The number of people taking out cycle insurance has seen a jump of 75% between 2009 and 2014 as a result of the soaring popularity of cycling, according to Aviva.

The insurer said that in 2014, 51,000 people took out the cover in addition to home and contents insurance, compared to 29,000 in 2009.
Aviva, which broke down its regional data into TV service areas, said Tyne and Yorkshire - the starting point of last year's Tour the France - had the biggest increases, where take-up on additional bike insurance increased by 158% and 113% respectively. Regionally, the South and South East of England had the highest number of policies, with 9,000 taken out last year.
Aviva said the increase in the take-up was due to the growing popularity of cycling and the continued increase in the average amount spent on bikes, which went up from £206 in 2012 to £233 in 2014.
The insurer also said there was a year-on-year increase in levels of theft, with more than 376,000 bicycles stolen every year.
Heather Smith, marketing director at Aviva, said: "The success of cycling in the UK has been both at an elite level - from athletes such as Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton CBE - but also at a grassroots level as people have been inspired to get out on their bikes. This is great to see, as cycling is a sport that can bring lasting health and wellbeing benefits."