Cycling is bloody good value for money. Not just for people who cycle, but for local government too:
Economic modelling carried out for Cycling England shows that increasing cycling levels by 20 per cent by 2015 has the potential to save £107 million in reducing premature deaths, £52 million in NHS costs and £87 million in reduced absense from work.
There are also quantifiable benefits in terms of reduced congestion and pollution. The SQW work quoting a 20% increase in cycling delivering congestion benefits of £207m and pollution benefits of £71m. Overall, it is estimated that investing in cycling gives very good value for money, with benefits estimated to be 3.2 times the costs. Regular cyclists are also likely to live a healthier, longer life.
From ‘A Sustainable Future for Cycling‘, Department for Transport, January 2008.
