MORE and more people in Worcestershire are leaving their cars at home and choosing a more environmentally friendly way to get to work, according to new figures.

A study carried out by the GMB union shows that 13.2 per cent of workers in the county either walk or cycle to work.

This means that a massive 31,666 people choose the environmentally friendly and healthy options, with 6,665 people cycling, and 25,001 people walking.

Nicky Luff, the county council's TravelWise officer, who promotes the use of cycles, said the council is always looking to encourage more people to leave their car keys on the rack.

"We have a target of tripling the amount of cycle trips by 2010 so we are keen to promote cycling throughout the county," said Miss Luff.

She added that the council was also developing new cycle routes from Worcester to Pershore and from Stourport to Kidderminster, as well as integrating routes into the national cycle network.

"We are looking to put in routes north to south from Wyre Forest to Tewkesbury, and east to west from Tewkesbury to Evesham," she said.

"We are not only promoting the health aspect but people are also doing their bit for the environment."

In Herefordshire, the research shows that a total of 18.7 per cent of people leave their cars at home with 3,415 people cycling and 9,479 people walking to work.

"Travelling to work on foot or by bike is a healthy activity done by millions of workers," said Mick Balfour, head of health, safety and environment at GMB.

"It is essential that roads, crossings and pavements are designed and maintained so they are friendly to both pedestrians and cyclists," he added.