COUNCIL bosses have encouraged the public to keep up with cycling after the coronavirus lockdown ends.

During the lockdown, higher than average levels of cycling have been recorded in Worcester with fewer cars on the road.

Alan Amos, county councillor with responsibility for responsibility for highways, said: “Worcestershire County Council has invested millions in a wide range of infrastructure and services to support walking and cycling across Worcester over the last two decades.

"Compared to many similar urban areas nationally, the city benefits from a relatively well-developed network of routes, including the attractive riverside and canal towpath corridors.

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"Before the lockdown, Worcester had some of the highest levels of walking and cycling in the county, with just under a fifth of residents travelling to and from work on foot or by bicycle.

"Nationally and locally, walking and cycling levels are currently far higher than usual, as citizens take full advantage of the unusually low levels of vehicular traffic, improved air quality and reduced traffic noise."

In recent statements, the Prime Minister and Transport Secretary have both suggested that as lockdown eases, it is important that as many people as possible continue to walk and cycle, as this will avoid gridlock in urban areas where roads are regularly busy during normal circumstances.

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The county council has put together a package of advice for people interested in taking up cycling, including a downloadable map of Worcester with walking and cycle routes marked. This can be found at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cycling.

Data from the counters adjacent to Diglis footbridge show that in April 2020, more than 12,000 crossings were made by bike.

This is an increase of 34 per cent, more than doubling the average April figure of 5,500.

Danny Brothwell from Bike Worcester, said: "It appears that people of all ages are choosing to travel by bicycle around the city, whether that’s a leisure ride with their family around the river, visiting the shops for groceries, or travelling to work.

"Looking at the cycle counters installed adjacent to the Diglis footbridge, the results are impressive, and perhaps should be noted by the City and County Council when considering the ability of residents of Worcester to embrace change."