A YORK cycle group has welcomed plans to upgrade the Rawcliffe roundabout at the junction of the A19 and A1237 outer ring road, following the opening of the nearby Park and Ride site.

But the group is also calling on the City of York Council and the Highways Agency to improve cycle lanes in York in an effort to encourage people out of their cars and on to bikes.

Paul Hepworth, spokesman for York Cycle Touring Club, said: "The existing cycle route between Skelton and Rawcliffe alongside the A19, is vastly underused, due to its awful, flat crossing with the outer ring road at Rawcliffe."

The need to improve the Rawcliffe roundabout area comes after an increase in traffic following the opening of the Park and Ride site.

Plans to upgrade the area are being discussed by the Government's Highways Agency and the City of York Council under the Shipton Road transport consultation. Rawcliffe residents were able to ask questions about the consultation at a meeting with the council and the Highways Agency last month.

Mr Hepworth said the improvements could take some time but in the interim he wants to see other safer cycle routes provided to encourage people to pedal to school, shops and work.

He added: "Some cyclists who find riding to York too far, may be persuaded on to buses at Rawcliffe if safe access is offered to secure parking in the Park and Ride site."

Mr Hepworth also wants to see more lightweight bridges. He said: "The bridges would offer total safety for non-motorised travellers to cross busy roads, encouraging more fume-free travel."