Cycle routes 'would boost bike use'

A third of people who do not cycle would do so if facilities for bike use were improved, according to a survey by road safety charity Brake.

The poll showed 71% of people never cycle on roads and 59% never cycle at all.

But it also revealed that 34% of the non-cyclists would take to two wheels for journeys between home and local amenities if there were connecting cycle paths and trails.

Brake is now calling on the Government to ensure there are more traffic-free and segregated cycle paths and widespread 20mph limits.

Brake said that in 2009 cyclists made up just 0.5% of traffic but accounted for 5% of road deaths and 11% of serious injuries.

It added that while road casualties overall had decreased, cyclist deaths and injuries had not.

Brake campaigns director Julie Townsend said: "Cycling is an enjoyable, sustainable and healthy way of getting around and Brake wants to encourage more people to get on their bikes.

"However, it is vital that the Government is committed to making cycling as safe as possible and reducing the unacceptable number of cyclist deaths and serious injuries that occur each year."

She went on: "This research shows that if we want more people to cycle, we need to invest in safe cycle routes and schemes that protect cyclists. The message is clear: let's encourage cycling by providing more traffic-free routes and other measures such as 20mph limits to enable people to get on their bikes in much greater safety."

The survey results were based on responses from 800 adults.