'Consider needs of disabled riders when designing cycle routes'

Much of the UK’s cycling infrastructure is unsuitable for cyclists with disabilities, says Dr William Clayton from the University of the West of England

There appears to be a widespread view in the UK that cycling is simply not possible if you have a disability. This assumption is very often incorrect, particularly considering the availability of adapted cycles. For many people with a mobility impairment, cycles (including bicycles) are in fact mobility aids which provide much greater freedom of movement and personal safety than walking.

However, there is clearly also a serious issue with infrastructure which does not cater for cyclists with disabilities. There are notable exceptions; in areas where there is decent, inclusive infrastructure – for example, in London and Cambridge – levels of disabled cycling are more proportionate to those recorded in the general population.

But this is not the case elsewhere; current DfT statistics suggest that across England the level of disabled cycling is disproportionately low, under half that of the general population.  

Cycling infrastructure in the UK all too often excludes cyclists with disabilities, due to the dimensional requirements of adapted cycles. There is also a lack of understanding of the additional needs of some disabled cyclists beyond simply being on a cycle in motion. For example, mounting/dismounting, walking alongside the cycle, and balancing at very low speed may be required, but this may be impossible for a disabled person to achieve.

A recent study by the Centre for Transport and Society and Sustrans exposed the significant barriers faced by cyclists with disabilities, and issues particularly related to poor infrastructure, wholly inaccessible sections of cycle paths, and the cost of adapted cycles.

It is important that cycling infrastructure is usable by people with impaired mobility. There is clear evidence that cycling offers significant health benefits to disabled people; it improves energy, fitness, and mental wellbeing as well as mitigating secondary diseases and promoting social inclusion. 

Cycling by disabled people deserves more attention in transport policy and design guidance. One in five people experiences some form of disability, and just under two-thirds of disabled people have a mobility impairment. People with an impairment experience significant barriers to using transport, and consequently, disabled people travel a third less often than the general public and can suffer reduced employment opportunities as a result. Additionally, many disabled people are at increased risk of developing serious health conditions, often linked to obesity as a result of a more sedentary life. 

But opportunities for cyclists with disabilities will be limited until we have more  inclusive infrastructure design. There are good examples of effective cycle design guidance in Netherlands and Denmark because of its better suitability for all cyclist types and types of cycle. Cycle infrastructure is accessible by any user, and effectively removes the need to consider cyclists by level of ability. An important aspect of this approach are the cross-benefits which are created by inclusive cycle infrastructure. A step-free network without bollards and barriers and with clear signing are indeed essential to all cyclists. 

If the UK can emulate this philosophy of inclusive infrastructure bringing benefits to all cyclists, it will be a step in the right direction for promoting and expanding opportunities for disabled cyclists. A network for all ability cycling is the therefore the desired goal.

Dr William Clayton is Research Fellow in sustainable transport at the University of the West of England.

He will be presenting his findings at Cycle City Active City