Local authorities must create an environment so that people can “cycle with confidence”.

The Government’s chief medical adviser has recommended regular cycling as a way to help prevent cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and mental health problems, calling on councils to embrace a “valuable opportunity” to invest in cycle provision.

Dame Sally Davies also said that children would experience “important health benefits” from cycling to school, but added that local authorities must create an environment in which children and their parents could “cycle with confidence”.

She said: “Cycling for all or part of your 150 minutes of physical activity each week can help to prevent or manage over 20 long-term conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and mental health problems.”

The Government’s health reforms will pass some of the power and money for public