And more ambitious plans are in the pipeline, if government help comes to fruition.

The funding, from the Cycling England Links to Schools programme, will help pay for lighting along the Reffley cycle path, and the cost of linking the path to Queen Elizabeth Avenue via a shared cycle/pedestrian facility,said county council spokesman John Birchall

The work has not yet been programmed but must be under way in 2008/2009 to qualify for the Cycling England grant.

The county council would cover the remaining £75,000 cost of the project, which would provide opportunities for safe new access to the rear of local schools, said Mr Birchall.

County council cabinet member for planning and transportation Adrian Gunson said he hoped improved links to schools would encourage even more young people to get the cycling habit.

"We are on course to receive £5.3 million from the government's Community Infrastructure Fund.

"Subject to confirmation early next year, this will allow us to improve transport links to new housing in the Nar-Ouse development.

"The initial plans submitted by the county and borough councils include a bus and cycle link to Boal Quay, bypassing the congested Southgate junction and London Road.

"Town centre improvements for cyclists include better crossings and a new cycle lane in Norfolk Street, allowing bikes to travel against the one-way flow."

Well over £3 million has been spent on designing, building and improving Lynn cycle facilities, including off-road cycle tracks, cycle lanes, cycle-friendly crossings and secure cycle parking.

This includes £400,000 to complete the Reffley cycle path in 2005, providing an off-road north-south link across the Gaywood river from Reffley to Springwood.

Lynn had an excellent network of safe, off-road cycle paths, said Mr Gunson – and research shows cycle facilities are needed.

The last national census (2001) showed that ten per cent of people cycle to work in Lynn – more than double the national average.

• News of the grant follows publication of a new Lynn cycle map, compiled by the county council and including recent improvements to the extensive existing cycle network developed by the county and West Norfolk Council with support from Sustrans, the national sustainable transport group.

The map is available from Lynn tourist information centre, borough council offices, Lynn's Queen Elizabeth hospital and Lynn library.