Source: Air Quality News

Data recently published by shared mobility operator and LEVA-EU member Lime, and flatshare site SpareRoom, has revealed that access to bikes – particularly those available in shared-use schemes – is a major influence on the choices made by Londoners in the 18-34 year-old age segment.

Lime surveyed Londoners and found that 59% of respondents in the 18-34 age category said they would be more likely to rent or buy a home in an area with shared e-bikes available. This is in stark contrast to the over-55 age group, where only 18% said this was important.

SpareRoom adds more context to the trend, with their data showing that 8% of Londoners list cycling as an interest on their profiles. Meanwhile, 34% of prospective property buyers seek to cut travel costs by opting for cycling or walking for daily commuting purposes.

The Lime survey results also reveal other positive attitudes towards cycling among the young age group, leading to it being dubbed “Gen C”. 60% said that cycling and transport policies are important to them (compared to 39% of over-55s), and 44% saying that improved cycle lanes would encourage them to ride more. Only 23% were opposed to the conversion of car parking spaces into bike bays.

The survey even explored dating, and found that 43% of 18-34 year-olds said that if a prospective partner were to arrive on a bike, they would perceive this as a “green flag”.

Three-quarters of the under-35 respondents say cycling is now part of the capital’s identity, and 67% believe it makes the city more livable. Additional data from Transport for London (TfL) shows that car-free households among the under-35 age group is at record levels.

Hal Stevenson, Director of Policy for Lime UK, said: “Cycling’s changing how Gen C gets around London and connects with the city. Car ownership among young people in London is declining, and this age group has busy lives, increasingly less time, and less disposable income. What they value is flexibility, and affordability, and they’re not afraid to shout about cycling barriers that need to change.

“We’re proud to champion cycling and be on this journey with Gen C. But we want to work with boroughs across London to encourage all generations to cycle more and get to the places they need to be, reliably and sustainably. With every ride, we are helping reduce congestion, clean our air and push London closer to becoming a truly cycling city.”

Matt Hutchinson, director of SpareRoom, said: “Under 35s in the capital are likely to be renting in flatshares where they’re competing with their flatmates for space and will have nowhere to store their bikes. They also tend to be on tight budgets and they’re used to renting everything from their music, clothes and cars to their homes. So, it makes perfect sense they’d want to live near rental bikes to reduce travel costs, and save on space. They solve a lot of problems for the youngest renting generation.”