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A quarter of British adults can’t ride a bike, according to new research

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A quarter of British adults can’t ride a bike, according to new research

A growing number of adults are unable to ride a bike or swim, according to a new poll. Almost a quarter of people surveyed by tech brand HONOR UK haven’t mastered the skill of cycling – an uptick from one in eight five years ago, per previous data – with a further 28% revealing that they never learnt to move through water.

Of those unable to ride a bike, 16% said being scared of falling off was a main reason they were reluctant to start, with 14% saying they were too embarrassed. Overall, 37% were scared of getting into a new sport, and 42% being afraid of looking foolish. Thirty three per cent said they simply don’t have the motivation.

Time, of course, is a major issue getting in the way, with 30% of those surveyed citing a lack as an issue, when it comes to learning a new sport.

So, what’s going on?

These stats relate to adults. Major structural issues, though, could also be preventing younger people from being active, broadly.

Last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Insurance Partner Allianz SE (Allianz) published research findings stating that barriers preventing young people from exercising globally included having other responsibilities, cost of living, climate change (leading to factors such as hotter weather and water shortages) and ongoing concerns about COVID-19.

To be specific about swimming, access could be a issue. Over 1,000 publicly accessible pools have shut since 2010, according to data from Swim England.

Anything else to know?

Other sports and activities Brits are currently unable to participate in but wish they could include skateboarding (50%), ice skating (43%), surfing (17%) and gymnastics (9%).

Bond Zhang, HONOR UK CEO, said, ‘People shouldn’t be scared to try a new skill even if it is riding a bike or engaging in any sport.’

Reassuringly, 81% agree, thinking that it’s important to learn new things as you get older. In fact, 78% feel inspired when those who are more advanced in age master new skills.

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