Just one in six Sheffield workers walk or cycle to work, figures show

As the lockdown is gradually lifted and people head back to work, the Government has announced emergency funding and measures to make the roads more cyclist and pedestrian-friendly, including plans for pop-up cycle lanes and distributing bike repair vouchers.

New Office for National Statistics figures show that 16 per cent of people in Sheffield either cycled or walked to work in the three months to December – 2 per cent opted for a bike, while 14 per ce n t took the journey on foot.

That is according to a survey of employment circumstances across the UK.

The vast majority of people in Sheffield travelled to work by car or van – 65 per cent of those surveyed.

The ONS says the results must be interpreted with caution, as there may have been a small sample size in local areas.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced a £250 million emergency package for England to boost cycling and walking, warning public transport will only be able to cope with 10 per cent of usual numbers if passengers are to abide by the two metre social distancing rule.

The Department for Transport has told councils they must reallocate road space for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.

In a bid to encourage people to dust off their old bikes, vouchers will be given out for cycle repairs, while plans are under way for greater provision of bike-fixing facilities.

Separate figures from the DfT for 2018 reveal that more than a quarter of residents in Sheffield walk or cycle less than once per week.

However, Sheffield Council has already revealed plans to widen footpaths and cycle lands to accommodate the rising number of people walking and cycling to work to avoid public transport during the pandemic.

Coun Bob Johnson, cabinet member for transport, said:“It’s essential we put the infrastructure in place to ensure people are able to cycle, walk and run around our city’s streets safely.

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