BicesterBUG
Annual Survey 2025 Results
28th April 2025

Annual Survey 2025 Results

Introduction

This report presents the findings of the Bicester Bike Users' Group (BBUG) annual survey conducted in April 2025. The survey collected responses from 73 participants from Bicester and surrounding villages, providing insights into cycling habits, barriers, motivations, and awareness of BBUG initiatives. The results are intended to inform BBUG's activities and focus areas for the coming year.

Methodology

The survey was conducted online between March 30 and April 17, 2025, with marketing via the BBUG mailing list and to the wider community via public social media posts. All participants were from the Bicester area, including surrounding villages. Responses were segmented into three main groups:

  • Current cyclists (51 respondents, 70%)
  • Non-cyclists who might consider cycling (13 respondents, 18%)
  • Non-cyclists with no interest in cycling (9 respondents, 12%)

Survey Findings

1. Current Cyclists Profile

1.1 Cycling Frequency

Among current cyclists:

  • 24% cycle daily
  • 47% cycle several times per week
  • 14% cycle weekly
  • 10% cycle monthly or several times a month
  • 6% cycle several times a year

1.2 Reasons for Cycling

Current cyclists' motivations for cycling:

  • 78% cycle for leisure
  • 61% for grocery shopping/errands
  • 39% for commuting
  • 29% as their main mode of transport
  • 16% for school/nursery runs

1.3 Cycling Companions

  • 94% sometimes cycle alone
  • 31% cycle with a partner
  • 27% cycle with children
  • 18% cycle with friends

1.4 Barriers to Cycling More

Current cyclists identified several barriers to cycling more frequently:

  • 73% cited lack of suitable cycleways and paths
  • 73% mentioned unsafe roads
  • 60% reported experiencing aggression towards cyclists/feeling unsafe
  • Other mentioned barriers included poor road conditions, lack of secure bike parking, and time constraints

1.5 Potential Solutions

Current cyclists identified factors that would encourage them to cycle more:

  • 80% want more off-road cycleways and pathways
  • 67% desire improved maintenance of existing cycle paths
  • 59% want more direct cycle routes
  • 59% mentioned better driver/cyclist relationships
  • 55% want secure cycle racks in more locations
  • 43% would like less delay at signalized road crossings

2. Non-Cyclists Who Would Consider Cycling

2.1 Current Barriers

Non-cyclists who would consider cycling identified these barriers:

  • 54% cited unsafe roads
  • 46% mentioned lack of suitable cycleways and paths
  • 38% reported lack of confidence in ability to cycle/skill
  • 23% had no access to a suitable bike
  • 23% mentioned health/fitness concerns

2.2 Motivations to Start Cycling

These respondents would consider cycling for:

  • 77% for leisure
  • 46% for fitness
  • 38% for grocery shopping/errands
  • 23% for commuting
  • 15% for school/nursery runs

2.3 Factors That Would Encourage Cycling

To encourage non-cyclists to start cycling:

  • 85% want more off-road cycleways and pathways
  • 46% desire increased knowledge of cycling routes
  • 46% want better driver/cyclist relationships
  • 46% want secure cycle racks in more locations
  • 38% would be encouraged by affordable bike purchase schemes

3. Non-Cyclists with No Interest

3.1 Profile

  • 9 respondents (12% of total) indicated they have no interest in cycling
  • Many expressed concerns about cyclist behavior and infrastructure

3.2 Feedback and Concerns

Common themes in their feedback included:

  • Concerns about cyclist behavior (not following road rules, riding on pavements)
  • Opposition to certain initiatives (e.g., cycling in Sheep Street)
  • Perception that cyclists should be regulated (registration, insurance, road tax)

4. BBUG Project Awareness and Future Focus

4.1 Awareness of Current BBUG Initiatives

  • Planning Responses/Consultation: 38% awareness
  • Social Events: 36% awareness
  • BBUG Website: 36% awareness
  • Active Travel Campaigns: 29% awareness
  • Healthy Cycle Routes: 27% awareness
  • Public Information Events: 25% awareness
  • Cycle Buddy Scheme: 19% awareness

4.2 Desired Future Focus Areas

  • Healthy Cycle Routes: 68% support
  • Planning Responses/Consultation: 42% support
  • Active Travel Campaigns: 39% support
  • Social Events: 23% support
  • Public Information Events: 22% support
  • BBUG Website: 12% support
  • Cycle Buddy Scheme: 10% support

Key Successes and Challenges

Successes

  1. Strong Cycling Community: 70% of respondents are already cycling, with most doing so at least several times per week, indicating a solid foundation for cycling in Bicester.
  2. Diverse Cycling Purposes: Current cyclists use bikes for various purposes beyond recreation, including practical daily activities like shopping and commuting.
  3. Positive Impact of BBUG: Several comments acknowledged BBUG's positive contributions, with specific mentions of the Sheep Street trial and general appreciation for advocacy efforts.

Areas for Attention

  1. Infrastructure Gaps: Both cyclists and non-cyclists strongly emphasised the need for more and better cycling infrastructure, particularly off-road paths and better-maintained existing routes.
  2. Safety Concerns: The high percentage of respondents citing safety issues suggests this remains a significant barrier to cycling adoption and increased frequency.
  3. Public Relations: Some non-cyclist responses reveal negative perceptions of cyclists, indicating a need for improved cyclist-driver-pedestrian relationships and public education.
  4. Awareness of BBUG Initiatives: Relatively low awareness of some BBUG projects suggests an opportunity to improve communication and visibility.

Recommendations

The 2025 BBUG survey provides valuable insights into the current state of cycling in Bicester. While there is a strong cycling community, significant barriers remain to increased cycling adoption and frequency. Infrastructure improvements, safety enhancements, and better relationships between different road users emerge as key priorities. With focused efforts on these areas, BBUG can continue to make meaningful contributions to creating a more cycle-friendly Bicester.

Based on the survey findings, the following recommendations are proposed for BBUG's focus over the next 12 months:

  1. Prioritize Healthy Cycle Routes: In line with member preferences, develop and promote safe, accessible routes for cyclists of all abilities.
  2. Strengthen Planning Advocacy: Continue and enhance engagement with planning authorities to ensure cycling infrastructure is included in development plans.
  3. Improve Driver-Cyclist Relations: Develop campaigns to improve understanding and respect between road users, addressing both driver and cyclist behavior.
  4. Enhance Communication: Increase visibility of BBUG initiatives through more effective communication channels and regular updates.
  5. Address Maintenance Issues: Advocate for better maintenance of existing cycle paths, particularly regarding vegetation clearance and surface quality.
  6. Support New Cyclists: Expand initiatives to help potential cyclists overcome barriers, such as route knowledge, confidence, and access to bikes.
  7. Engage with Critics: Develop strategies to address concerns raised by non-cyclists, possibly through educational campaigns about cycling etiquette and benefits.

Responses

The full responses are available here: Annual Survey 2025 - Full Responses