CYCLISTS suffered a blow when plans for a Boris Bikes-style scheme in the New Forest were axed – despite having already secured Government funding.

But new proposals drawn up by the National Park Authority (NPA) mean people who want to explore the area on two wheels could benefit from the cash after all.

NPA members have devised a list of new schemes to make towns and villages across the Forest more cycle-friendly.

As reported in the Daily Echo, plans to make 250 bikes available for hire at 20 locations in the district were dropped at an NPA meeting last month.

Members cited an anti-cycling backlash in the Forest following repeated problems involving thousands of cyclists taking part in organised mass cycle events.

But they also argued that the bike hire system was not financially viable due to a spending deadline of March 2015.

Now the NPA has come up with alternative ways to spend part of its £3.57m Government grant towards the cost of “green” transport initiatives.

The proposals, due to be debated today, are aimed at making the Forest safer for cyclists, including people who live and work in the district.

They are likely to prove less controversial than the Boris Bikes scheme, which sparked fears that a huge number of extra visitors would be attracted to the area.

A report to NPA members says £1.2m could be spent on improving two scenic routes near Brockenhurst – Rhinefield Road and the Ornamental Drive.

It says: “The scheme will ‘cycle proof’ an important route through the centre of the National Park. Upgrading road edges on both edges will create a consistent, high quality surface. Our funding would improve its safety and comfort for cyclists.”

The report also suggests spending £185,000 on creating an off-road cycleway between Marchwood and Eling.

Other proposals include a £140,000 project to upgrade off-road cycle routes in the centre of the National Park and a £43,000 plan to improve cycle safety in Ringwood by building an off-road cycleway linking Castleman Way and Hightown Road.

NPA member David Harrison has spent years campaigning for a Totton to Marchwood cycleway.

He said: “This project is of vital importance to Marchwood but also has benefits to the people of Totton and beyond in terms of providing a safer means of accessing the New Forest.

“Once in place the focus will turn to developing other safe cycle routes that connect the Waterside and the Forest.”