There has been a significant increase in the number of people cycling since social distancing measures were introduced in Scotland, new data has shown.
Cycling Scotland used 60 automatic cycle counters across the country to monitor cycling rates and compared the data to the same period last year.
Lerwick is among those locations showing increased interest in the sport, as there has been a recorded rise in cyclists since the lockdown was announced.
At the start of March there were around five cyclists out per day on the Sletts Path. By the end of the month this had risen to over 20.
As the counters in Shetland are fairly new, it wasn’t possible to compare the statistics with 2019.
But there were significant increases in other parts of the country, with the biggest increase in people riding bikes noted in Dumfermline, with a 215% rise.
Newton Mearns recorded a 121% increase and Dundee saw a 94% jump.
Chief executive of Cycling Scotland, Keith Irving, said: “Many people are rediscovering cycling during lockdown, for exercise or essential journeys.
“I hope people continue to cycle when we emerge from this crisis and carry on benefiting from the massive positive impact cycling has on our physical and mental health.
“We would strongly urge anyone getting out on their bike to follow current public health advice, especially on social distancing and hygiene.
“It is also more important than ever to obey the speed limit, drive to the conditions and give space to people cycling or walking, when driving.”
Transport Scotland has also reported a decrease in the number of people travelling, with an average of 0.9 trips per person, per day, down from 2.7.
The number of people travelling by road has dropped two thirds since the start of March.
Many organisations are now offering key workers access to bikes in light of the increase in cycling.
Cycling Scotland and Transport Scotland are both supporting organisations to do so.
More information can be found at cycling.scot/covid19-information.
