Tfl subsidises bus travel by between 500 and 1000 million £ / year. 9 million people live in London.
If similar amounts were thrown at cycling through direct incentives I think a lot of people could be motivated. Students starting from secondary school would be a good first target.
The incentives that will get people cycling are:
Reduce road danger.
Convenience.
Safety (personal as well as on road).
Conspicous so ppl know it's there.
Secure cycle parking.
19p off a £3-4 coffee won't
Sure 19p off a coffee is £43.50
Point was there are amounts of money that can directly incentive behaviour & tfl is known for spending these sums of money - in 2 years it spent 2 billion on direct bus subsidies. Same sums on cycling would be £1billion/year.
I suspect could find a large number of people who would cycle for £1k/year. Secondary school, college, low salary, etc. A million people? Maybe not.
Would that be the best way to spend the money? Also maybe not.
Could it be made to work? Yes, I think so.
I can't remember the details. I used it for a bit but uninstalled it after a couple of months when I realised that the rewards weren't that impressive for even 100 miles a week cycling.
Comments
If similar amounts were thrown at cycling through direct incentives I think a lot of people could be motivated. Students starting from secondary school would be a good first target.
Reduce road danger.
Convenience.
Safety (personal as well as on road).
Conspicous so ppl know it's there.
Secure cycle parking.
19p off a £3-4 coffee won't
Point was there are amounts of money that can directly incentive behaviour & tfl is known for spending these sums of money - in 2 years it spent 2 billion on direct bus subsidies. Same sums on cycling would be £1billion/year.
Would that be the best way to spend the money? Also maybe not.
Could it be made to work? Yes, I think so.
We know that works and also makes people safer.
I live and travel in W Yorkshire. Trust me - this scheme is just taking the absolute p!$$.
£1k a year to ride the lawless hills of Bradford? 🤣🤣🤣.
The scheme is a PR distraction tactic. Nothing more.