Newly released data from the 2011 census shows St Albans is still lagging behind in the proportion of cycling commuters.

According to the new figures, just 1.7 per cent of working people in the district use a bicycle to get to work.

The figure is up from 1.4 per cent in 2001, it's still way behind the figure for most other comparable local authorities.

Leading the field is Cambridge, with 29 per cent. Other historic districts including Oxford, York, Norwich and Bristol all do much better than St Albans district, ranging from 7.5 per cent to 17 per cent.

Local Green campaigner Jill Mills said: "St Albans could be a real cycling city. But a lack of foresight and investment by councils and central government means that is not happening. As a result, our health is suffering and our roads are clogged. In a small, compact city like ours, we should be seeing cyclists everywhere.

"Cycling is good for our health, good for the environment and should be promoted. It’s time for us to make real progress in making the district cycle-friendly."