The city council is spending £20,000 to provide secure spaces for 160 cycles.

The move is part of a push to encourage more people to get on their bikes in a bid to cut the number of cars on the road.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, in charge of traffic and transport at the city council, said: 'I think this is a wonderful idea.

'I know motorists won't like me saying we need fewer cars on the road, but we do. This is a congested city.

'These racks will mean people can bring their bikes to the city without fear of having them nicked and I am really pleased we can help achieve that.'

The racks are stainless steel Sheffield Stands – metal frames secured in the pavement which cyclists can lock their bikes to.

Transport officers worked out where the racks should go based on observing need and requests from the public.

The cash was set aside in the Local Transport Plan budget for implementing the council's cycling strategy.

The move has been welcomed by cyclists, but they say more secure racks are still needed.

John Holland, chairman of Portsmouth Cycle Forum, said: 'We welcome this – this is a lot more than we used to have. But for commuters who might want to lock up their bikes for a whole day or maybe longer, secure really means some sort of compound or individual bike shed.
'People want to feel their bike is protected by CCTV or something similar at railway stations and similar places.'

The group, which campaigns for improved cycling facilities in Portsmouth, says businesses should be asked to contribute to the cost of racks for employees.

Mr Holland added: 'There is always more that can be done but this is a step in the right direction.'