A SAFE cycle route between Callington and Saltash could cost around £2.4 million - but the scheme will be vital to encouraging more people to commute on two wheels, says Cornwall Council.

A project to create a ‘safe passageway’ for cyclists, runners and walkers on the A388 has been on the cards for some years.

Now the idea has come a step closer to being realised, with the publication of results from a feasibility study.

Cornwall Council and St Mellion Parish Council have been working together over the last year to explore how improvements to the cycle route could be made. A survey was completed by around 270 people in the area, and the outcomes of the study will be on display at a public presentation in November,

Currently around 20 cycle trips per day are made on the main A388 which connects Callington with Saltash.

But 330 work trips between the two towns are made on the same road by car, with additional journeys for things like shopping and school runs.

Cornwall Council would like to see more people using bikes in Cornwall as a whole - but safe routes must be in place first before encouraging residents to make the swap from four wheels to two.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: ‘Our “Connecting Cornwall 2030” Transport Plan goals are to tackle climate change; support economic prosperity; protect the environment; and encourage healthy active lifestyles.

‘Given the rural nature of Cornwall and the often challenging topography, our approach is based on supporting a change to those short everyday journeys that people make – whether it is to school, work or local services – short journeys that are achievable on foot or by bicycle. However, to give people the confidence to make this change, we need to make sure the infrastructure is in place first.

The spokesperson continued: ‘There is potential to increase cycle trips (on the A388) if dedicated cycle infrastructure is provided to address current concerns over comfort and safety.

‘While there is currently no funding identified to deliver these improvements, the Council will continue to explore government grant funding opportunities and any potential contributions from developers in the area as appropriate.’

It is hoped that a potential Callington to Saltash cycle route could link in with the Saltash cycle network and over the Tamar Bridge to Plymouth

Funding is already available to deliver the first phase of improvements to the town cycle network in Saltash in 2019, the Council added.

The public presentation on a Safe Passageway for Cyclists and Pedestrians between Callington and Saltash will take place on Monday November 20 from 6.30 - 7.30pm at the St Mellion International Resort.