A major step forward could be taken next week in creating an orbital cycle route between the inner and outer ring roads of the city. A new stretch of the cycle route is being proposed for the section of Water End between Clifton Green and the bottom of Leeman Road which could see another piece of the orbital route completed.

Clifton ward councillor David Scott said:

"The orbital cycle route is critically important to getting people who travel around York onto their bikes and out of motor vehicles. What it does is give people the possibility of travelling from A to B on a route that is completely free of cars and other motor vehicles, and this is likely to make it a much more attractive option.

"Whether people like it or not, the way some people drive on the road makes potential cyclists not want to be on the road, and this makes the orbital cycle route essential".

Fellow ward councillor Ken King commented:

"We're extremely happy to see an idea first proposed by the Executive Member in early 2003, look as though it will become a reality in 2009. The beauty of the orbital cycle route is it means cyclists can move around the city, free from motor vehicles, until they get close to their destination. Of course this will involve getting back onto roads, but they will be much quieter and safer roads in residential areas".

The Water End improvement scheme is due to be discussed at next week's City Strategy EMAP meeting on Monday at 5pm. The meeting will be in the Guildhall.