The first ever research in England and Wales into the long term effects of cycle training programmes for young people and adults has shown evidence of major behavioural shifts.
More than 30,000 young people and adults in Merseyside have been trained by Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP)'s TravelWise cycle training scheme - the largest in the country - since April 2006.
New research commissioned by MTP shows that more than a third of trainees on Merseyside are using bikes for "utility" reasons - travelling to work, school, the shops or appointments - as well as for leisure. And almost all parents and guardians who took part in the research believed that their child's cycling safety had improved.
Funded by MTP and Cycling England, which is supported and funded by the Department for Transport, the Bikeability cycle sessions are run by Liverpool-based not-for-profit company Cycling Solutions.
Overall the research showed a consistent and marked increase in both "utility" and leisure cycling. After training, 37% of trainees cycle for transportation reasons and more than 90% of them are cycling for leisure at least once a week.
More than 97% of parents and guardians saw an improvement in their child's cycling safety - with 75% noting "a lot" of improvement - and reported a 56% increase in other family members cycling. The number of young people cycling to school after training is more than double the regional average.
MTP chairman Neil Scales said the results were "hugely significant, not just for this area but for the whole country."
He went on: "For the first time anywhere in the country we have solid evidence that training programmes like ours have a clear, long term positive effect on behaviour and attitudes, not just of individuals who attend training but on their families.
"This impacts on their health and well being, on transport issues such as traffic and air quality, and in turn on economic growth in the area."
The research was carried out via 1100 phone interviews with households of trainees from all areas and age groups offered training. The research was grouped in four key areas.
Increased levels of cycling
• there was a "considerable" 37% increase in "utility" cycling (for transportation purposes)
• a 63% increase in cycling for leisure
Strong positive impact on perceived safety and enjoyment
• 97% of parents/guardians thought the training had improved the child's safety when cycling (75% noted " a lot" of improvement)
• 73% of parents/guardians thought the child's enjoyment of cycling had improved
Many are now regular cyclists
• 17% now cycle regularly to school
• More than half (51%) cycle at least once a week for "utility" purposes
• 92% cycle at least once a week for leisure purposes
Strong impact on family's attitudes to cycling
• 56% report a "real increase" in leisure cycling in the family
• 30% report a "real increase" in "utility" cycling
• 48% of parents/guardians "much more willing" to allow their child to cycle
• 81% report a "more positive attitude" towards cycling generally
In addition, researchers reported a "substantial number" of unprompted positive comments about the quality and benefits of the cycle training programme.
Neil Scales added: "We are particularly encouraged that 4% of parents/guardians reported that their child is cycling to school five days a week, rising to 12% for those who cycle once a week.
"In Merseyside, school census data suggests that generally only 1.2% of children cycle to school. Our research demonstrates that training makes a significant difference when compared to the background figures."
Philip Darnton, Chair of Cycling England, said he was "delighted" that the first UK research of this kind showed such positive benefit. He went on: "Merseyside Transport Partnership should be applauded for the lead they have taken in this field. This research gives us clear evidence which can be used to back up training proposals all over the country."
Paula Grey, Director of Public Health at Liverpool PCT, said: "Cycling is a proven way to improve health for all ages, so this research, with its strong evidence of behavioural change, is extremely important.
"Regular cycling can play major part in leading a healthier lifestyle and we are very happy to be working with TravelWise to achieve a cycling culture locally.
"The research shows that with professional training and support through TravelWise, MTP is making a quantifiable difference to the health and well-being of Merseyside."