Eight major cities have learned what share of a £114m Government cycling pot they are set to receive.

Following successful bids, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are poised to each receive £22m by 2017/18 to expand cycling routes and raise local uptake.

Proposed funding allocations would see Bristol taking £19m, Newcastle £10.6m, Norwich £8.4m, Cambridge £6m and Oxford £3.3m.

Funds will be used to improve cycling links between city centres, local communities and key employment and retail spots.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said the support would help Britain 'become a cycling nation to rival the likes of Denmark and the Netherlands'.

Clegg said: 'We are in the midst of a cycling revolution in the UK but we need to make sure we're in the right gear to see it through. That's why I'm so pleased to announce this investment for these major cities to make it easier for people to get around on two wheels.

'Research shows us that boosting cycling could save billions of pounds otherwise spent on the NHS, reduce pollution and congestion, and create a happier and safer population.'

Each of the eight cities has previously been allocated a separate £94m in grants to improve cycling infrastructure and build a reputation as modern cycling cities.

Cycling minister Robert Goodwill added: 'Cycling is great for your health and good for the environment, and this government is doing all it can to help more people get out on their bikes.

'We have doubled the amount of money available for cycling and taken steps to make sure that future governments plan properly for cycling.

'This investment shows our continued commitment to making cycling even easier and safer, and our ambition to help make these cities better for cycles.'