Stats show increased interest in cycling

More people are likely to get on their bikes if more dedicated cycle lanes were created.

More than one in four people living in Scotland (26 per cent) said having cycle paths would be the most likely change to encourage them to cycle once lockdown is lifted.

A recent survey shows parts of Scotland continue to see a significant increase in people cycling during lockdown.

Data was taken from 21 of Cycling Scotland’s automatic cycle counters, including one in Motherwell.

The data showed a significant increase in the number of cyclists in

May this year compared with last May.

Across all counters from which data was available, the number of people cycling increased by 77 per cent.

Chief executive of Cycling Scotland, Keith Irving, said:“One of the few positives of Covid-19 lockdown is the continued and significant increase in cycling in Scotland, particularly those new to cycling.

“The marked increase in the number of 18–24 year-olds discovering cycling during lockdown is also really encouraging.

“During annual Bike Week we raise awareness of the many benefits cycling offers including physical and mental health.

“For those we surveyed that were new to cycling during lockdown, 57 per cent said improved wellbeing was the reason they got on their bikes.”

Bike Week is an annual celebration of cycling, in partnership with Cycling UK, with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle more often. It takes place between June 6 and 14 this year.

Cycling Scotland is the nation’s cycling organisation, for more information, visit www.cycling.scot.