NEW funding has been secured for cycling in West Devon, as the county council announces that cycle trips in parts of the county have risen by more than 20% in the past year.

Devon County Council has received a further £675,000 from the Department for Transport to fund more schemes as part of the Granite and Gears project, which aims to develop a network of multi-use trails to open up access to Dartmoor.

The funding will be used to support five cycling schemes which Devon County Council is developing and joint-funding, with an additional £300,000, in partnership with Dartmoor National Park, the National Trust and Plymouth City Council.

The news coincides with the announcement of continued growth of cycling in Devon, recorded by trip counters on some of Devon County Council's landmark routes across the county.

In 2014 almost 32,000 cycle trips were recorded at Gem Bridge, near Tavistock — a 7% increase of trips on this part of Drake's Trail over the past year.

Trips have also increased on the Exeter Canal path, sections of the Tarka Trail and the route from Newton Abbot to Kingsteignton.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the county's cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: 'These figures demonstrate that cycling in Devon is continuing to grow, with more and more people using the trails on some of the county's most scenic routes.

'Because we are a cycling county, we're fortunate to have a growing network of trails, which is helping more people to be active, either in their leisure time or on their journey to work or school.

'It's also encouraging that our cycling projects are continuing to attract more external funding. It's further evidence that the Government recognises the work that we are putting in to improve sustainable transport links and getting schemes "shovel-ready" reaps its rewards.'

The schemes, which will receive the latest round of funding for the Granite and Gears project, include:

l Princetown — route extensions from Princetown and improvements on old railway trails will open up access to new areas of the moor and ensure that families can enjoy a ride in confidence.

l Fingle Woods — working with the National Trust, family-friendly routes will be created, following the River Teign and linking to the Wray Valley Trail.

l Plym Valley Trail —in partnership with Plymouth City Council, improvements will be made to National Cycle Network 27 to create new sections of off-road path allowing people to avoid a challenging stretch of the route.

l Okehampton —enhancing an existing scheme to include further path improvements to link to local developments and create a more attractive route.

All of these schemes aim to increase cycling levels and support the local economy. A number of successful schemes have already been completed as part of the Granite and Gears project, such as the development of Clearbrook Ramp, on Drake's Trail and the completion of the Granite Way between Okehampton and Lydford.

Andrew Watson, head of recreation, access and estates for Dartmoor National Park, said: 'We are delighted to be working together with Devon County Council to implement our ambitious Granite and Gears project funded by the Department of Transport's Cycle Ambition Grant Fund.

'Cycling is an increasingly popular recreational activity within and around the national park, both for visitors and local communities and DNPA is pleased that the bid for additional funding has been successful.

'We hope the project will inspire more people to cycle on the moor, to stay longer and support the rural economy through tourism and increased visitor spend.

'Our Granite and Gears project promotes recreational use in a positive and sustainable way, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles and enabling more people to choose a sustainable transport option.'