Research shows interest in adaptive bike sharing in Scotland

Research published by Cycling UK today (17 December 2021) has shown substantial interest in bike sharing schemes for adaptive cycles in Scotland, as well as significant barriers to cycling for prospective users.

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The research, conducted by Cycling UK on behalf of Transport Scotland, included a survey that received a total of 207 responses from disabled people, those responding on behalf of a disabled person or people who did not consider themselves disabled but identified as having a need for an adaptive cycle.

62% of respondents were interested in adaptive bike share or loan schemes because it would enable them to cycle more often, 49% felt it would help them get advice on the right bike and 48% were attracted to the possibility of trying a bike before potentially buying one.

There was no single scheme design that appealed to a majority of respondents. Options from short loans (2-5 hours, or 30-90 minutes) up to long loans (over three months) all had support.

The biggest barriers to cycling identified by respondents were the cost of suitable bikes (55%), the lack of suitable cycling infrastructure (43%) and not owning a bike (32%).

There was a clear consensus on the need for segregated cycling infrastructure: 90% wanted to ride on cycle paths and off-road paths.

In terms of current cycling levels, 56% of respondents said they didn’t currently cycle but would like to start, while another 40% already cycled. 70% thought they would cycle once a week or more if they had access to a suitable bike.

Following on from the research, Transport Scotland plans to continue discussions with relevant stakeholders with a view to potentially testing pilot adaptive cycle sharing schemes.