New research is backing City of York Council's policy of encouraging walking and cycling.

Scientists have called for more cycling lanes and walk to school initiatives to reduce the risk of strokes after a new study found that a sedentary lifestyle is likely to cause strokes.

The Harvard study, published in last week's British Medical Journal, found that individuals who participated in physical activity were less than half as likely to suffer a fatal stroke, compared with those that were not physically active.

The Journal claims that only one- in-four people currently meet health guidelines advocating 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week.

In the last 14 months, City of York Council has launched two high-profile campaigns to encourage more people to walk and cycle. It is also developing school and work green travel plans, school walking buses and has invested in improving walking and cycle routes.

Council research shows that York is bucking a national trend of a decline in cycling. Bikers represent more than 15 per cent of the traffic crossing the city's bridges over the past decade.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "This year we are investing in a substantial increase to the cycle network, including building a much needed cycle route from Haxby to Rowntree's, which will not only improve safety but also enable residents to improve their health. "The evidence coming from the academic community reinforces the importance of extending York's pedestrian and cycle networks."

Updated: 11:50 Wednesday, August 21, 2002