A leading councillor has expressed surprise that Brighton and Hove only finished 37th in a survey to find the UK's most cycle-friendly city or town.

The survey rates places on a range of criteria including bike thefts, accidents, serious injuries, deaths, availability of cycle routes and bike repair shops.

Brighton and Hove finished below Southampton and Portsmouth.

Councillor Ian Davey, chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council's transport committee, said: “We think the city should be higher in this survey. Cycling in this city is more important than ever as the council and its partners continue to help make cycling safer and more convenient.”

He said the local authority is planning more street cycle parking as well as providing cycle training in schools and for adults, and reducing the speed limits in residential areas.

The survey was conducted by Virgin Money as part of the company's sponsorship of next month's Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of cycling in Newcastle.