Summer cycle fever: Olympics-inspired Brits get on their bikes

British roads could see the number of commuting cyclists more than double over the summer, according to findings from Santander Insurance. The research reveals that while 13 per cent of workers currently ride a bike to work, around a further 4.9 million people intend to do so on occasions this summer, inspired by Britain’s Olympians and the urge to get fit and save money.

Summer cycle fever will see almost one in three workers (29 per cent) get on their bikes to commute to work at some stage this summer. Six in 10 (61 per cent) of these will do so to get fit, while almost a third (33 per cent) will do so in order to reduce their outgoings on fuel.

Weather aside, a fifth of workers (21 per cent) intend to cycle to work to avoid congestion on public transport and roads, a problem likely to affect London commuters in particular when the Olympics begin. While many people are encouraged to get on their bicycles, with 11 per cent choosing to commute by bike because they feel inspired by the British Olympic cycling team and the Olympics in general.

But Santander Insurance is warning those intending to ride to work to check their bicycles are adequately covered by insurance, as its research reveals that one in 10 (10 per cent) bike owners have had one stolen in the past five years – and half of them (57 per cent) were not able to claim successfully on their insurance for the loss.

The garden was the most common place to have a bike stolen from, cited by 28 per cent of theft victims, followed by 18 per cent who have had a bike stolen from their garage and 14 per cent from their house. Some 22 per cent of victims have been targeted outside their house, and 14 per cent have had their bike taken from on the street with a lock on and 3 per cent without. A further 8 per cent had their bike taken from their workplace.

However, the recent spate of poor weather may see workers’ fuel costs increase significantly despite their best fitness intentions as Santander research has found that every day of rain during the summer months costs each seasonal driver an average of £9, to cover the cost of petrol, parking and congestion charges. This would equate to an eye-watering cost of £1.7 billion, or £6202 per motorist if the UK’s wash-out summer was to continue.

Richard Al-Dabbagh, Head of Santander Insurance, said: “It’s great to see that so many people are inspired to cycle to work this summer and the Olympic feel-good factor clearly plays a part in that.

“However, bikes get stolen very regularly with and without locks on, so people should check that their home insurance policy offers adequate cover for their bicycle outside the home.  Our award winning Peace of Mind Plus home insurance policy includes cover for bikes in the home, including garages and outbuildings, and offers optional personal possessions cover to cover bikes away from the home.  Bikes worth more than £300 need to be specified on the policy to ensure customers have the right amount of cover.”

Customers seeking comprehensive home insurance cover can also take advantage of Santander’s latest Buildings & Contents Home Insurance offer which gives existing Santander customers a 20% discount on the cost of their policy.  While Santander 123 World customers, those who have either a 123 Current Account or a 123 Credit Card, or both, will get a further 10% off, taking their discount to 30%.

Customers can apply for Santander’s Buildings & Contents Home Insurance at santander.co.uk.