Southampton has topped a new ranking of England’s best cities for cycling, beating Newcastle and Cambridge into second and third place.
The OnePoll study, commissioned by Halfords, surveyed 2,000 cyclists, who praised the city’s cycle lanes (54%), signage (48%) and ample parking (43%).
Still, 30% of respondents complained about discourteous drivers. Brighton and Hove and London rounded out the top five.
The research also found 57% of cyclists are riding more due to rising petrol prices, while 74% cite fitness as their main motivation.
Potholes remain a widespread concern, affecting 65% of cyclists, particularly in Leeds and Leicester.
Halfords’ Pippa Wibberley said: ‘There is clearly a growing appetite across the UK for cycling, whether it be to work or leisure.’
She called on councils and employers to improve infrastructure, tackle potholes, and provide better workplace facilities such as secure bike storage and showers.
Top 10 cities for cycling:
1. Southampton
2. Newcastle
3. Cambridge
4. Brighton and Hove
5. London
6. Manchester
7. Bristol
8. Birmingham
9. Sheffield
10. Glasgow
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