Rochdale joins Danish-style research on cycling

Rochdale joins Danish-style research on cycling

Telephone interviewers are calling a random sample of 400 people in Rochdale, as part of research by the charity Sustrans and Transport for Greater Manchester to find out attitudes and barriers to cycling.

Researchers are speaking to people throughout Greater Manchester to investigate whether the city region is attractive for cycling and what would encourage more people onto two wheels.

Results will be published in Greater Manchester’s first Bike Life report in October 2015, which will help to develop targets for bicycle provision and measure its progress as a ‘bicycle-friendly city’.

Bike Life reports are based on a method first developed in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, and contributed to its rating as one of the most bicycle-friendly and happiest cities in the world. Sustrans is also working on reports for Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Newcastle, and will produce another series of follow-up reports with all seven cities in 2017.

Sustrans created the National Cycle Network and manages cycle routes throughout Britain, including paths in Greater Manchester.

Rosslyn Colderley, North West Regional Director for Sustrans said: "The Danish capital of Copenhagen was recently voted as the happiest city in the world and it’s no coincidence that over a third of its residents feel safe enough to travel around by bicycle for everyday journeys.

"Rochdale has the potential to massively increase levels of healthy, active travel and create a cleaner, safer city, in which more people choose to live because of a great quality of life. Bike Life will help us understand current attitudes to cycling so we can improve standards for the future.”

Helen Ramsden, Head of Active Travel and Travel Choices at Transport for Greater Manchester said: “The Bike Life report will gather the views of residents in Greater Manchester about cycling and will help us to shape our future cycle plans.

“The report is all part of our commitment to making cycling accessible for everyone which includes investing in cycle routes and cycling parking as well as working with schools, workplaces and communities to encourage people to give cycling a go.”

Bike Life reports are based on the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, which first began in 1996. Copenhageners were interviewed every two years about cycling in the city, and their views helped shape investment strategy into cycle infrastructure and policy. The changes substantially boosted cycling in the city and 45% of people now use a bike to travel to work, school or higher education.

Copenhagen is consistently voted as one of the world’s happiest cities due to its relaxed quality of life. By improving infrastructure to allow more people to travel safely by bicycle or walk cities can create healthier and more pleasant environments for everyone.