THE first phase of a major new cyclepath in York has been opened to the public.

City of York Council has officially launched the first phase of a new route that will eventually link Fulford Road and Hull Road, and offer safer cycling provision for school pupils, university students and villagers.

The new 230-metre, shared-use path has been built as the first section of the route, which will run along the busy corridor comprising Broadway, Heslington Lane and Field Lane.

It runs from the mini-roundabout at the junction of Broadway and Heslington Lane, to link up to the University of York's existing off-road path opposite Fulford Golf Club.

A new, wooden bridge has been built over the beck that runs between the university campus and Walmgate Stray to accommodate cyclists and the route will form part of a safer cycling route serving Fulford Secondary School, St Oswald's Primary School, the University of York and the University Science Park, plus the villages of Heslington and Fulford.

The council hopes the route will help increase the levels of cycling along the corridor, by providing an off-road alternative to the busy Heslington Lane which currently carries about 9,000 vehicles a day and has a 40mph speed limit, making it potentially daunting for less-confident cyclists.

Local councillor Ceredig Jamieson-Ball welcomed the new path, saying: "It's something that I have campaigned for for four years, and I am pleased to see it being delivered. It's something that has been in demand along there, on what is a narrow road. It is only the first phase though, and I will be working hard to make sure phases two and three are delivered as well."

A council spokeswoman said phase two of the scheme was currently at an "early feasibility stage".

That section will run from the university end of the first phase, to the zebra crossing next to Holmefield Lane and will also include the potential conversion of the zebra crossing to a toucan crossing, which it is hoped would help pedestrians and cyclists cross Heslington Lane.