HELENSBURGH has seen a significant increase in people cycling since social measures were introduced to combat Covid-19, new data has revealed.

Cycling Scotland, the nation’s cycling organisation, has a network of 60 automatic cycle counters across Scotland, and its Helensburgh counter placed the area in the top 10 locations which show the biggest increase in people riding bikes.

Compared with figures at the same time this year, Helensburgh showed a 16 per cent increase in people cycling.

The top three areas where an increase was shown are Dunfermline with a whopping 215 per cent, Newton Mearns with 121 per cent and Dundee with 94 per cent.

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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.”

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