Nearly 100 million trips were made on the national cycle network in 2002, according to recent figures.

Sustrans, the Bristol-based charity responsible for the network, says this is a 20% rise since 2000.

The UK-wide web of cycle routes is now nearly 7,000 miles long, with plans to increase this to 10,000 miles by 2005.

Christmas gifts of new bikes are expected to help boost the number of riders in the new year.

A Sustrans spokesperson said: "With thousands of bicycles being delivered by Santa, we recommend that those new to cycling try out on the network - especially the traffic-free sections.

"The increase in trips is evidence that our strategy to increase cycling by providing a mixture of dedicated traffic-free routes and quiet minor roads is paying off."