MORE people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole cycled at least once a week last year than in 2022, new figures show. 

Figures from the Active Lives Survey from Sport England, compiled by the Department for Transport, show 17.4 per cent of people in the conurbation were cycling at least once a week in the year to November 2023. 

This is up from 13 per cent the year before and in 2019, before the pandemic, at 12.6 per cent. 

Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said: “This is due to a myriad of factors, but the rise of remote working post-pandemic is likely a significant one.

“The truth is, most roads in England lack joined up cycle lanes or bike parking and where they do exist, they’re often inconsistent and sub-standard and this plays a big part in deterring people from cycling more.” 

She added: “The good news is that this is starting to change. A number of local authorities, particularly since the pandemic, have built some fantastic infrastructure and have also invested in behaviour change projects.” 

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We welcome the survey findings and will consider all active travel data as we continue to shape our long-term vision for cycling and walking across the UK.”