MPs and the Transport Select committee have come up with a plan on how to beat congestion problems, create safer routes for school children and increase health figures – by giving away free bikes.

Louise Ellman, chair of the committee, said: “It would be a good idea to give bikes to families who can’t afford them. There is a scheme in Liverpool where bikes are lent to people to help them get to jobs. That could be expanded.”

The new scheme will help travel costs too, with studies showing that some children spend more than £11 a week getting to their educational placement.

Many teenagers spend more on travel than they receive in the £30 a week Educational Maintenance Allowance if they stay on at school after the age of 16.

Alan, Davis, Director of the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “cycling is low in this country compared to our near neighbours, I am pleased to see more people cycling. I am especially pleased to see people cycling together across the generations.”

If the new scheme were to go ahead, the ETA reminded cyclists that bike insurance is as vital to biking as the wheels, as it covers a bike against theft or vandalism.