Plans for a high-profile cycleway to take riders on a scenic Spen Valley route through Bradford were branded crazy today.

Angry councillor John Ruding said he was horrified to see plans being prepared by Bradford Council for the new trail.

He said officers should bin the proposal and start again, claiming the route ignored a new multi- thousand-pound cycle track in Bierley Lane to the city centre and went off the opposite way.

Under the new proposals the route would go through Bierley Woods.

Coun Ruding said riders would have to "break through a stone wall", then through a fence at New Hall Park Primary School to get into peaceful Bierley Woods.

Coun Ruding, who is also chairman of governors at New Hall Park, said: "I am absolutely amazed by this and very annoyed.

"There has been no consultation whatsoever with local people and it would have an unbelievable effect if it went this way. It's crazy.

"The woods are greatly valued by people and these paths are also going to attract motorbikes.

"This is a really peaceful area, where people go fishing in the ponds.

"It's absolutely amazing the Council should ignore the very expensive, new cycle track. It just hasn't been thought about."

But David Hall, spokesman for sustainable transport charity Sustrans, said cyclists found off- road routes more attractive than those on roads.

"It is necessary to have the most attractive route possible in Bradford," he said.

"The impression is so good as you go through Spen that you don't want it diminished as you come to Bradford.

"We want people to say, 'Wow, this is terrific.' The quieter places are the most attractive, and I would have thought better access would have improved the woods."

The Greenway route, which will be extended through Bradford to Centenary Square, will provide ten to 12 miles of pathways for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders when it is completed.