THE Aire Valley Towpath which winds between Keighley and Leeds has won the Yorkshire award for best cycle route under 30 miles at an event to celebrate 20 years of the National Cycle Network

But its popularity has come at a price, as it now needs urgent restoration.

The awards were organised by alternative transport group Sustrans and judges said that the route, which was the first section of the National Cycle Network to open in Bradford and Leeds has so many users that it has worn out and is now being refurbished.

The award was presented by Britain's first Tour de France stage winner Brian Robinson to Stephen Higham, of the Canal & River Trust, at a conference in Leeds to discuss the future of the National Cycle Network, which is 20-years-old this year and covers more than 14,000 miles of cycling and walking routes throughout Britain.

Yorkshire has the highest number of paths of any county, with more than 1,000 miles.

Paul Osborne, regional director for Sustrans Yorkshire said: "The Aire Valley Towpath takes you from the centre of the Leeds to Shipley, Bingley and Keighley via nature reserves, aquaducts, Saltaire World Heritage Site and Five Rise Locks.

"It’s the epitome of what a National Cycle Network route should be as it’s popular with families, commuters and tourists like."

At the conference Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, called for investment to make Yorkshire the cycling capital of Europe.

"Yorkshire’s hosting of what the French called ‘The Grandest Grand Depart ever’ really got people in Yorkshire inspired and excited about cycling, but the real cycle race is only just beginning," Sir Gary said.

"We want to build on the enthusiasm of the Grand Depart to make Yorkshire the cycling capital of Europe.

"We’re a long way behind cycling cities like Copenhagen or Utrecht, but if bicycle travel became established it would help to tackle some of our biggest urban challenges, from low levels of exercise to air pollution to traffic congestion."

The landmark 'Big Red Bridge' in Manchester Road, Bradford, which has transformed conditions for school children crossing the busy route, also won a Sustrans regional award for best design and construction on the National Cycle Network (NCN).

Sustrans judges said that the distinctive, bicycle and footbridge, built with funding from the Big Lottery, was a contemporary piece of architecture that has become a living landmark.

It is also four times busier than the concrete footbridge that it replaced and demonstrates how good quality design can help encourage more walking and cycling for everyday travel.

The Aire Valley Towpath will now go into a national public vote for which Sustrans will announce the result on June 30. Take part at sustrans.org.uk