On 10 June Coventry City Council announced it expects to receive £330,000 as the first tranche of its £1,650,000 bid for part of the £17 million fund offered by the government to develop schemes to encourage more people to cycle and walk.

Cllr Hetherton added: “Safety fears are an obstacle for people who may be undecided about cycling. We want to create pop up lanes on a temporary basis over the summer to give people the chance to cycle more and gain confidence.”

A cycleway will also be developed on Binley Road as part of funding that had already been earmarked for Coventry. A scheme is also being developed for the Charterhouse Loop Line.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, added: “We want to help businesses and the economy to begin to rebuild itself and active travel forms a part of this strategy.

“We know that the impact of Covid-19 continues and the more we can adapt and take on board the safety guidance we can enable people to choose other ways to travel to work and feel more connected. We need to help get the balance right.

“If the public and businesses are supportive of the temporary measures work they may become permanent features of the city’s transport network – which is good for air quality in the city.”

The Council is looking for ways it can take action quickly to promote active travel.

With public transport capacity reduced due to social distancing it is important anyone who can make a change to their journey does so ensuring that bus, train and tram services remain available and safe for those who need them most.