OXFORDSHIRE had one of the highest proportions of cyclists in the South East last year, new figures show.

The charity Cycling UK said many councils have invested in improving infrastructure, despite cycling remaining below pre-pandemic levels nationally.

Figures from the Active Lives Survey from Sport England, compiled by the Department for Transport, show 18.1 per cent of people in Oxfordshire were cycling at least once a week in the year to November 2023 – one of the highest levels across the South East.

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This was in line with the year before, and a decrease from 21.4 per cent in 2019, before the pandemic.

Across the country, 10.1 per cent of people reported cycling weekly, up from 9.3 per cent the previous year, but still below pre-pandemic levels, when 11.2 per cent did so.

Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said: “Although it’s true that the percentage of people who cycle regularly in England has dropped slightly in recent years, there are fewer people regularly using all modes of transport, except for walking and motorcycling, than in 2019.

“This is due to a myriad of factors, but the rise of remote working post-pandemic is likely a significant one.

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“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.

“These projects work hand in hand with cycle infrastructure and can encourage more communities to cycle for shorter journeys. They can also be tailored to support different communities, opening up cycling to a broader range of people.”

The survey also revealed a gap in cycling habits between the least and most deprived. While 11.1 per cent of those better off cycled weekly, only 8.7 per cent of those in the most deprived areas did.

Fewer people cycled for leisure last year than they did before the pandemic, but more people walked regularly.

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Last year, 54.8 per cent reported taking a continuous 10-minute walk for leisure at least once a week, up from 50.9 per cent in 2019.

This figure stood at 58.8 per cent in Oxfordshire.

A Department for Transport spokesperson 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.”