AN AMBITIOUS project to convert parts of Ryedale and the North York Moors into a cycling haven has been unveiled by highways chiefs.

The scheme will essentially make cycling safer in the district, but the ultimate aim is to encourage residents and visitors to ditch their cars in favour of pedal power.

The move, which will involve adapting existing roads and networks and creating new routes, has been welcomed by cycling safety campaigners.

Andrew Bainbridge, the county council's cycling safety officer, said £45,000 had already been set aside for the scheme.

"It will cost a lot more than that in coming years because it is estimated it will take us between five and ten years to complete," he said.

"The project has come about because of the Government's idea to encourage people to use cars less.

"We will be considering all sorts of options including the creation of safer cycling routes and promoting bike use.

"We will also be looking at ways of making it easier for people to cycle into the moors.

"At the moment it is very hilly and we will be looking at ways of maybe diverting existing cycle routes around hilly areas and making routes between two places shorter."

Meanwhile, cyclists in Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Thornton-le-Dale are set to benefit from the plans.

"Besides making it easier to get into the moors we want to encourage residents in the town to use bicycles instead of their cars to get to work," he said.

"We will be looking at creating safer cycle routes within the town, which will benefit residents."

Ron Healey, chairman of the North Yorkshire Cyclists' Touring Club, welcomed the news.

"It shows there is a commitment there to improving things for us," he said.

"I was aware of the project and I am pleased that one of the things they will be doing is consulting with us and other interested groups."

The Mayor of Pickering, Betsy Hill, said the new moves had the potential to attract more visitors to the area.

Bob Horne, clerk to Kirkbymoorside Town Council, said he was keen for cycling safety measures to be introduced along the length of the main A170 route

"At the moment people - and children especially - don't use it because the traffic makes it too dangerous," he said.

Updated: 13:04 Saturday, November 17, 2001