Pop-up cycle lanes, wider pavements, cycle- and bus-only corridors and safer junctions could all be created across England in the coming weeks.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps MP announced on Saturday (May 9) that up to £2bn would be made available to improve "greener, active transport", in what his department called "the largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians".

This funding forms part of a £5bn investment in buses and cycling which was announced back in February, with £250M being made available immediately through the "emergency active travel fund".

Somerset County Council is expected to announce details of which measures could be implemented in Somerset within the next few weeks, once the government has confirmed how the money will be allocated.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the coronavirus pandemic had resulted in "unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK".

It added these latest moves were designed to "encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport" to both prevent the virus from spreading and ensure the system had enough capacity.

A spokesman said: "Councils can reallocate road space for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.

"In towns and cities, some streets could become bike and bus-only while others remain available for motorists.

"More side streets could be closed to through traffic, to create low-traffic neighbourhoods and reduce rat-running while maintaining access for vehicles."

Mr Shapps said there was "no change" in the government's advice to stay home unless absolutely necessary, but said the measures would put vital changes in place for when the lockdown was eased.

He said: "When the country does get back to work we need people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more.

"Otherwise, with public transport's capacity severely restricted at this time, our trains and buses could become overcrowded and our roads gridlocked – holding up emergency services, critical workers and vital supplies.

"We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities."

The DfT has suggested the following measures which could be implemented by local authorities in the coming weeks and months:

Installing 'pop-up' cycle facilities – for example, mandatory cycle lanes segregated from main traffic, or converting traffic lanes into temporary cycle lanes by suspending parking bays where necessary

Widening footways using cones or barriers, especially outside shops and transport hub, and providing more space at bus stops for queues

Encouraging walking and cycling to school – including the 'schools streets' system where traffic is restricted on certain streets at pick-up and drop-off times during term-time

Reducing speed limits in more residential roads to 20mph, which will "provide a more attractive and safer environment for walking and cycling". The county council has already pledged to install 20mph speed limits outside half of Somerset's schools by early-2021

Introducing pedestrian and cycle zones, to restrict motor vehicles from certain streets at certain times – including high streets. This can also be achieved by planters or large barriers to create more peaceful neighbourhoods

Providing additional cycle parking facilities at key locations – such as outside railway stations and in high streets – by giving over more parking bays to cyclists

Changes to junction design to accommodate more cyclists – for instance, by extending advanced stop lines at traffic lights to 7.5 metres where possible

More bus and cycle corridors to create "whole-route approaches" into town and city centres

The government's new cycling and walking investment strategy will be published in the summer, laying out how the government will aim to double cycling and increase walking significantly by 2025.

Measures are expected to include cycling being prescribed by GPs and putting higher standards in place for permanent cycling infrastructure across England.

More immediately, e-scooter trials have been brought forward to early-June, and an extra £10M has been made available for up to 7,2000 extra electric vehicle charging points.

Mobile apps may also be used to warn the public about busy times on public transport, advising them of quieter periods when they can safely travel.