When the Tour de France weaves through Yorkshire this summer, it will inspire people of all ages to get on their bikes. Some might even be encouraged to switch from four wheels to two.

But until the Government takes steps to improve their safety, cyclists will remain vulnerable road users.

Cycling safety was highlighted last autumn when six cyclists were killed on the roads in London over a two-week period. This week saw the launch of British Cycling’s new manifesto, urging the Government to make cycling a “preferred method of transport”.

The ten-point manifesto seeks ways of getting cycling in Britain at levels seen in Holland and Denmark.

British Cycling wants the Government to raise its spending on cycling from the equivalent of £2 a head to £10, and tackle the dangers posed to cyclists by lorries.

Helping to launch the manifesto, Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman said: “We just want a commitment to back up the soundbites. The big question that is not being asked is: ‘What will our cities look like in ten years’ time if we don't get more people cycling?’”

He added: “Sadly, we did have a lot of deaths, but over the last five years the casualty rate has been very static despite more cyclists taking to the road. It’s up to cyclists and all road users to obey the law.”

British Cycling has published research showing that there would be NHS savings of at least £250 million a year if ten per cent of trips in England and Wales were made by bike.

According to the research, if people replaced just five minutes of 36 minutes they spend in the car each day with cycling, there would be an almost five per cent annual reduction in the health burden from inactivity-related illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

The Local Government Association has called on the Government to implement a section of the Traffic Management Act 2004 allowing councils to protect cyclists by enforcing cycle lanes and cracking down on illegal U-turns and box junction offences.

A Department for Transport spokesman said getting people to use bikes was a priority for the Government, with £278 million invested in cycling.

“We have made a commitment to cycle-proof our strategic road network, and hope local government will do the same on local roads,” he said.

“Good cycle lanes on wide roads benefit everyone, not just cyclists, and investment that helps encourage more people to get out of their car and on their bike means less congestion for everyone else. We will continue to work with British Cycling, other cycling groups and local councils to ensure we are delivering schemes that make a real difference.”

Former semi-professional cyclist Ian Blackburn is owner and lead physiotherapist at Elite Physio in Cottingley. He has worked at sporting events including the London 2012 Olympics, and is working with a professional cycling team at this year’s Tour de France.

Ian has seen a massive boost to cycling, thanks largely to the Bradley Wiggins effect, but says a lot could be done to improve basic safety for both commuters and casual bike riders.

“There has been an increase in cycle lanes, but often there are cars parked on them, or they’re in a poor state, with gravel or drain covers,” he says.

“Cyclists are vulnerable on the road – they’re not covered in a metal box like motorists or in protective clothing like motorcyclists – and the risk of injury is high, especially if the weather is bad and roads are poor.

“Hopefully the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire will raise awareness of cycling issues. We also need more road safety education in schools, to raise awareness of road safety.”

Roger Geffen, campaigns and policy director at cycling charity CTC, said: “Words are not enough to ‘Get Britain Cycling’.

“We need leadership, commitment to consistently high cycle-friendly design standards, and consistent funding of at least £10 per head annually to achieve these.

“The risks of cycling are lower than most people imagine – you’re less likely to be killed in a mile of cycling than a mile of walking – yet people are deterred from cycling in Britain due to fear.

“If we are to maximise cycling’s health and other benefits, we must enable people to cycle in conditions that are as inviting as in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands. Britain has 40 years of catching up to do.”