CAMPAIGNERS are hoping for funding to build a cycle path along a busy stretch of road.

Members of the Kirkbymoorside Environment Group say that the A170 between Kirkbymoorside Primary School and the roundabout in the middle of Kirkbymoorside should be widened by three metres, and a dual cycle path and footpath put in place.

Helen Gundry, a full-time mother and member of Kirkbymoorside Environment Group, said: “We’ve been campaigning to have this path put in place for about six months now.

“The A170 carries a lot of trunk traffic, farm traffic and tourist traffic, so it gets very busy.

“There is an existing footpath next to the road, but there is nowhere for cyclists.

“A lot of people don’t cycle because they are worried about safety.

“We’ve spoken to lots of parents at Kirkbymoorside Primary School who say they wish their children could cycle to school, and that they would let them cycle to school if it was safe enough.

“This is a chance for us to improve the health of young people, by giving them the chance to do more exercise.”

The Gazette & Herald reported last week that Insp Tim Hutchinson, commander of the Ryedale Police area, had written a public letter in support of the path.

He said that the path would create a better road safety system, separating vehicles and cycles, and give clear priority to vehicles.

According to Mrs Gundry, there are no practical problems in installing the path.

She said: “We want to widen the road by about three metres, and put in a dual footpath, and cycle path, with a painted line down the middle.

“To do this will cost £100,000, so we have applied for funding from the National Lottery, and we will hear if we have been successful in May.

“Widening the road is no problem, because there is a generously-sized grass verge on the side of the road, and highways and the county council are happy for us to use this.

“They are also willing to find a subcontractor to do the work.

“If anyone wanted some free top soil that would help us keep costs down, as otherwise we have to pay for it to be removed.”

Mrs Gundry says that the plan to widen the footpath is part of an overall project to link Helmsley, Pickering, and Kirkbymoorside with off-road cycle paths, or paths on quiet roads.