A NEW network of cycle paths could be built throughout Colchester.

Developers building homes would contribute to the paths, under proposals drawn up by Colchester Council.

A wishlist to further improve life for cyclists is being drawn up and includes a Cycle Centre in the town.

Other suggestions include lines giving riders priority at junctions and signage.

The proposals have been unveiled weeks after it was confirmed a £5million funding bid for bike projects had failed.

More than £4million has already been spent on cycle improvements in the town – many of which have attracted criticism.

Nick Barlow, councillor with responsibility for economic development and sustainability, said: “We want cycling as part of the local culture, which gets more people travelling by bike, reduces cars on the road and makes people healthier, so it is good all round.

“The best thing to encourage more cycling is to build more routes.”

Proposed paths include routes on Bakerne Hill, the High Street and much of the Dutch Quarter, as well as part of the Avenue of Remembrance and Sheepen Road.

Mr Barlow said the idea of a Cycle Centre was still in its early stages, but would probably see the creation of a parking area for bicycles in the town.

Its location has not been identified, but Mr Barlow added: “Secure parking at North Station has been such a big success. If you know you can park your bike somewhere safe, it would encourage you to cycle in.”

Mr Barlow added cash contributed by developers would vary widely. But for projects such as very long cycle paths, Colchester Council could stump up half the cash, with Essex County Council giving the rest.

A four-week public consultation is scheduled for the end of the month. A final version will then be presented to the council’s local development framework committee.