Mr Howitt chose Lynn as a leading example of cycle paths and pedestrian-friendly streets in a visit to coincide with European Mobility Week.

Earlier in the day on Friday Mr Howitt was one of four of the seven East of England MEPs who agreed to face Norfolk County Council's cabinet scrutiny committee to be grilled on what they do for our county.

Mr Howitt spoke about the backing he has given to the campaign to raise foreign lorry standards, run by Stow Bridge widow Jackie Warby, whose husband was killed in a crash with a foreign lorry, among his contributions.

After the meeting committee chairman councillor Sue Whitaker said it was an opportunity to ensure Norfolk is not forgotten.

She added: "At least we came away with the view it's not just Westminster replicated in Brussels. The role is different and we felt they were working hard on a lot of things we don't necessarily get to hear about."

Mr Howitt, who along with his colleagues represents Essex, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Luton, Southend and Thurrock as well as Norfolk, told the Lynn News he visits West Norfolk several times a year.

His visit to Lynn was an exercise to hammer home the message of green travel.

Lynn Bicycle Users' Group member Mr Trevor Riches said: "I hope he can bring some of the European ideas for developing cycling in this country. Germany and Holland have got it worked out.

"Lynn has done remarkably well. There are bits that are really good, but there are bits that are quite dangerous."

Cyclists said areas of London Road in the town, and the B1145 and A10 are particularly unfriendly to the use of pedal power.

Mr Howitt said: "I knew of the local bike group and wanted to support their activities. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to highlight what they do and hopefully attract more members for them."

Mr Howitt, who drives a Ford Focus, said he regularly cycles with his young children when he is at home in Cambridge and tries to use public transport for long trips.