British Cycling has welcomed the news from the Highways Agency that cyclists in Hull are set to benefit from £250,000 worth of investment in cycling provision along the A63.

This follows the completion of the first Highways Agency scheme using a new approach designed to identify improvements to the accessibility and safety for cyclists on the roads.

The A63, a popular route for students and commuters, has seen enhancements in cycle lane routes and signs. This work has included widening the footway to create a shared pedestrian and cycle facility, removing the need for cyclists to use the busy dual carriageway. The route has previously seen 11 injuries to cyclists over the last five years.

This is the first of many schemes to be delivered by the Highways Agency in 2014 which forms part of an overall £4.8 million investment in cycling improvements across England.

The Highways Agency is also currently developing a training package for engineering consultants, in collaboration with British Cycling, Sustrans and the CTC, to ensure that when new highway schemes are designed the needs of cyclists are given full consideration at the planning phase. This was a key action point in British Cycling’s ‘Time to #ChooseCycling’ manifesto launched earlier this year.

British Cycling’s campaigns manager, Martin Key, said: “This new cycle scheme on the A63 is a big step forward for the Highways Agency and a sign that it takes cycling seriously. The organisation is showing real leadership by appointing a senior figure to push through change and by committing significant funds to build more bike lanes and safer junctions.

"This is also a big victory for The Times ‘Cities fit for cycling’ campaign and everyone who contributed to the work to identify where improvements were most needed. The Highways Agency needs to provide the gold standard in provision for cycling and we hope this is the first sign that it will get there.”

Highways Agency director, Matt Sweeting, said: “We have been working hard to cycle proof our road network and make even greater provision for cycling. These schemes aim to correct historic problems, retrofit the latest solutions and make sure that it is easy and safe for cyclists to use junctions.

"We hope this work will attract more cyclists to use the A63 corridor, and work is on-going to identify further opportunities to improve provision for cyclists across the country.”