ARMCHAIR cyclists watching the Tour de France on TV can explore routes nearer home with a new, free map of the award-winning Kirklees greenways.

The off-road network runs from the Bradford boundary and links to Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

Surveys have shown that a high number of riders and walkers often use greenways to get to work.

But the routes are just as useful for leisure, fitness or a family walk. Some parts are open to horse riders.

The newest routes were formally opened recently.

The new full-colour map includes the Birkby-Bradley Greenway and the Calder Valley Greenway.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Cabinet member for transport and green services – and a regular cyclist – said: “II know how valuable the greenways are. For nearly 10 years I have used them to ride with my children and to get round Kirklees.’’

Dave Stevens, of the Sustrans cycling group, said: “For such a built-up part of West Yorkshire the route is surprisingly rural.’’

The map is available from bike shops, tourist information centres, libraries and Kirklees Information Points or by phoning Kirklees Ross Streetcare on 0800 731 8765.