CYCLISTS and residents are being given the chance to air their views on a new bike network for York.

The city’s existing cycling map is more than 15 years old, since when it has been overtaken by developments and land-use changes, and City of York Council is now looking to map out new routes and fill missing links.

More than 120 potential schemes have already been analysed and scored on aspects such as safety, cost and potential usage. Cycling groups in York have also been invited to give their opinions on a revised network.

A wider public consultation is now being carried out, including a city-wide map showing the proposed and existing network of routes, as well as those which may be removed. The final list will help the council determine its future transport spending.

It comes as Olympic and Tour de France-winning cyclist Bradley Wiggins called for an overhaul of road safety laws and rules making it compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets to be introduced.

Coun Dave Merrett , the council’s cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “Residents have said in surveys that their number one priority in terms of cycling in York is for the council to provide continuous, well-designed cycle routes.

“This consultation will allow everybody to look at the future proposed cycle network for the city and see if it’s right or make other suggestions. Once adopted, the council will seek to implement it over the 15-year period of York’s Local Plan and beyond.”

The consultation is available at york.gov.uk/cycling , libraries and the council’s St Leonard’s Place offices, and comments can be e-mailed to walking.cycling@york.gov.uk . The closing date is Friday, September 7.

Schemes which scored highest in the council’s analysis included a link between Station Road and Queen Street, a connection from Holgate Road’s iron bridge to the Acomb Road junction, and routes on Jockey Lane, Monkgate, Navigation Road and Bishopthorpe Road, as well as widened and improved facilities next to the outer ring road.