CAR-LESS WHISPER: 40% OF BRITS WANT CAR-FREE CITIES, SAYS NEW STUDY
As Europe embraces urban transformation, UK cities risk falling behind
New research reveals Brits are calling for more car-free zones and even carless cities
To celebrate Car Free Day, Swapfiets will be giving away free month-long memberships to get more on two wheels
Swapfiets will also re-launch Cycle Squad to help build confidence and community for new cyclists
September 2024, London: Ahead of Car Free Day (22nd September), new research reveals Brits are desperate for more livable cities that are less reliant on cars. This comes as cities like Paris and Amsterdam continue to expand their car-free zones, raising questions about the future of urban planning in the UK.
The nationwide survey of 2,000 Brits, conducted by bike subscription service Swapfiets, reveals that over half (55%) of the nation wants cities to have more car-free zones, while a staggering 2 in 5 support the radical step of making entire city centres off-limits to private vehicles.
When asked what UK cities would look like without cars, previous research from Swapfiets revealed that Brits believe roads should be transformed into more green spaces and trees (41%), more cycling and pedestrianised zones (40%) and lots more street dining (24%). Brits also expect to see new landmarks, more commemorative statues and more sporting facilities.
To celebrate Car Free Day, Swapfiets is providing Brits with a free Power 1 e-Bike for a full month (RRP: £54.90 a month), to encourage more people onto two wheels. Swapfiets’ Power 1 is the perfect unisex urban e-Bike for everyday use, offering speeds of up to 15.5mph, 50-mile range and a speedy 4-hour charge time. To claim your free bike, simply visit https://partner.swapfiets.com/car-free-day.
In addition to offering would-be cyclists a free month’s Power 1 subscription, Swapfiets is also hosting a Car Free Day Cycle Squad on Sunday 22nd September – open to all. The event will kick off with a meet & greet and bike set-up from 12pm at Swapfiets’ flagship London store, where participants can get to know one another and discuss the possible future of a truly car-free life.
At 12:30pm, the group ride will commence, led by Swapfiets’ Senior Store & Field lead Rory MacPhee. The two-hour ride will follow a route from Shoreditch down to the River Thames for a scenic riverside ride, heading to the iconic Hyde Park for a leisurely lap before hitting the cycle lanes back to the Swapfiets store. The route has been carefully selected by the Swapfiets team, sticking mostly to designated cycle lanes for an accessible experience for all levels.
Katarina Hlavata, UK Country Manager at Swapfiets, said: “It’s encouraging to see a movement of Brits who want to pursue a more sustainable way of life. What’s clear from our research is that the way we live, work and socialise in cities is constantly evolving – and we need to change with that evolution. “Through our Car Free Day initiative and continued Cycle Squad, we want to play our part in building and fostering a community that can help fight for a positive change in the future.”
How to Join the Cycle Squad
The Cycle Squad is open to all cyclists interested in building their urban cycling confidence in a fun, supportive setting. To book, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/car-free-day-2024-swapfiets-cycle-squad-tickets-1010550272067. Spots are limited.
Top five ways think a car-less city could utilise road space
Green spaces, trees and parts (41%)
Cycling lanes and pedestrianised zones (40%)
Tramlines (32%)
Street dining (24%)
Sport facilities (12%)
Note to editors:
* Based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Censuswide
About Swapfiets
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 280.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.
The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.
