The council’s engineering and works committee has given the green light for Albury’s draft bike plan for 2014-19 to go on public exhibition.

Cr Jackson, who is chairman of the committee, said Albury was a cycling city.

He said there was a clear need for investment in the network.

The draft plan proposes more than $200,000 in spending on the network over five years.

The work would be funded by the council and Roads and Maritime Services.

Most of the work would be done to extend the Albury-Thurgoona trail and connect cyclists to the Jelbart Park sporting precinct, Lavington Swimming Centre and Mirambeena Community Centre.

The East Albury trail would also be extended from Old St Johns Road to Table Top Road.

When completed, this path would link cyclists to nearby housing estates and the Thurgoona Community Centre.

“Albury has about 45 kilometres of trails across the city,” Cr Jackson said.

“Most of the trails are flat, shared pathways that allow cyclists to access a range of services.

“This plan outlines improvements that will make it easier and safer for cyclists to commute to key city locations.”

Cr Jackson said cycling was the third most popular activity in Albury.

“We have carried out a survey that showed 22.9 per cent of residents would rather ride a bike than do anything else,” he said.

Cr Jackson said 74 per cent had indicated there were not enough bike tracks in Albury.

“It’s a sign that cyclists enjoy the network but we need to invest in extensions that adequately link the east and west of our city,” he said.

“This plan will achieve that, while ultimately encouraging people to leave the car at home for short trips and consider riding a bike instead.”

The draft plan will be presented to council’s April 28 meeting for endorsement before being exhibited.