Conflict in the Middle East has led to volatility in global oil prices, pushing up fuel costs worldwide. Previous oil shocks prompted some countries to reconsider their reliance on cars, investing in alternatives such as cycling. In some places, this has become part of everyday life, while elsewhere it has proved more contested, reflecting wider political and cultural divides.

Cycling offers benefits for health and the environment, but it is not practical for everyone. For many people, including those in rural areas or with limited mobility, cars remain everyday essentials.

As oil price volatility continues to affect motorists, questions remain about how far behaviour can change.

This week on The Inquiry, we’re asking: is it time to swap four wheels for two?

Contributors:

Presenter: Gary O’Donoghue

(Photo: Cyclists ride bicycles in Amsterdam. Credit: George Clerk/Getty Images)