A SECOND raft of proposals has been drawn up by the New Forest National Park Authority after they rejected the first plans for the £2million Boris Bikes scheme.

Despite having already secured government funding for the bike hire scheme, New Forest National Park Authority rejected the original proposal, following a major anti-cycling sentiment sparked by “sportive” mass biking events.

Members also argued that the bike hire system was not financially viable due to a spending deadline of March 2015, despite reassurance from the company chosen to install the bikes.

Now the scheme outlines alternative ways to spend part of its £3.57m Government grant towards the cost of “green” transport initiatives, aimed at making the forest safer for cyclists, including people who live and work in the district.

Other proposals include a £140,000 project to upgrade off-road cycle routes in the centre of the National Park and a £43,000 plan to improve cycle safety in Ringwood (pictured is the cycle path crossing the Avon at the Bickerley) by building an off-road cycleway linking Castleman Way and Hightown Road.

And horse riders and cyclists in Ringwood will be celebrating after £11,500 has been earmarked to improve signage and road markings at Crow Hill, to raise awareness of others using the road.

The next step will see the plans put before the Department of Transport.

A report to NPA members says £1.2m could be spent on improving two scenic routes near Brockenhurst – Rhinefield Road and the Ornamental Drive.

It says: “The scheme will ‘cycle proof’ an important route right through the centre of the National Park.

“Upgrading road edges will create a consistent, high-quality surface.

“Our funding would improve safety and comfort for cyclists.”