CYCLISTS can now enjoy a safer environment in and around a South Bucks town after a £500,000 improvement scheme was officially unveiled this week.

Buckinghamshire County Council leader Martin Tett hopped on his bike for the grand opening of Beaconsfield’s cycle network on Saturday.

He was joined by Mayor Steve Jones and activists from the town’s Cycle Path Action Group, who helped secure the funding for a raft of new safety measures including cycle lanes.

Cllr Tett said: "This is a good example of great partnership working and we hope it will be well used by commuters and local cyclists getting around town.

"I wish we had more money to develop cycle schemes like this."

Cycle activists, along with charity Sustrans and the county council, secured around half a million pounds to make travelling by bike easier and safer.

Changes include new cycle lanes, signs, traffic calming, raised pedestrian crossings, and a mini roundabout make life easier for pedestrians and commuters on two wheels.

Action group member Fiona Wilson, who attended the opening, said: "It was a great morning and a super way to celebrate with a good feel.

"Many many thanks for the day and for the part that all members have played in creating the first stage of the Beaconsfield Cycle Paths route.

"It is a privilege to be part of this worthwhile movement."

After the ribbon was cut on the new network, Cllr Tett led around a dozen cyclists on an inaugural ride from Beaconsfield Town Hall on the new network.

Improvements have been made around Station Road, Grove Road, Burkes Road, Maxwell Road and Ellwood Road.

As part of the scheme, in April councillor Adrian Busby unveiled new under-cover cycle parking at Beaconsfield railway station, doubling the number of spaces to 180 after Chiltern Railways stepped in.

And the train operator said usage of these spaces is rising and is currently around 90 a day.