Pedal power

Cycling boomed during 2020 and the UK Government has set a target of 50% of all journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2030.

The Department for Transport revealed that in 2020, 5bn miles were cycled in Britain, up 46% on the previous year and the highest level of cycling since the 1960s. Despite this increase, the UK still has huge upside potential when compared to its European neighbours: the UK's cycling modal share is still relatively low at only 2% (compared to 27% in the Netherlands and 12% in Germany).

Cycling is more prevalent in the UK’s cities and towns, with the proportion of people cycling highest in Cambridge and Oxford (7.6 and 4.8 times the English average respectively).

With the prevalence of cycling set to increase, how can commercial space adapt to maximise the opportunity generated by those engaging with this form of transport?

Increased footfall and rental value
Within the DfT's Cycling and Walking Strategy it is noted that the installation of cycle lanes benefits nearby retail footfall by up to 40%. Where such conditions existed, people were found to linger, increasing their retail activity by as much as 216%. The knock-on effect benefitted landlords, with retail rental values in those areas increased by 7.5%, while the retailers themselves began to grow in number; vacancies fell by 17%.

Expect engaged and socially proactive landlords to be actively investigating ways of working with local authorities to improve accessibility by bicycle to their locations in the years ahead.

More retail openings
Businesses are keen to take advantage of the additional footfall that cycling infrastructure provides, with a London-focused study proving that areas which experience an increase in cycling activity – considering among other things bike sharing stations and bike parking facilities – also exhibit higher numbers of new local retail and F&B openings. The recent opening of a free bike hub at Carnaby Street is one example of landlords prioritising the needs of bicycle users.

Who benefits the most?
Local high streets in towns and cities benefit the most from enhanced cycling infrastructure as they enable people in the catchment to use bikes for errands rather than relying on cars or public transport. Since they tend to be local, these customers are extremely valuable as they come back again and again, have a retail spend comparable to those that arrive by car whist requiring less space - and they are easier to lure off the street for impulse visits than those who travel by car or public transport.

Beyond the high street
Whilst local high streets are the key benefactors, other types of venues are following suit as they recognise the economic, social and environmental value that better cycling infrastructure and connectivity brings to a scheme. Westfield London almost doubled their secure bicycle parking provision in response to the Covid pandemic to 700, and Brussels Airport is now connected to the cycle highway network to allow easier access for their 20,000 employees.

What next?
In the near future, is it unlikely that out of town retail parks or destinations will attract a sizeable amount of spend from customers arriving by bike, however appropriate cycling infrastructure will become increasingly expected as developments look to enhance their environmental and social credentials, with cycling a healthy and affordable option for staff in particular. 

Christina Roseler