CYCLISTS from across the world got on their bikes to find out more about safe routes to schools in York.

Sustrans, the charity behind the Safe Routes to Schools scheme, invited guests from countries as far afield as France, Uganda, Slovakia and the Philippines to join a special bike ride around cycle routes in the city. The cyclists set off from the Merchant Taylors' Hall, in Aldwark, and along the way found out more about cycle routes, school safety zones, road safety measures, child cyclist training schemes and the Millennium Bridge.

The charity said York was one of the UK's most advanced cities in terms of provision for Safe Routes to Schools

This was because it was part of a Sustrans pilot scheme and had received the full support of the City of York Council.

Paul Osborne, project director of Safe Routes to Schools, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share ideas with experts from around the world.

York can be proud of the progress it has made in improving the safety and health of its school children."

Sustrans is also responsible for the National Cycle Network.

Updated: 11:47 Monday, September 17, 2001