PLANS are being developed for a new cycling 'superhighway' running between Newcastle and Carlisle.

The scheme is part of a £500million vision to dramatically boost walking and cycling across the north.

Proposals to hit the ambitious target were presented to council leaders last week and feature infrastructure improvements designed to make it easier for people to give up their cars.

The North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC) agreed to progress the draft North East Active Travel Strategy to public consultation in the new year.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman had proposed the cycling superhighway, which is likely to be delivered in phases, and has been campaigning for the project to go ahead. 

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, also backed the plans and said he is "delighted" to see its inclusion in the travel strategy.

He said: "Providing the infrastructure and conditions to encourage more people to walk and cycle is key. Walking and cycling are the least carbon-intensive ways to travel.

"We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and schemes like this will make roads quieter, safer and more attractive for people, residents and tourists, to walk and cycle.

"This would benefit local economies as well as people's health."

Consultation on the North East Active Travel Strategy will run from January 4, 2023 until midnight on March 5, 2023.