By Grace Todd
With only 2 per cent of people cycling to work in Northern Ireland, according to the latest figures, fitness fans are calling for more to be done to support healthy living choices.
The statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency 2024/25 show that while cycling is popular, only a tiny percentage use bikes to travel to their job.
In general, 77 per cent of respondents reported that they consider cycling to be a form of active travel. While 48 per cent reported that they were satisfied with cycling in their area. This is down from 55 per cent in 2023/24.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, previously called Sustrans, are a charity making it possible for everyone to ‘walk, wheel and cycle.’
The most recent figures from their Walking and Cycling Index survey for Belfast 2023 show that 30 per cent of Belfast residents say they want to drive less, while 38 per cent say they use a car because no other transport options are available.
Currently a Cycle to Work scheme exists in NI. This is a UK government initiative for employees to receive a bicycle and safety equipment through their employer. It allows them to cycle to work and benefit from tax savings.
However, users are calling for more to be done to support the scheme.
John Hanna, a chef at Coleman’s Garden Centre, used to use the scheme before changing jobs.
Speaking to Underscore Media, John started cycling after running the roads, and his local football career finished due to the toll it was taking on his knees, hips and calf muscles.
In his previous place of work, a Cycle to Work scheme was in place, which John used to keep himself fit and healthy. He has approached his current workplace about adopting a Cycle to Work Scheme but was told it is not something they might have considered.
He said “A healthier workforce has to be a more productive workforce. It is of benefit to keep staff active.”
Fans of the scheme like John, say it keeps workers physically healthy, but it also keeps them mentally healthy.
“I like cycling because it keeps me fit and active physically but more importantly, to me, it helps me mentally,” said John, “I do love riding along with my own thoughts and planning the day or weeks ahead.”
A survey by the NISRA in 2024/25 highlighted that 73 per cent of respondents are concerned about the environment and that higher use of cycling helps cut pollution.
With a high percentage of people concerned about the environment, John says it has helped him save fuel and that his “car does fewer miles, so that’s a bonus.”
The most recent figures from the Department of Infrastructure, 2023, show that on average 583 car journeys were taken per person. This is compared to an average of 9 cycling journeys taken per person, representing 1 per cent of all journeys made that year.
Speaking to Underscore Media, Councillor Anthony Flynn, Green Party, said “The UK Cycle to Work scheme is a great policy that delivers real results.”
“Making bikes and e-bikes more affordable for workers helps people make better choices which help the environment,” he said, “It helps cut emissions, reduces congestion and improves public health in Belfast and across the UK.”
He added: “If we are serious about climate action and better air quality in our towns and cities, the Cycle to Work scheme is exactly the type of practical support that can make a big difference in people’s lives.”
- Grace Todd
- Grace Todd
