A KEY member of the government's cycling watchdog, Cycling England, has praised Kirklees Council for its work with cyclists.
Christian Wolma said the council had got off to a good start in encouraging local cycling by their approach in developing the Greenways network.
Mr Wolmar, who is a board member of Cycling England as well as a writer and broadcaster, was visiting the area to take part in the Kirklees Cycling Forum and see developments in the area at the invitation of Kirklees Cabinet member for Highways, Clr Martyn Bolt.
He arrived by train from London and then cycled the Birkby-Bradley Greenway, the Calder Valley Greenway and then onto the Spen Valley Greenway.
He said: "The greenways are an excellent start but a lot more work needs to be done to foster a cycling culture in the area.
"None of this is to criticise the fabulous work carried out by the local council and Sustrans, which has been very proactive in creating these greenways.
"The scale of the work and the facilities that have been created are very impressive and have created a permanent legacy for the area which can only grow with usage.
"However, they are very much work in progress, and the real goal, of getting more people on their bikes, is only just beginning to be achieved after several years of work."
Mr Wolmar said there was a need for help from various agencies, including the Highways Agency, the Environment Agency, the Department for Transport, the British Waterways Board, the police and local councils. All could help improve facilities.
Following his visit to the routes Mr Wolmar also attended a regular liaison meeting for cyclists held at Cleckheaton Town Hall.
