Work continues to boost Tour legacy and promote car-free routes

IMPROVEMENTS TO a network of cycle paths around Harrogate are aimed at building on the success of the Tour de Yorkshire and offer traffic-free access to the countryside.

Significant improvements have been made to the area’s cycling network, including developing the Nidderdale Greenway, Yorkshire Showground Greenway and the recent resurfacing of the Bilton-to-Starbeck cycleway, as well as part of the Beryl Burton cycleway.

To mark the end of the latest phase of ongoing improvements, a milepost has been installed on one of the area’s most popular routes, the Nidderdale Greenway.

The path, from Bilton to Ripley, was launched in 2013 following a £400,000 improvement scheme which saw the old Harrogate to Ripon railway line reopened, including the viaduct over the River Nidd.

Harrogate Borough Council’s transport projects officer Andrew Norman said: “The Nidderdale Greenway is an extremely popular route and gives trafficfree access to Harrogate, Ripley and Nidderdale.

“Now that the surface has been improved on the Starbeck, Bilton Lane and Beryl Burton links, we have a high-quality route that allows local residents to easily get out into the countryside on foot or by bike.

“These links also give commuters between Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough the opportunity to avoid the busy A59 and undertake trips by traffic-free alternatives.

“Following the recent success of the Tour de Yorkshire which came through our district, more people will be inspired to get out on their bikes and the Nidderdale Greenway would be an ideal location to give it a go.”