Southampton has been ranked the top city in England for cycling, surpassing Newcastle and Cambridge, according to a recent survey of 2,000 cyclists. The study highlighted several factors contributing to Southampton’s leading position, including well-maintained cycle lanes, which 54 percent of respondents praised, clear signage noted by 48 percent, and ample bicycle parking appreciated by 43 percent of riders.

Despite the positive feedback on infrastructure, nearly 30 percent of cyclists in Southampton reported concerns about discourteous behavior from motorists, reflecting ongoing challenges of sharing urban roads safely.

Brighton and Hove, along with London, rounded out the top five cities deemed most favorable for cycling in the survey. The findings also revealed a broader impact of economic factors on cycling habits, with 57 percent of all cyclists indicating that rising petrol prices have encouraged them to consider cycling more frequently.

In a related insight, Newcastle was recognised as the UK’s leading city for two-wheel commuting, with 91 percent of cyclists surveyed in the area using bikes or e-bikes as their primary mode of transport for work. This underscores the city’s strong culture of bicycle commuting despite finishing behind Southampton in overall cycling rankings.

The research, commissioned by automotive and cycling retailer Halfords, contributes to growing discussions about urban mobility and the role of cycling in promoting sustainable transportation options across England’s cities.