Poor urged to join the wealthy on their bikes

Overturning the view that the bicycle is largely a poor man's mode of transport, the richest fifth of the population cycle on average twice as far in a year as the poorest fifth.

The Department for Transport's National Travel Survey indicates that the poorest fifth, despite being five times less likely to have access to a car, are very unlikely to consider cycling as a means of transport.

The London Cycling Campaign said that people on higher incomes tended to be better educated about the health benefits and more concerned with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Studies have shown that regular cyclists typically enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger, and those cycling regularly beyond their mid-thirties add two years to their life expectancy.

A spokesman for the campaign said: "People on lower incomes may be more concerned with the need to earn money than worrying about what constitutes healthy living or about the issue of climate change."

He said they might also be concerned that being seen on a bicycle would encourage others to view them as socially inferior. Richer people might be more confident in their social position.

People living on council estates, especially high-rise blocks, were also less likely to have a secure place to park bikes. The Cyclists Touring Club recently received a £4.5 million lottery grant to promote cycling among disadvantaged groups.

Cycling groups blame the unwillingness for poorer people to cycle on a lack of education and a dearth of role models, whereas there are dozens of well-known white middle-class men who regularly cycle, such as David Cameron and Jeremy Paxman.

The number of cyclists has risen by 83 per cent in London since 2000 but has little changed in most other parts of the country.