The number of people cycling in central Sydney is lower than it was two years ago – with some advocates blaming the drop on the policies of the Baird government.

Until about a year ago, the state government had a target of doubling the number of trips made in Sydney by bicycle.

But the government scrapped that target last September – and, in the meantime, cycling rates have remained below where they were in 2013 and 2014.

According to Roads and Maritime Services figures, the average daily number of cyclists counted during peak hours at the Anzac Bridge, Anzac Parade and the Sydney Harbour Bridge grew from 3830 in 2009 to a high of 5249 in 2013.