Winchester cabinet chiefs will see if more can be done to promote cycling.

It comes after a motion to give more support came before the city council’s meeting last Wednesday (April 18).

It was lodged by Cllr Jacey Jackson, who is the authority’s ‘cycling champion’ and is standing down at the elections on Thursday, May 3.

In her final meeting, she said cycling was good for health and could reduce the number of cars on Winchester’s roads.

It also cut pollution but she said many people were put off riding bikes because they thought it was dangerous.

However, she said cyclist injuries in the district were “mercifully low” and the more people who took it up, the safer it would become.

She said: “There is safety in numbers because drivers grow more aware of cyclists.”

She provided census data that shows for every person who cycles to work in Winchester, a further 31 travel by car.

Her motion was supported by Lib Dem colleague and former chair of Winchester Action on Climate Change, Cllr Robert Hutchison.

Their group leader, Cllr Kelsie Learney, also gave her backing, but it was not just the Lib Dem opposition getting involved.

Cllr Frank Pearson, former Tory cabinet member for environment, said he was also a keen cyclist.

He added that more should be done to promote it in Winchester because it could improve air quality.

His colleague, Cllr Harry Verney, added that he cycled to work while in London and often beat the motorists to their desks.

Another Tory, Cllr Ian Tait also gave his support, but added that walkers should not be forgotten and pavements should be improved.

No vote was taken on the motion, but the meeting heard that a report to promote cycling would come before the cabinet this summer.