Cyclists are being put off using Peterborough's busy roads

The number of people making their daily journey into the city centre by bike has fallen from 4,500 to 3,000.

And environmentalists claim it is because many commuter routes are not equipped with cycle paths.

Rohan Wilson, of Friends of the Earth, said many cyclists have no option but to take the risk of riding on busy roads among cars and lorries.

"It's dangerous," he said.

Cycle network

"Just about every route approaching the city centre, if it's not indirect or rather threatening after dark, then the only way is to choose a route which involves a busy road."

The city does have a network of cycle routes, but these are mainly used for leisure.

However, while the number of daily cyclists is falling, the Government is keen to increase levels.

It has set targets of increasing cyclists to 9,000 a day in Peterborough.

Peterborough City Council says it has to cater for all people getting into the centre - either by bike, car or other transport.

Barry Kirk, a spokesman for the council said: "We want them to come in, if they can, by walking, cycling or public transport."