The majority of adults in England think that cycling on the roads is too dangerous, a new Government study has suggested.
This year's National Travel Attitudes Study found that 66 per cent of people felt that it was "dangerous for me to cycle on the roads" - up from 61 per cent in 2019.
The survey took place in January and February, before coronavirus lockdown measures saw more people cycle in the spring.
Simon Munk, spokesperson for the London Cycling Campaign, said that the top priority should be dedicated cycling infrastructure.
He told the Standard: "When you face mile after mile of close passes, drivers passing inches from your face, then it obviously doesn’t feel safe and most people rather sensibly don’t cycle.
"The answer to that is a whole bunch of things but the first thing is safe routes.
"It’s really simple: if people feel safe cycling from A to B, most people actually recognise that cycling is a really pleasant way to get around. It’s quick, it’s physically healthy, it’s pleasurable."
Several London boroughs have created 'low-traffic neighbourhoods' since lockdown, where cars are either discouraged or barred. Some segregated cycle lanes, where cyclists have a barrier between them and cars, have also been put in place.
The Government announced plans in July for cycling and walking to allay people's fears about cycling - including £2 billion in funding for new infrastructure.
This will include many new segregated bike lanes, as well as a new regulator that will stop local authorities from introducing inadequate infrastructure, among other plans.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face."
"But to build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels.
"That’s why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel – so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling."
