More people are walking and cycling as fuel costs rise, but women risk greater social exclusion without affordable alternatives

Nearly three in ten drivers in the UK are reportedly opting for walking and cycling due to escalating fuel costs, according to a recent road.cc report. This shift represents a significant move towards active travel for a substantial portion of the population. However, the data also highlights a concerning trend: many individuals, particularly women, are not simply switching modes but are instead reducing their overall journey frequency, indicating potential social exclusion.

This development underscores the immediate impact of economic pressures on daily mobility choices, pushing a segment of the population towards more sustainable transport. Yet, the disproportionate effect on women, who often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and face greater safety concerns, reveals a critical gap. Without genuinely affordable, safe, and accessible alternatives, this "switch" risks becoming a forced reduction in essential travel, exacerbating existing inequalities rather than fostering equitable active travel.

While increased cycling is commendable, it's hardly a victory if it simultaneously means fewer women can leave their homes. The road ahead requires more than just high fuel prices to truly democratise mobility.