Norwich has one of the most environmentally-friendly commutes in the country according to new research, but some believe there's much room for improvement.

Cycling scheme Bike2Work compared the UK’s 50 most populated cities to see which ones offered the most and least healthy commutes.

According to its research, the fine city finished third best overall with more than 57pc of people taking public transport to work and 1,574 cycle routes available in and around the city.

Norwich Evening News: The survey, by the Bike2Work Scheme, say Norwich has 1,574 cycle routes total around the cityThe survey, by the Bike2Work Scheme, say Norwich has 1,574 cycle routes total around the city (Image: Newsquest)

However, with 38 hours of congestion or traffic per year, ranking 21st, and only 14pc of the public actually cycling to work or school, public figures say there is clearly room for improvement.

Richard Bearman, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign, said: "It's great Norwich is rated as a healthy place to live, work and cycle.

"However we need to take into account the poor quality of some of these cycle routes.

"Some are little more than lines on a map and shared-use pavements are common, hated by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Norwich Evening News: Richard Bearman, of Norwich Cycling CampaignRichard Bearman, of Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Newsquest)

"The city has great potential for commuters, but we need high quality infrastructure built and incentives for people to switch to more sustainable modes of transport."

Norwich Evening News: In the survey by the Bike2Work Scheme, Norwich ranked 20th for hours of congestion/traffic per year, at 38 hoursIn the survey by the Bike2Work Scheme, Norwich ranked 20th for hours of congestion/traffic per year, at 38 hours (Image: Newsquest)

 

Matt White, founder of Car-Free Norwich, said: "It's great that Norwich is generally performing well against other UK cities on these metrics, however in the context of a climate emergency it's more important to compare against what needs to be achieved.

"The percentages of people engaging in active travel on their work and school commutes are far too low.

Norwich Evening News: Matt White, founder of Car-Free NorwichMatt White, founder of Car-Free Norwich (Image: Matt White)

"These figures are only likely to increase with significant improvements to infrastructure with safe, protected cycle lanes that aren't blocked by parked cars.

"Proper enforcement of existing laws can help here, too.

"A city that's easier to navigate on foot, bike, or wheelchair, would yield multiple benefits while also empowering its citizens."

Norwich Evening News: Even with the second most cycle paths, only 14pc of people in Norwich cycle to work or schoolEven with the second most cycle paths, only 14pc of people in Norwich cycle to work or school (Image: Newsquest)