DRIVE TO CYCLE

Hit by soaring fuel costs, stymied by restrictive road-closure schemes and yearning for a greener lifestyle, increasing numbers of motorists are swapping cars for bikes and transforming their lives in the process

- Rob Kemp

The rising cost of fuel, the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) and the desire for a cleaner, cheaper alternative to running a car are just some of the reasons why the UK is in the midst of what you might call a transport revolution.

The pandemic boosted sales of all types of bike, and the fuel crisis has only served to keep sales on an upward trajectory. Deloitte projects that between 2020 and 2023, 130 million ebikes will be sold worldwide - making them the world's best-selling electric vehicle.

Bike retailers estimate that around 30% of new customers cite rising fuel prices as a factor in their decision to purchase an ebike. "Our bikes are designed for everyday commuters, and many of them are also replacing car trips," explains Ardo Kaurit, co-founder and CEO of ebike company Ampler Bikes. "Some do report selling their car after getting an ebike. The cost of driving is one factor, but more and more people also take the environmental aspect into consideration."

For many commuters and small-business owners, the thought of ditching the car or van and choosing pedal power might feel like a big leap, but the testimony of those who've done it and thrived may help persuade them.

The cash converter

Darren Snooks, 36, from Harrow switched from driving to work in Hayes, Middlesex, and back - an 11-mile round trip - to riding his daily commute.

"I drove every day for years, then switched to riding a moped on and off, but finally I swapped completely to cycling on a cyclocross bike," says Darren. With reports suggesting that fuel prices could reach £2 per litre - putting the average cost of filling a medium tank at a staggering £100 Darren couldn't have timed his transition better.