A GROUP of cyclists are to protest – against a proposed cycle path they do not want.

Sustrans, a UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport more often, and other local cyclists, want to use a cycle path on the old Plymouth to Yealmpton railway.

But they have been offered an alternative route by Yealmpton and Brixton Parish Councils on the north side of the A379.

To protest at being offered a cycle path that they call 'unsuitable for cycling' Sustrans will stage a slow cycle protest along the A379 main road from Yealmpton to Brixton tomorrow.

The protest has been organised by Sustrans ranger for Yealmpton and Plymouth Dave Hext.

Mr Hext said: 'Sustrans have had on/off negotiations for many years with Kitley Estate in order to construct a cycle path on the old Plymouth to Yealmpton railway which runs through their land.

'We believe this path, which would follow the Yealm estuary, would provide views that would rival the Camel Trail and also provide a vital link in the National Cycle Network, extending the old railway to the Laira Bridge over the River Plym.

'About six years ago detailed plans of a cycle path on the old railway were drawn but Kitley Estate owner Michael Bastard offered another strip of land lying to the north side of the A379 as an alternative.

According to Sustrans the land owners have stated that by accepting the A379 route, there must be no attempts to reconsider a cycle route on the old railway for at least 20 years.

Mr Hext said: 'The fields through which the A379 cycle route is planned to pass are very steep and do not comply with Sustrans standards for cycling and especially for wheelchair users.

'Sustrans have stated that they do not support the proposal.

'Additionally, it is proposed that this path will emerge onto the existing footway at the brow of the hill before the pick-your-own and run along its length to the centre of Yealmpton.

'There are many that agree that this path is totally unsuitable to sustain shared use by pedestrians and cyclists at one time'.

The protest demonstration has been organised against the two parish council's decision to build this path on the A379 route.

It will take the form of a 'critical mass' cycle ride between the two villages tomorrow.

Organisers have indicated that you must be over 18.

The protesters plan to meet at 11am in Stray Park, at the rear of Yealmpton parish church, where organisers will hand out 50 tee shirts marked with slogans 'NO TO A379 PATH' and 'WE WANT THE ESTUARY ROUTE'.

At 11.30am, the protesters will form an orderly two-abreast peleton, and proceed at slow pace to Brixton.