FUNDING has been secured for a scheme designed to encourage more holidaymakers in North Yorkshire to take to two wheels.

The money will be pumped into a project which will also promote "green" tourism.

The Youth Hostel Association plans to spend £66,600 to make 21 youth hostels in the region more cycle-friendly.

Each one will have enclosed buildings that can house at least ten bikes, complete with a high level of internal security and suitable lighting.

Each hostel will have an information point to cater for both experienced and recreational cyclists.

There will also be displays of on and off-road cycle routes, complete tool kits and work stands for essential repairs at each hostel, plus a water supply for cleaning muddy mountain bikes.

The project has been made possible by a Cycling Projects grant of £46,510 announced yesterday by Transport Minister Kim Howells.

Further funding has come from the Youth Hostels Association, North Yorkshire County Council, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks and the Dales Millennium Trust.

The charity's regional manager, Simon Ainley, said: "This initiative meets not only the YHA's objectives, but those of regional and national strategies to boost tourism in Yorkshire and encourage more people to cycle.

"It will also introduce many visitors to the major cycling routes within the region."

If the pilot scheme proves a success, the charity aims to extend the scheme to all of its 200-plus hostels across England and Wales.

The association's sustainable transport officer, Rob Brock, said: "The lack of facilities or adequate security for bikes can be a powerful disincentive for people to use them while taking a holiday or even a short break.

"This pilot project aims to guarantee a reception and level of facilities that we believe will lead to more people visiting and travelling around the region by bike.

* The YHA will be among the organisations represented at the York Cycle Show and Cyclists' Touring Club national rally at York Racecourse today and tomorrow.