The report said there were major cash and health benefits

The Highland Cycle Forum, which carried out the research, put cycling's value to the region's economy at �35m.

The report was welcomed by Scotland's physical activity co-ordinator Mary Allison who said the health benefits of cycling were significant.

The forum's report calculated potential benefits from cycling to the health sector at �10m to 15m.

Improving health

It worked out the financial value of cycling in the Highlands by looking at research material and survey data covering transport, health and recreation.

Ms Allison said: "Cycling clearly has a big role to play for many areas in terms of green transport, and as someone who has come to the Highlands on cycling holidays for many years now, I can vouch for its importance to the tourist industry.

"But as one of the main ways of getting people more active, cycling also has an important role to play in improving health.

"Lack of physical activity is a serious risk to health in Scotland but regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce these health risks."

Highland Council deputy transport chairman Ewen MacKinnon said: "In transport terms cycling has a valuable role to play and our efforts are directed to improving the infrastructure and facilities to encourage more people to travel short journeys to work by cycle and leave the car at home."