Is recreational cycling becoming less popular (excluding London commuting)

[123456789]

Just an observation after returning from a 2 year absence.

I was out Sunday morning. It was grey but dry and mild so perfect conditions for a November morning but I saw significantly fewer cyclists out than I expected to. I saw about 3 on my ride whereas previously it would have been triple that.

Was this a one off or is there a trend?

 

[vickster]

I saw loads on my way to and from Kingston yesterday, quite a few groups plus utility and of course delivery riders on dodgy e-bikes, a nice warmish November morning. In total, I was probably pedalling for a little under 2 hours between 11.30 and 4ish.
I expect I would have seen even more if I had been in Richmond / Bushey Park
Whereabouts are you?

 

[siadwell]

Just an observation after returning from a 2 year absence.

I was out Sunday morning. It was grey but dry and mild so perfect conditions for a November morning but I saw significantly fewer cyclists out than I expected to. I saw about 3 on my ride whereas previously it would have been triple that.

Was this a one off or is there a trend?

Was the weekend at the end of half term, round here anyway, so some people may have been away or had other things planned.

 

[Red17]

I believe that a lot of the apparent drop off in weekend riders is due to smart trainers. There are definately fewer riders on my local club ride over the winter months than pre covid, but loads of people riding indoors.

 

[a.twiddler]

Still plenty round here, though there are two signposts for NCN 551 visible from my back gate, which might be a factor. Still a lot of local club riders about, too.

 

[123456789]

Yes it was the last Sunday in half term, I'm in South East Essex.

Maybe it was just a blip as I have no evidence other than it struck me as too quiet.

Maybe Zwift etc has a lot to do with it - I'm using it too during the week, but nothing beats getting outside when you have the time and decent weather. It being November with dry roads/decent temperature, I would have thought everyone would be out as conditions like that are rare this time of year.

 

[fossyant]

Having spent most of the week commuting in the permagloom and mizzle (on the bike), I really couldn't be bothered this weekend - wet roads to start, and despite being up early, did household jobs and cooking ! Thank goodness we're not stuck under the deluges that Spain is.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I can't say that I've noticed a reduction. Not to say there hasn't been one but it's not been so striking as to penetrate my thick skull.

I ride generally on Saturdays. I saw a fair few riders on Sat. Not bad for a drizzly November day.

 

[Psamathe]

I wonder if short term the change in the hour and subset can have an effect. I tend to cycle after lunch and this week, by the time I get to head out I'm limiting my ride to get home before it gets too dark.

I'll have to get into the habit of early lunch or morning rides. But in miserable weather, earlier darkness maybe some decide they can'y be bothered to get changed, etc.

(Of course I could cycle after dark but for pleasure/recreation and the state of the road surfaces I can't see the point).

Ian

 

[presta]

Yes it was the last Sunday in half term, I'm in South East Essex.

Maybe it was just a blip as I have no evidence other than it struck me as too quiet.

Maybe Zwift etc has a lot to do with it - I'm using it too during the week, but nothing beats getting outside when you have the time and decent weather. It being November with dry roads/decent temperature, I would have thought everyone would be out as conditions like that are rare this time of year.

I'm in Essex, it's not really a county I associate with leisure cycling.

 

[Hover Fly]

I seem to see more midweek and during working hours than I used to, early retirees on their pension lump sums?

 

[derrick]

Plenty around our way, A lot of club riders and solo riders.

 

[PaulSB]

In Lancashire, and my own club, there has been a definite drop in winter riders. I think it's the advent of the man cave, Zwift and smart trainers. I know plenty of people who look out the window and a hint of poor weather sends them to the garage..............for the winter.

Personally, I couldn't do it. The thought of two hours in the garage would drive me insane. We ride 12 months of the year, the only conditions which put me off are if it's raining when I'm due to leave, risk of ice, high winds of 20+ I feel winter riding is more beneficial to me than hours on a trainer.

@123456789 I don't see why you exclude London commuting? You could hardly call that recreational!!!!!

 

[robjh]

Here around Cambridge I see no signs of a drop-off in numbers. The larger regular clubs based in the city seem as popular as ever, though numbers sometimes fluctuate between them, and I see a lot of other smaller groups of riders both at weekends and in the week. New cafés keep opening, and we cross paths with many groups from neighbouring areas at these and on the road.

So, although I have no objective count of numbers over time to back this up, my impression is that leisure cycling is if anything continuing to grow in popularity here.

 

[ianrauk]

Kent is as popular as ever as far as I can see.