THE number of West Fifers getting on their bikes has continued to surge dramatically over the last 12 months, according to data released this week.

According to statistics released on Tuesday by Cycling Scotland, Dunfermline’s Kingseat Road saw a total of 1,510 people pedalling on two wheels in March, compared to 259 during the same period in 2020 – an increase of 483.01 per cent.

Cycling Scotland have hailed the "massive" jump in the number of cyclists and said the benefits are being felt in our mental health and physical fitness, as well as on our roads and in the environment.

And they're hoping that governments and councils will spend more money on dedicated cycle tracks and paths to encourage even more people to rely on pedal power.

Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland chief executive, said: “It has been a horrendous year, but one of the few bright spots has been more people getting back on their bikes.

“Cycling has a key role to play in people getting exercise and fresh air, managing the ongoing pressure on our transport system and, crucially, tackling the global climate emergency we face.

“We’re delighted at the massive increase in cycling and it’s vital we see it continue and expand."

The nation’s cycling organisation have continued to see a rise in the numbers of those jumping into the saddle over the past 12 months across the country, with their information revealing a 52 per cent rise between March 1 and-22 as opposed to the same three week period last year, which was before the first COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in Scotland.

Since those measures were implemented, Cycling Scotland, by using data from 47 automatic cycle counters nationwide, including on Kingseat Road, have released regular updates on the number of people who have been out and about clocking up the miles on their bike.

A total of 20 counters saw a year-on-year increase of more than 100 per cent and, although numbers overall decreased in January compared to 12 months previously during a period of bad weather, there have been rises recorded each month from April 2020.

In addition, latest figures from the Bicycle Association show sales of bikes, bike parts, accessories and services increased by 45 per cent across the UK in 2020, with that trend set to continue.

The information was collected as part of the National Monitoring Framework, managed by Cycling Scotland, to monitor cycling rates across the country.

Mr Irving added: “To get even more people cycling, we need to invest more in infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle.

"We need more dedicated cycle lanes, separated from vehicles and pedestrians; we need to reduce traffic, especially on residential and shopping streets; and we need to increase access to bikes and storage to tackle the barriers too many people face so anyone, anywhere can enjoy all the benefits of cycling.

“Helping far more people to cycle is key in delivering a green recovery from Covid and supporting a just transition towards a net-zero Scotland.

"Every journey cycled will make a difference.”