JUST one in 10 workers in Cheshire East walked or cycled on their commute before the pandemic, according to new figures.

It comes as both the Government and councillors across the borough are eager to encourage active modes of transport.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that two per cent of people in the borough cycled and eight per cent walked to work in the three months to December 2019 – while 86 per cent travelled by car or van.

As part of a wide-ranging push to cut carbon, Cheshire East Council has made encouraging walking and cycling a priority over the past year.

In his first month as council leader, Cllr Sam Corcoran said: "This council is committed to enhancing and delivering a cycling strategy to deliver a high-quality and safe cycle network so that people of all abilities will be able to travel by bike around the borough.

"Cycling has many benefits and is certainly a good investment – as the UK government estimates that for every £1 invested in cycling, £5.50 is returned in social benefit.

"The research is very clear. By cycling and walking regularly, our residents and visitors will be healthier, happier and wealthier – and it’s great for businesses, the visitor economy and the environment too."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on workers to walk or cycle to work if possible, and avoid using public transport, in his address to the nation earlier this month.

As the lockdown is gradually lifted and people head back to work, the Government has announced emergency funding and measures to make the roads more cyclist and pedestrian-friendly, including plans for pop-up cycle lanes and distributing bike repair vouchers.

Meanwhile in Knutsford, the town centre masterplan would encourage more active travel by making roads more pedestrian friendly – limiting parking and access for vehicles in Princess Street and King Street.

Cllr Tony Dean, Conservative, told the Guardian that lockdown has presented a 'golden opportunity' to try limiting traffic in town.

Independent Cllr Quentin Abel, CEC's champion for tackling climate change, suggested many residents would be 'significantly disappointed' if those changes were not tested out.

Do you walk or cycle to work? Will you be sticking to the car after lockdown? Have your say by emailing yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk