According to figures published by the government, cycling has risen by 46 per cent in the past year – compared to 2019-20 – driven by an increase in leisure cycling, less traffic and the re-allocation of road space to protect cyclists.

The government plans to invest £338m to build hundreds of miles of high-quality cycle lanes and deliver walking schemes as part of its commitment to build back greener from pandemic.

As well as improving safety for cyclists, the government is also aiming to make cycling easier and more accessible through a new scheme aiming to increase awareness of e-cycles and tackle barriers to their use. An e-cycle support programme will be launched later this year and comes after the government has already provided funding to help nine local authorities deliver e-cycle initiatives.

The new Active Travel England (ATE) commissioning body, which will hold the national cycling and walking budget, will begin work later this year.

“Supporting more people to cycle and walk as part of their everyday lives can transform our nation’s health and wellbeing,” said Charles Johnston, Sport England’s executive director for property.

“Millions of people have turned to walking and cycling for a local, accessible way to stay active during the pandemic. With restrictions now removed and many people set to return to their workplaces on foot and bike, active travel offers marks a golden opportunity to help our nation’s activity levels recover.”