Hampshire MP Steve Brine has backed a new report on the future of cycling in Britain.

A report, from the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, recommends one in 10 journeys should be made by bike and calls for the Prime Minister to appoint a national cycling champion.

It follows a two month inquiry which heard from more than 100 individuals, cycling organisations, government departments and the AA.

Winchester MP Mr Brine, who is vice chair of the Parliamentary group, said: “Cycling has huge advantages – it is fast, safe, healthy, efficient, reliable, environmentally sound, and fun.

“I would also highlight the need for continued cycle training for school-children and our call for more segregated cycle lanes which need designing in at a much earlier stage in planning decisions.”

The report aims for cycle journeys to increase from two per cent of all UK journeys in 2011 to 10 per cent by 2025 and 25 per cent by 2050.

Key recommendations included more segregated cycle lanes, more government funding to support cycling and reducing urban speed limits to 20mph.

Mr Brine added Winchester was making good progress with events like CycleFest and the appointment of local cycle champion Cllr Mike Southgate.

He said: “The excitement of the Olympics and Tour de France last year meant cycling captured the public imagination and I really believe it is ready to grow. What we need now is local and national leadership.”