but for me, the most important benefit is a healthier more resilient society.
Health Benefits & NHS Savings
Investing in cycling infrastructure is not just about transport; it is a public health strategy. The health benefits of increased cycling include:
- Lower obesity rates: Regular physical activity, such as cycling, helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity. Childhood obesity often leads to adult obesity, which is associated with various chronic diseases. By promoting active travel from a young age, we can curb the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks (CDC).
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases: Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and reduces blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart diseases. Establishing active habits early in life sets the foundation for a heart-healthy future (BMJ Archives of Disease in Childhood).
- Increased daily physical activity for children and adults: Incorporating cycling into daily routines ensures consistent physical activity, which is essential for overall health. Active children are more likely to become active adults, perpetuating a cycle of health benefits (WHO).
- According to a report by Public Health England, physical inactivity directly contributes to one in six deaths annually, and increasing activities like cycling can mitigate this risk (Gov.uk).
The evidence is compelling and it’s clear to see that lifestyle plays a huge factor in the general health of families. Sedentary travel leads to a sedentary life at home. Infrastructure which promotes an active lifestyle will create a healthier, more vibrant society.
Freedom & Autonomy for Children
Children’s freedom to move independently has significantly declined since the 1980s, largely due to increased traffic and safety concerns. In 1971, 86% of primary school children in England were allowed to travel to school unaccompanied; by 1990, this figure had plummeted to 9% (Nuffield Foundation).
This decline is largely linked to rising traffic volumes, with road use nearly doubling over the same period. While child fatalities on roads have decreased, parental anxiety over road safety has led to restrictions on independent mobility (Cycling Embassy). The roads haven’t got safer; the children have just been removed from them due to fear and lifestyle changes.
Beyond just mobility, this loss of independence has developmental consequences. Studies indicate that independent travel and outdoor play are critical for fostering:
- Self-confidence: Greater autonomy leads to improved self-esteem and a sense of capability.
Encouraging children to cycle independently can rebuild these essential skills. Safe cycling infrastructure allows parents to feel more confident in letting their children travel alone or with them but on their own bikes, supporting both resilience and independence (Metro Pediatrics).
We cycle our daughter to school and it’s a relatively safe route (which unfortunately involves some pavement use due to the narrowness of the road) and even at the age of 9 you are constantly guiding her due to how others use the road.
We’ve had several close passes; even with our at the time baby boy in the bike seat. We believe in the net benefit of cycling and how it builds our children into strong, resilient people so we will continue to do so despite the challenges.
Infrastructure would change everything and facilitate safe, enjoyable passage to school and beyond.
Net Benefits Quick View
| Category | Key Benefits | Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Lower obesity rates, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved mental health, increased daily physical activity | Physical inactivity contributes to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK; NHS savings of £0.9 billion annually |
| Economic Benefits | Boosts local economies, increases retail spending, saves the NHS millions annually, reduces congestion-related costs | Cycling contributes £36.5 billion to the UK economy; retail sales increase on cycle-friendly streets |
| Environmental Benefits | Reduces air pollution, lowers carbon emissions, promotes sustainable urban planning | Cycling reduces CO2 emissions by 16 million tonnes annually; improves urban air quality |
| Traffic & Safety Benefits | Decreases road congestion, shortens commute times, enhances safety with segregated bike lanes, supports safer school streets | London’s Cycle Superhighways reduced congestion; School Streets increase active travel by 58% |
Schools & Traffic: The Need for Change
Another crucial element in encouraging family cycling is how schools manage traffic. Many children express strong support for infrastructure improvements however the environment around schools (caused by both school drop-offs and commuting traffic).
Our daughters’ school is on an arterial road into the centre of the city and school traffic is painful. Double yellow line parking, lack of restrictions, speeding cars. It makes the whole experience quite challenging. Many schools won’t face this but if you are on the cusp of a developed suburban area it can be what you experience every day.
Segregated Bike Lanes Leading to Schools
Dedicated cycling paths that are physically separated from motor traffic provide a safe route for students. The absence of such infrastructure can deter parents from allowing their children to cycle due to safety concerns. Investment in segregated bike lanes, along with other measures like low-traffic streets and cycle-friendly road designs, is crucial to boost confidence among both children and parents (Fusion Media).
Traffic Calming Measures: 20mph Speed Limits
Reducing vehicle speed limits near schools enhances safety for cyclists and pedestrians. The London Borough of Sutton, for instance, has implemented ‘Safer Routes to School’ initiatives that include traffic calming measures to encourage walking and cycling (Sutton Council).
School Streets Initiatives: Vehicle Restrictions at Peak Times
‘School Streets‘ involve restricting motor vehicle access to roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times, transforming them into pedestrian and cyclist-friendly zones. In London, this program has been notably successful, with over 500 School Streets implemented, leading to a 58% increase in walking among children aged 5-11 (London.gov).
Similarly, Newcastle introduced a ‘signage-only’ School Streets initiative aimed at reducing traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. The evaluation indicated that while there was increased confidence among students and parents regarding active travel, the overall impact on traffic volume and travel mode was limited, highlighting the need for enforcement and physical infrastructure to ensure long-term success (PHIRST).
Case Study: Transitioning to a Cycle-Friendly Community
But how can these changes or moving somewhere with infrastructure/less traffic impact your life? I can tell you from experience that despite not living in the most friendly of locations it can completely change your mood and happiness by cycling to school/work.
But how would it feel living in the capital of cycling in the UK? We’ve put together a case study of how a move to Cambridge changed things for the Smith Family (I know very original name!).
From a Car-Dependent City to Cambridge
The Smith family, previously residing in a city with minimal cycling infrastructure, faced daily struggles with congestion, lack of safe bike routes, and heavy reliance on cars. Cycling accounted for less than 2% of daily commutes in their area, and concerns over road safety meant their children were unable to cycle to school.
Seeking a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle, they relocated to Cambridge, known for its extensive cycling infrastructure. Cambridge boasts the highest rate of cycling in the UK, with 32% of residents commuting by bike (Cambridge Cycling Campaign).
Life in a Cycle-Friendly City
Moving to Cambridge transformed their day-to-day lives:
- School Runs: The children now cycle safely to school using dedicated bike paths, reducing the family’s dependence on car travel.
- Work Commute: Both parents cycle to work daily, avoiding traffic congestion and parking issues.
- Errands & Shopping: With extensive cycle parking at local shops and businesses, running errands by bike has become a practical and enjoyable option.
- Safer & More Active Lifestyle: With traffic-calmed streets and bike-prioritised routes, the family feels safer and more encouraged to use cycling as their main mode of transport.
Cambridge’s infrastructure, including the Chisholm Trail—a dedicated walking and cycling route—along with traffic-free paths such as the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, ensures that cycling is not only safe but the most efficient way to navigate the city (Cambridgeshire County Council).
The Smiths’ transition highlights the impact that safe, well-planned cycling infrastructure can have on family life, health, and sustainability.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done??
- Government investment in cycling infrastructure: Secure, segregated bike lanes and the focus on active travel should be a priority in all urban planning moving forward.
- Expansion of school streets: Making school drop-off and pick-up zones vehicle-free encourages active travel.
- Public awareness campaigns: Educating communities about the benefits of cycling can drive behavioural change. This is one of the fundamental differences between the UK and the Netherlands. There’s a clear positive attitude and respect towards cyclists vs the UK where they are seen by some as a nuisance on the roads.
- Cross-city cycling networks: Creating a seamless, interconnected network of bike lanes ensures that cycling is a practical option for families.
Final Thoughts
The evidence is clear: when cities invest in safe cycling infrastructure, cycling rates soar, families feel safer, and children gain independence. Beyond convenience, the impact extends to health, economic savings, and environmental sustainability.
The UK has a long way to go, but with strategic investment and commitment to making cycling accessible to all, we could see a future where families confidently choose bikes over cars for their daily journeys and we are able to become a happy, healthy society with robust kids who have the independence to travel freely without their parents.
Surely this is the life we all want and surely we should be able to allow our children to travel safely without parental supervision.
Infrastructure needs to come first and the trust and confidence in the safety of the parents will follow next.
Photo by henry perks on Unsplash
Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.