PROPOSALS to improve cycling routes and upgrade rights of way between two Lake District villages have gone out to public consultation.

As part of the GoLakes Travel Programme, the Lake District National Park Authority is looking to improve routes to enable people to cycle more safely between Ambleside and Grasmere. A proposed new route from Pelter Bridge to Grasmere would take cyclists off the busy A591 and provide a more attractive alternative to the main road.

Other proposals include:

 * Improving the surface of the existing bridleway from Steps End, along the shore of Rydal Water to White Moss Wood

* Creating a route around the rock outcrop of Jobson Close at Rydal Water to make it easier to negotiate and protect the eroding shoreline

* Upgrading the public footpath through Deer Bolts Wood to bridleway

* Creating a new bridleway through to White Moss, a new cycle accessible bridge across the Rothay, and upgrading the public footpath to bridleway through Penny Rock Wood

* Making a new bridleway alongside the Grasmere shore-line with measures to protect eroding sections of shoreline

 * And forming a new bridleway through White Moss Wood car park and a safe crossing of the A591.

 On Tuesday there was a drop-in consultation event at Grasmere Village Hall, to show local businesspeople and residents the new plans and designs.

Richard Ingram, a cycling advisor with GoLakes Travel, said: “We want to encourage less experienced cyclists and families to get on their bikes and do so safely and to also promote sustainability, to get people to travel on their bikes and avoid taking the car.”

David Robinson, access and recreation developer with the LDNPA, said: “Since the London Olympics, 200,000 people have taken up cycling, it has become a sport that is loved by many people of all ages.

“People, who are not on-road cyclists are often dissuaded from cycling between Ambleside and Grasmere as the route can be quite dangerous.

“The plan is about making things safer and easier for families and people who are new to cycling and will also benefit local businesses in the area as it will attract more people to Grasmere.”

Ian Priddle, a keen cyclist who lives in Grasmere, hopes the proposals go ahead.

The father-of-two-said: “I think the route is a fantastic idea and will not only benefit what they call leisure cyclists, but the fact that the bridleways and paths will be improved too means it will make walking around here safer and more accessible for people with pushchairs.”

Those who were unable to attend the consultation can obtain a form from David Robson at david.robson@lakedistrict.gov.uk or you can complete an online version at the website www.haveyoursay.org.uk.