John Grimshaw wants people back on bikes

The scheme has been masterminded by the Bristol based engineering charity Sustrans. Its Director, John Grimshaw, says the function of the network is to popularise cycling in Britain.

"What we're trying to do is persuade people who don't cycle to start," he says.

"The bicycle is a wonderful piece of technology which is very suitable for today. It's environmentally friendly, it's cheap, it's quick and it's very good for many short journeys."

There is already evidence that providing safe cycle routes does encourage some people to get on their bikes.

The National Cycle Network effectively links together many existing cycle paths.

Some, like the one between Bristol to Bath, built on a disused railway, have become extremely popular.

Cycle friendly

The new network also utilises canal towpaths, quiet country roads and in busy areas streets have been special traffic calmed to make them more cycle friendly.

Cycle routes will criss-cross Britain

Festivities are also taking place in other parts of the country. A Millennium Festival of Cycling is being co-ordinated by the Cyclists' Touring Club. It consists of 4,000 events, including cycle rides and races.

There are also special 'Dr Bike' sessions, where cycle specialists will carry out bicycle 'health checks'.

This week's official opening of the National Cycle Network, is only the start for Sustrans.

The organisation is committed to creating a further 10,000 miles of safe cycle routes over the next five years - linking almost every major town in Britain.