NEW cycle routes, bike hire centres and training courses will be created as part of a £4.8 million scheme to get people out on their bikes.

Cycleways across the city will be completely revamped over the next three years after the Government awarded Stoke-on-Trent "Cycle City" status along with the cash.

By 2011 the council aims to have established a cycle hire centre with tours of the city laid on for visitors and it wants to set up training programmes for people of all ages to build up confidence on two wheels.

A cycle recovery centre will also be created to recycle donated second-hand bikes.

The first issue to be tackled is the creation of new cycle routes and small repairs to existing routes.

Glebedale Park, from Victoria Place to Glebedale Road, Harlington Drive to Weston Coyney Road, Goms Mill Road to Cemetery Avenue and the A34 to New Inn Lane along the brook will benefit within the next year.

Lee Passam, of Cycle Staffordshire, said: "It's a fantastic opportunity, just what the city needs.

"People don't know what's on their doorstep – Stoke-on-Trent is a really nice place to cycle round, there is lots of wildlife.

"Hopefully promoting cycling will get more people outdoors and have a major impact on health."

The £4.8 million budget awarded is double the amount the council actually bid for and officials say represents a huge opportunity to develop a cycling culture in the city.

Eight staff have been appointed to run the project, with a salary budget of £440,000 over the three years.

An NHS Stoke on Trent spokesman said: "The programme is one of a number of initiatives that will have a positive contribution to the health of the city.

"Only around one in six people in the city take the right amount of exercise and we want to get these numbers up."

A recent report from Dr Foster Research found that the city is the 14th fattest in the UK, with 10 per cent of Potteries people now classed as obese.

Councillor Debra Gratton, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: "Stoke-on-Trent's Cycling City status means that we can move forward with plans to transform the city into a flourishing centre for cyclists.

"We are aiming to encourage cycling as both a means of transport and a way for people to get fitter and healthier in their free time.

"It is a huge project and we are thankful to have been given such a significant sum to use.

"The city council is confident that at the end of the three year plan, cycling will be an integral part of everyday life in Stoke-on-Trent."