Walsall in UK top 10 for cycling

Walsall has been named one of the top 10 places for cycling enthusiasts across the whole of the UK.

The result has come from a survey compiled by Virgin Money.

The company looked at factors such as bike thefts, the number accidents, the availability of cycle routes and bike-repair centres.

But the announcement has left local bike enthusiasts scratching their heads. Walsall councillor Richard Worrall, who is a keen rider, said:

"I think I have had more bikes stolen than most people have had hot dinners."

Councillor Worrall agreed the town has some good routes but could do with more cash to keep them well maintained.

He said he does not consider Walsall a bike friendly destination.

"I don't consider Walsall a particularly bike friendly area at all — I am staggered and amused," he said.

"I would love it to be true, but it's not based on my experiences."

Paul Edwards, aged 30, a spokesman for Walsall Roads Cycling Club, said Walsall.

But he said: "I'm surprised it's in the top 10, there are good routes along the canals and towpaths, but people are always heading off cycling to Chasewater and Brownhills."

Cyclists seeking the UK's most bike-friendly location should plump for Plymouth, according to the survey.

Second on the list was Norwich, followed by Bristol, St Helens in Merseyside, Huddersfield and Glasgow.

Cambridge – noted as a cycling city – came only 60th in the list, hampered by the high number of cycle thefts and serious injuries.

Similarly, theft and accident levels kept the City of London at only 50th and Greater London only 56th.