The Government has announced the largest ever funding boost to create a ‘new era’ for cycling and walking.

The first stage of the £2bn investment will be a £250m emergency active travel fund to help councils reallocate roadspace for cyclists and pedestrians.

This will include pop-up bike lanes, wider pavements, cycle and bus-only corridors and the closure of side streets to reduce rat-running.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling - whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport. While there is no change to the ‘stay at home’ message today, when the country does get back to work we need those people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more.

’Otherwise, with public transport’s capacity severely restricted at this time, our trains and buses could become overcrowded and our roads gridlocked – holding up emergency services, critical workers and vital supplies.'

Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association transport spokesman, said: 'We are pleased the Government has announced measures today to allow councils to help the country transition to the new way we will need to travel around, including to and from work.

'This new way of travelling is likely to become part of everyday life once the coronavirus measures are lifted and beyond.'

The Government is also bringing forward e-scooter trials from next year to next month.