There has been a massive increase in the number of people cycling in Fife and Dundee since the coronavirus pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown.
Statistics released by Cycling Scotland shows there has been a 215% increase in folk getting on their bikes in Dunfermline alone, along with a 94% surge in Dundee, since the strict measures came into effect.
The organisation, which tracks cycle usage at 60 popular routes across the country using automatic counters, claims the figures show that people are
“rediscovering” the joys of getting out on two wheels.
Since the lockdown came into effect three weeks ago, Scots have only been able to leave their homes for vital shopping, travel to and from essential work, for medical purposes, to care for a vulnerable person, or for a daily exercise.
Cycling Scotland compared mid-to-late March 2020’s counter figures against the same time frame in 2019.
Dunfermline experienced the biggest increase in Scotland, with Dundee coming third. Kirkcaldy was seventh on the list with a 30% increase.
Dundee’s counter is located on the Arbroath Road.
Transport Scotland, which funds Cycling Scotland, has also recorded a two-thirds drop in the number of people travelling by road since the beginning of March.
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’s also more important than ever to obey the speed limit, drive to the conditions and give space to people cycling or walking, when driving.
“There are many brilliant organisations offering access to bikes for NHS and other key workers at the moment and we hope this can keep making a difference for people in the weeks to come.”
