A GOVERNMENT minister yesterday urged everyone to "Get on your bike".

But unlike former Tory minister Norman Tebbit's call to the unemployed, Local Government and Regions Minister Hilary Armstrong's plea was aimed at improving the environment and fostering good health.

She was speaking at the regional launch of the National Cycle Network, at Sunderland Football Club's Stadium of Light yesterday.

Joined by Sunderland Mayor Councillor Brian Dodds, Ms Armstrong saw off 80 cyclists who split off into four routes to mark the region's involvement in the Sustrans Longest Ride on the Longest Day.

Ms Armstrong said: "Cycling is a key part of the current transport agenda, and cycle safety is specifically highlighted in the recently published Road Safety Strategy.

"We are looking to encourage more people to start using cycles, especially for short journeys, and even for the commuter run to work.

"Cycling has major benefits for people's health, in terms of improved fitness and improvements to cardiovascular and other functions. And it also has a marked impact on the environment."

She said: "In the North-East the National Cycle Network gives people the opportunity to enjoy some of our stunning coastal and inland scenery in safety and at a pace that means it can be really appreciated."

As well as being part of the national network, the region has a number of dedicated cycle routes, such as the Coast and Castles in Northumberland, and the Sea-to-Sea which links west Cumbrian towns of Workington and Whitehaven with Sunderland and Newcastle.

So far, 5,000 miles of the National Cycle Network has been completed and opened, and the intention is that this should double by 2005, when the full network will be completed.

It will pass within two miles of 30 million people - more than half of the UK population.