A SCHEME to encourage more cyclists to take to the North York Moors has been unveiled by highways bosses.

Road networks will be altered and new dedicated cycle routes created by the project, which is part of the Government's drive to encourage people to ditch their cars in favour of other transport.

North Yorkshire County Council's cycling safety officer, Andrew Bainbridge, 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."

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

He said: "It shows there is a commitment to improving things for us.

"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.