A ROAD in Barrow has been chosen for a walking and cycling lane to be installed as part of a multi-million pound government funding scheme.

Michaelson Road in Barrow has been picked by Cumbria County Council for consideration of funding as part of their second stage of the £250m Emergency Active Travel Fund.

The plans, which will now be put forward to The Department for Transport (DfT), are intended to try and embed walking and cycling as part of long-term habits to secure health, air quality and congestion benefits.

Milnthorpe Road in Kendal has also been chosen by the County Council for the scheme.

Both permanent schemes include segregated cycleways, enhanced pedestrian crossings and junction improvements for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “It is very encouraging to see the level of support and ambition for improved cycling and walking infrastructure across the county.

“It has taken a significant amount of work to whittle all the ideas down to ones which meet the strict government criteria and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get in touch with the County Council with their suggestions."

Brian Boyd, president of the Rotary Club’s Tour de Furness, has welcomed a new cycle lane in the town but questions why Michaelson Road was chosen.

He said: "Any plans that champion cycling are a good idea. But I think there is more of a demand for cycle lanes in other areas like the A590 which more people use. Michaelson Road is not the best choice in my opinion but it's a start."

A funding decision is expected during the Autumn.