Figures just released show that there has indeed been a huge increase in the number of people cycling as a result of the current Coronavirus lockdown and the introduction of social distancing measures.

Cycling Scotland’s automated counters measured the average number of cycle journeys per day at 60 locations across Scotland over the second half of March this year.

When that data was compared with the data from the same time period last year, the upward trend was clear.

In two places – Dunfermline (215%) and Newton Mearns (Capelrig Burn, 121%) – the number of cyclists more than doubled on that of last March.

Dundee (Arbroath Road, 94%), Livingston (66%), Bathgate (51%) and Denny (54%) also pedalled ahead of the pack.

It’s not clear from the study whether people have been turning to bicycles more for their daily exercise allocation – with cyclists subject to the same social distancing guidelines as runners – or to do their best to ensure social distancing on their essential journeys.

But the quieter roads that we as runners are also enjoying, the cancellation of normal activities and commutes freeing up time, and the need for family activities have all been cited as factors in encouraging more cycle journeys.

Image: Cycling Scotland (Facebook)