Belfast is lagging behind when it comes to cycling, according to a poll, while Bristol is best.

The West Country destination topped the poll in a survey of the best cycling facilities in Britain's 20 biggest cities by Cycling Plus magazine.

However, Belfast was a lowly 12th. 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.

Britain's two biggest cities London (in 17th place) and Birmingham (19th) came near the bottom of the table, with Glasgow in 19th place. Bottom in 20th place was Bradford in Yorkshire which had lowest number of cycling club members, just 10 miles of motor-free cycling routes and only six independent bike shops.\[s.alexander\]

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

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

He went on: “Even though Bradford came bottom, it still boasts a high level of great rides within easy reach, good air quality and decent roads - a great starting point to build its cycling credentials.”

This is how the 20 cities were placed:

1. Bristol

2. Nottingham

3. Leicester

4. Manchester

5. Edinburgh

6. Newcastle

7. Stoke-on-Trent

8. Cardiff

9. Swansea

10. Plymouth

11. Coventry

12. Belfast

13. Liverpool

14. Hull

15. Leeds

16. Sheffield

17. London

18. Glasgow

19. Birmingham

20. Bradford