“Unprecedented success” of Glasgow World Championships inspires 80% of Scots to cycle more, independent report finds

It may have taken place in the midst of a crumbling domestic racing scene, the impending financial ruin of one of its organisers, and the scything active travel cuts and anti-cycling rhetoric of an indifferent government, but a new independent report has revealed that Scotland’s 2023 cycling world championships delivered a range of socio-economic, environmental, and health benefits for the UK as a whole, and helped convince more Scots to ride their bikes.

Because, instead of a curious throwback to the glory days of 2012, a glorious two-wheeled, 11-day mirage amid a barren active travel wasteland, August’s UCI ‘mega worlds’ – the first of its kind to feature almost all of cycling’s disciplines under the same umbrella – has today been lauded by organisers and politicians for crafting a “powerful legacy”, one that will “pave the way for positive longer-term change”.

(Thomas Maheux/SWpix.com)

According to an independent report published today by accounting firm Ernst & Young, which conducted extensive research into the event’s economic impact, social contribution, and sustainability, the world championships were attended across Scotland by just over one million spectators, with Sunday 6 August – the day of the men’s road race, won by Mathieu van der Poel – attracting 356,000 fans to the road and trackside.

Meanwhile, 537 million tuned in on television in 130 countries, totalling 200 million hours globally – almost doubling the average number of hours watched during a typical year of separate UCI world championships between 2017 and 2022.

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And while the racing on offer certainly provided the requisite spectacle for those watching live or on TV, the report also found that the world championships have the potential to leave a lasting legacy and act as a “catalyst for positive change” for cycling and active travel.

The report found that 82 per cent of adult spectators – 40 per cent of whom were female – used a form of active travel during the worlds, with 91 per cent of respondents noting that the events improved their awareness of Scotland’s cycling facilities.

Over half (52 per cent) of spectators said they were likely to increase their use of active travel after attending the worlds, while 55 per cent of those watching the racing who previously didn’t ride a bike claim to have been inspired to take up cycling. 79 per cent of Scottish spectators, meanwhile, said they were inspired to cycle more often thanks to the worlds.

(Pauline Ballet/SWpix.com)

While the report noted the disruption caused to some businesses in the run-up to the championships – a common theme of the pre-event press coverage – it also revealed the significant economic benefits generated during the 11 days.

According to the report, visitors spent £220m during their time in Scotland, while the total fulltime equivalent employment (FTE) supported by the event included 5,285 jobs in Scotland, 3,312 jobs in Glasgow and 5,878 jobs in the UK.

The Gross Value Added (GVA) economic impact for Scotland also amounted to £205m, and £129m for Glasgow, while over £6m has so far been invested across all 32 Scottish local authorities.

In a more general sense, 97 per cent of attendees found the worlds to be inclusive, while 95 per cent of Scots felt that they fostered a strong sense of civic pride.

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“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland were an unprecedented success at every level. As the EY report shows, this success extends beyond sport, to the economy, tourism, and sustainable development,” UCI president David Lappartient said in a statement today.

“An event like the one we experienced in August 2023 leads to long-term benefits for the host communities and their residents. We are all the more pleased because, well before it took place, this was the event's main objective: to delight those who love sport, but also to ensure that the power of the bike would enable the organisers of the UCI Cycling World Championships to achieve broader objectives related to development, wellbeing, and health.”

(Zac Williams/SWpix.com)

The SNP’s culture secretary Angus Robertson, meanwhile, said the 2023 cycling world championships “stand as a testament to the benefits that major events can bring to our communities across Scotland”.

“This report showcases the powerful legacy of the event, one that extends beyond simply winning medals – it boosted the economy and inspired healthier lifestyles,” he said.

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Paul Bush, the event’s chair, added that the worlds’ ability to deliver a “variety of social, economic, and environmental benefits” has set a “benchmark for future editions and paving the way for positive longer-term change”.

“From the first race to the last; riders, fans, and officials told us that the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships would go down in history as not only the biggest, but one of the greatest ever held,” says Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken.

“Now we can see in black and white just what that means for the city – not only economically, but in terms of civic pride, our global reputation as a leading events host and as a catalyst for change.

“One of the big themes of the event was ‘The Power of the Bike’. For Glasgow, that will continue to be the chance to make an already great city more vibrant and healthier; accessible, active, and connected.”