The UK government's "Fix Your Bike" vouchers will be launched in England on Tuesday.

Announced in February, 50,000 vouchers will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis through a dedicated microsite as part of the government's £2 billion plan to encourage cycling and walking. The Department for Transport explains that it is working with bike stores to help meet the expected increase in demand.

Alongside the vouchers, the government has promised cycle training for children and adults and thousands of miles of new protected bike lanes to improve cycling infrastructure.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson explained, "To build a healthier and more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training, and support to give people the confidence to get around on two wheels.

"So now is the time to switch gears and push forward our biggest and boldest plan yet to promote active mobility.

Furthermore, following the announcement of the obesity strategy on Monday, the Prime Minister announced that cycling would be offered as a treatment in the UK National Health Service, encouraging GPs to prescribe cycling to tackle a range of health conditions.

The move comes after calls from the cycling industry to take advantage of the increase in commuters who are cycling as a result of streets quieted by reduced public transport and blockades.

Brompton CEO Will Butler-Adams has urged the government to ditch other costly transportation infrastructure projects like the HS2 high-speed rail and instead spend billions to make urban cycling more accessible.

"We spend most of our money supporting the NHS because our lifestyle is extremely unhealthy," Butler Adams exclaimed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 'That is why this opportunity is so important right now. We take this enlightenment of what we want and what we need to do as a society and say that what you are currently offering is totally unacceptable."

Vouchers will be issued at 23:45. Registration begins at https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/

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