CYCLISTS have voiced fears that a multi-million pound underpass could be putting their lives at risk.

They say the danger lies in the recently completed A64 underpass at Copmanthorpe, near York.

They say that after following the cyclepath through the underpass cyclists then have to cross a link road, which places them in danger from fast-moving traffic.

Paul Hepworth, of the North Yorkshire branch of the Cyclists Touring Club, said villagers had expressed concern before the underpass opened about vehicle speeds on the link road.

He called for an island to be built in the middle of the road to slow cars and to provide a crossing point for cyclists and pedestrians.

He said the club suggested a segregated cycle and pedestrian link, but this had not found favour with the Highways Agency.

However, a spokesman for the agency said that at some point cyclists had to leave the cycle path to join the carriageway.

"After consultations, it was felt that the crossing point at the gateway entrance to Copmanthorpe was the most suitable location," he said.

"There are no segregated lanes or paths for cyclists in Copmanthorpe village, so it was not possible to extend the new cycle path."