Cycling numbers have dropped

THE number of residents frequently cycling in Barnsley is decreasing, new figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Department of Transport show only 5.7 per cent of residents biked at least once a week in the year to November, down from 7.2 per cent the year before.

Barnsley Council’s ‘School Streets’ initiative encourages people to walk, cycle and scoot to school rather than drive in a bid to improve road safety.

Sustrans, a campaign group for better walking and cycling, said the figures show there is still a need to make active travel ‘safe, accessible, and welcoming’.

A spokesperson said: “It’s sad to see this return to expensive and pollutant car-use, especially as the urgency for alternatives has only increased, alongside the cost-of-living.”