Fallacies Bingo! About Contact
Twitter

Your cycling fallacy is…

Elderly people can't cycle

“Cycling for transport is for young, fit people – it excludes old people”

The response

In countries where there is widespread provision for cycling separate from other modes of transport, people of all age groups and abilities cycle, and do so at a pace they’re happy with. For example, nearly a quarter of all trips made by Dutch over-65s are cycled.

Removing interactions with heavy vehicles makes almost any journey a possibility by cycle – be it a standard bicycle or something specifically for those with mobility needs, such as a hand-powered trike – and may often make trips easier than walking for those who have difficulty doing so. In addition, the increasing use of electrically-assisted “e-bikes” means that physical strength is even less of a barrier.

So in fact the truth is the opposite of the myth – cycling actually gives less-able people more transport options and independence.

two older people riding bikes and a man using a motorised wheelchair

Photo by As Easy as Riding a Bike (Copyright, used with permission)

older people cycling in copenhagen

Photo by denmark.dk (Copyright, used with permission)

an older woman cycles along a cycleway in the netherlands

Photo by The Alternative Department for Transport (Copyright, used with permission)

an older woman cycles along upper thames street in london

Photo by Hackney Cyclist (Copyright, used with permission)