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Research carried out by the Universities of Bolton and Leeds suggests that cycle lanes currently provided on many roads may make travel less comfortable and attractive for cycle users.

The research – which received national media coverage in The Times, The Independent and on Radio 4 and 5 –reveals that when there is a cycle lane, motorists drive within the confines of their own marked lane with less recognition of the need to provide a comfortable passing distance to those using the cycle lane.

Doctor John Parkin, Reader in Transport Engineering and Planning at the University of Bolton said: 'In the presence of a cycle lane of inadequate width, a driver is likely to drive closer than they otherwise would when passing a cyclist. This suggests that their width should never be compromised.'

Dr Parkin supervised the study carried out by Ciaran Meyers, a MSc research student at the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies. The work was also supported by the UK's national cyclists' organisation, the Cyclists' Touring Club.

Measurements were taken on roads with and without cycle lanes using a bicycle with instruments that measured the distance of passing vehicles.

The study is to be published in the scientific journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.