AN INITIATIVE aimed at encouraging more people to cycle in a town has been launched. A two-day review led by Stevenage Borough Council has resulted in a series of recommendations to help increase the use of the extensive cycle network in Stevenage. These

AN INITIATIVE aimed at encouraging more people to cycle in a town has been launched.

A two-day review led by Stevenage Borough Council has resulted in a series of recommendations to help increase the use of the extensive cycle network in Stevenage.

These recommendations - 19 in total - include setting up a cycling action group, improving cycling routes around the town centre, working with schools and children's centres to get more young people involved, improving signage on the cycle paths, and increasing cycle parking.

Cllr Simon Speller said: "The bottom line is that some of these cost a lot of money, and there is no more money. We will pursue those which are cheap and easy to implement first, to get maximum benefit."

The Comet has reported problems with cyclists riding at speed through pedestrianised areas of Stevenage town centre, and the council is also looking to address this issue. One option being considered is establishing dedicated cycleways through the town centre, much like the system currently in place in Watford.

Council officers' estimate 12 of the 19 recommendations could be delivered within a year.

The review supports Stevenage: First Bike Boro - a campaign launched this summer with the aim "to get more people cycling, and to get people cycling more". The council is particularly targeting children and people aged over 50.

Cllr Robin Parker, who chaired the two-day review, said: "Cycling has excellent health benefits, and it's a sustainable form of transport.

"With this review, we've identified a number of different areas where improvements can be made and we will be passing these on to the appropriate council committees for consideration."

Cllr Speller added: "If we can get people out of cars and onto bikes that would be great.