PEDAL power is on the rise in Winchester, according to a survey.
More people are leaving their four wheels and opting for two, say the local branch of the Cycle Touring Club (CTC).
John Edwards, of CTC Hampshire Cycling, rides around the city centre each Thursday counting how many bikes are parked.
In 2003 the highest number was 145, rising to 159 in 2004 and 174 on a recent Thursday.
Mr Edwards said the increase was about ten per cent a year.
He added: "Cycling is better for everyone's health, it's cheaper, and often it's quicker.
"Winchester isn't going to get a grand network of cycle paths and so cyclists have to mix it with the motors. But it's better to keep moving on a bike than to sit in a car stuck in the traffic."
The city council will be pleased with the figures as they try to ease congestion.
Traffic volumes are the main reason why the city was the first in Hampshire to become an Air Quality Management Area.
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