New statistics show the number of people cycling in Scotland rose by 43% between March and August.
The data, published by Cycling Scotland, is compiled by a nationwide network of automatic cycle counters.
It shows a rise of 0.6% in people cycling in March – covering the period before lockdown was introduced in Scotland on 23 March – was followed by increases of 68% in April and 77% in May.
However, as lockdown restrictions have eased, growth has steadied – with the figures up by 63% in June, 44% in July and 33% in August, compared to the same months in 2019.
Cycling Scotland says it expected that the progressive lifting of lockdown restrictions in most areas would affect cycling numbers – but reiterates its importance heading into the winter months
Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland chief executive, said: “In the past six months, we’ve all seen our lives radically change. One of the few positive changes is that more people have returned to cycling or started to cycle.
“We expected that the progressive lifting of lockdown restrictions in most areas would affect cycling numbers and for the second month running we are seeing these increases start to slow slightly. It’s heartening that cycling is still a third higher this August compared to last.
“As we move into winter, the public health evidence clearly suggests we should try to be active and outside as much as possible. Cycling – and walking and wheeling – are great ways to achieve this.”
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