UK employees who cycled to work instead of driving, in 2007, saved more than 8,000 tonnes of CO2.

Bicycle provider Cycle Solutions has reported that its customers who swapped their car for a bike to commute to work have saved the equivalent carbon produced in 42 transatlantic flights.

Steve Edgell, director of Cycle Solutions, said: "It's only when you compare the figures like this that the stark reality hits you and you see what an environmentally-friendly mode of transport cycling really is."

Michael Pye, director of HR at Universal Music, said: "The majority of our employees live within London and rather than driving to work and topping up those alarming statistics on CO2 emissions, it's our role to encourage them that their journey is achievable on a bike."