More Wandsworth residents are taking up cycling than anywhere else in the country, according to new data published by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Wandsworth had the highest increase with the proportion of residents cycling almost doubling from 18.2 per cent in 2013/14, to 30.7 per cent in 2014/15.

Wandsworth now has the fifth highest cycling rate up, narrowly behind neighbouring Richmond (33.1 per cent).

According to the DfT’s report, the proportion of regular cyclists in Wandsworth is now twice the average for England.

The statistics also show Wandsworth residents are keen walkers, with the percentage of adults walking at least five times a week standing at 64.2 per cent, the ninth highest in England.

Council transport spokesman Jonathan Cook said: “These figures are very encouraging and seem to tally with the latest census data and TfL travel surveys which suggest more and more Wandsworth residents are embracing pedal power.”