PEDAL-POWER could play a part in the rejuvenation of Yorkshire's flagging rural economy.

Sustrans is the national organisation behind plans for a national network of cycle routes across the length and breadth of Britain.

North Yorkshire County Council is among the organisations involved in consultation on the proposals, but each district authority has to give its backing to individual projects.

This week, Richmondshire's leisure chiefs gave their blessing to further research into a link between Northallerton and Tan Hill, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

However, the administration's resources committee has yet to sanction the project - and a report, tabled at a meeting on Tuesday, outlines two scheme options.

The first, pushing north-west through Brompton-on-Swale, would cost the authority £70,800.

The second, crossing the A1 near Aiskew, would only require an expenditure of £20,000.

At this stage, councillors will not be asked to make a choice.

The only decision they have to make next week is whether Richmondshire supports an investigation into the feasibility of both routes.

Council leader John Blackie, who chaired this week's leisure committee, spoke of the benefits of attracting more cyclists to the area.

"We would want to see more signs, warning motorists on narrow roads that they may come across cyclists, but we have to remember that shops can benefit.

"Most cyclists will want to stop for refreshments along the way, so anything which boosts the rural economy and supports tourism at the same time has to be welcome,'' he said.

Also in favour of a new route through Richmondshire is Councillor John Gill, chairman of the Local Agenda 21 working group, which promotes environmentally-friendly projects across the district.

He said: "Hopefully, new dedicated routes will help make the roads safer. Bikes and cars are not always compatible, so providing cyclists with quieter alternatives will help keep them apart.''