20mph speed limits lead to increase in cycling, according to government report

Reducing speed limits to 20mph leads to a “small but statistically significant improvement” in cycling, according to a government report.

Research by the Department for Transport (DfT) found that the number of people cycling and walking has increased in areas where lower speed limits were introduced.

But the DfT commissioned research didn’t find enough evidence to reach a conclusion on whether these schemes reduce crashes or injuries.

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Cycling and walking minister Jesse Norman said: “Overall, the introduction of 20mph speed limits led to a small reduction in median speed (less than 1mph), but vehicles travelling at higher speeds before the change of speed limit reduced their speed more than those already travelling at lower speeds.

“The study found insufficient evidence to conclude that in residential areas the introduction of 20mph limits had led to a significant change in collisions and casualties.

“Overall, there was a small but statistically significant improvement in reported levels of cycling and walking.

“Important benefits of 20mph schemes include quality of life and community benefits, and encouragement of healthier and more sustainable transport modes such as walking and cycling.”

The study, which was published on Thursday, used case studies from 12 locations across the UK – Walsall, Nottingham, Brighton, Middlesbrough, Calderdale, Portsmouth, Chichester, and two areas from Liverpool, Brighton and Winchester.

More than 2,000 residents were interviewed, as well as 1,256 drivers, 1,655 cyclists and 352 motorcyclists.

Research shows that 47 per cent of drivers complied with the lower limits in residential areas and 65 per cent in city centres.

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The majority of those breaking the speed limit were travelling at less than 24mph, according to the study – a “significant reduction in speed.”

Most people supported the 20mph limits after they were introduced – 81 per cent of cyclists approved along with 75 per cent of residents and 55 per cent of non-resident drivers.

After the lower limits were introduced, five per cent of people said they were walking more while two per cent said they are cycling more.

Director of communications at Road Safety GB, Steve Horton, said: “Whilst there may be many unanswered questions, the initial findings confirm a primary benefit of 20mph limits is in the creation of an environment where more people feel prepared to walk or cycle.

“A key, as yet unanswered, general question is around the direct casualty reduction benefits of such lower speed areas.

“As is the case with many road safety interventions, we rely on other indicators to extrapolate lower casualties or lower severity - in this case, it’s a measurable reduction in mean speeds as well as the general acceptance from most drivers as to the concept of 20mph limits.”