Bristol has been voted Britain’s best city for cycling in a poll by a cycling magazine. It comes as work is about to start on a 20mph zone in the greater Bedminster area as part of the Cycling City project.

Voters were asked to judge cities on nine categories, including the number of biking commuters, cycling club members, miles of cycle network and independent bike shops.

Other factors that had to be taken into consideration included pollution, road quality and theft.

Cycling Plus editor Rob Spedding said: “Our poll shows that the UK’s 10th largest city is punching well above its weight when it comes to pedal power and leading the way after significant Government investment.

“Local cyclists still feel that progress isn’t being made quickly enough, but the UK holds Bristol up as a shining example when it comes to the number of riders, bike shops, traffic-free routes and low pollution levels.”

Work starts tomorrow with road markings and 20mph signs going up around Bedminster, including Southville and Windmill Hill, at the boundaries of the scheme. The new speed limit will be enforced by the police.

The project has been developed as part of the much-criticised £22 million Cycling City project. 

The council hopes it will encourage more people to take up walking and cycling, improve road safety and help the environment.