Harrogate & Knaresborough councillors are set to spend £40,000 on design work that could eventually lead to a cycle path being created between Bilton and Hornbeam Park.
Each year, the area constituency committee is given a pot of money by North Yorkshire Council to go towards local projects.
Councillors put forward a host of ideas that could receive funding and the list has now been whittled down to the three that are most viable.
The prospect of a cycle route between Bilton and Hornbeam Park goes back to at least 2019 when North Yorkshire County Council commissioned consultants to draw up a cycle infrastructure plan for Harrogate.
With a distance of around 2.5km between the two areas, it would be one of the most ambitious cycle routes ever created in Harrogate if it came to fruition.
As the proposal is still in its early stages, no details have been given about which roads could be used though it could potentially take advantage of Slingsby Walk, a path adjacent to the Stray that is already accessible for cyclists.
When designs for the scheme are eventually drawn up, it’s hoped the council will have a “bid ready” scheme to apply for funding through the government’s Active Travel Fund.
There is also money available through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority which is led by newly-elected Labour mayor David Skaith.
A report has been prepared for councillors ahead of a meeting next week where councillors are expected to give the green light for design work to begin.
The council has modelled how successful a route between Bilton and Hornbeam Park could be and claims an extra 1,612 cycle trips a day is possible.
It said the cycle path could get people out of cars and remove a large amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.
The council has faced strong criticism for its track record delivering cycle schemes in Harrogate from both Harrogate District Cycle Action and the public.
The one significant cycle route it has built in recent years, the Otley Road cycle path, cost millions but has been lambasted for its “confusing” design that weaves on-and-off the pavement.
It has resulted in the section between Harlow Moor Road and Arthur’s Avenue being largely ignored by cyclists who prefer to use the road with motorists.
Harrogate Ladies College unveils branding for new Duchy College
Organisation pledges £45,000 to support mental health at King James's School
Harrogate couple who met at school to celebrate 63rd Valentine's Day
Knaresborough primary school's sponsored walk raises £1,300 for charity
Knaresborough brewery owners to sell after nine years
Yorkshire participants need for Channel 4's The Dog House
Multiple arrests made as police intensify patrols in Harrogate
Police appeal after man hit by bus in Harrogate
New outpatient therapy unit opens at Harrogate Hospital
Love is in the air for Harrogate hospitality
Harrogate law firm supports cancer centre in memory of late colleague
Harrogate's Over & Above ranked among UK's top cocktail bars
Harrogate pupil's pyjama day raises over £1,100 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
£8,000 donation to fund nurse training at Harrogate Hospital charity
Number Thirteen café up for sale after eight years
Harrogate crowned the UK's most relaxing town
Lightwater Valley gives sneak peek at new rollercoaster
Harrogate chef appears on BBC's Masterchef
Harrogate restaurant recognised at Nation's Curry Awards
Ripon runners to compete at national cross country championships
