A NEW partnership is set to make Southampton more welcoming to cyclists, as civic chiefs bid to make safe cycling “the daily norm”.

Southampton City Council will be working with walking and cycling charity Sustrans as part of the Bike Life initiative.

Data on infrastructure, travel habits, public attitudes and the impact of cycling will be collected to judge how the city can best accommodate cyclists.

The authority said transforming the area into a true ‘cycling city’ was a key part of the city’s 10-year cycle strategy with the aim of creating liveable, integrated, mobile city where safe cycling is the daily norm.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, acting leader and cabinet member for environment and transport, has welcomed the plans.

She said: “In Southampton we are passionate about the health and wellbeing benefits that cycling offers Southampton residents.

“In addition, cycling also has a really positive impact on the quality of air in our city.

“As successful bidders of funding that supports and encourages active travel, we think Bike Life can help further develop the economic case for additional funding in Southampton.”

The council said it is committed to ensuring that cycling is treated as a safe and normal mode of transport that will help to create a liveable and thriving city.

It added that there was an appetite from residents for more cycle paths and lanes, safer roads, reduced speeds and less traffic which would help people to cycle more often.

This news comes after the authority announced it was set to build a cycle ‘freeway’ on Bassett Avenue after receiving a £1.7 million government grant.

It added that the segregated section will “complement existing facilities” on the busy road.

An alternative route to Bitterne Road West will also be created with the new cash, along with a series of ‘quietways’ which the council says will give all cyclists the ability to access local services and the wider cycle network.

James Cleeton, Sustrans’ south of England director, said: “Bike Life has demonstrated how it is an important tool to help encourage both political support and practical delivery of cycling in our cities. We are excited to be rolling this out to new cities across the UK.

“Delivering better infrastructure for cycling is key to keeping our cities moving, and improving health and economic vitality. It is fantastic to see local authorities have the appetite for change.

“Bike Life shows that people in cities across the UK understand the benefits of cycling and want better provision, including protected space.

“We need both national and local governments to rise to this challenge and make our cities more active and liveable”.