THE explosion in interest –and participation – in cycling is having far-reaching effects across the region.

The huge success of the Tour de France and the subsequent Tour de Yorkshire events has left a lasting legacy, according to the governing body for the sport in the UK, British Cycling.

British Cycling and Sky joined forces in 2009 with the aim of increasing participation at all levels by supporting elite sport alongside inspiring the next generation to cycle more regularly.

In Yorkshire alone figures suggest that £7m has since been saved in health care costs and £3.5m has been invested in the local economy.

The figures also indicate 15,651 new commuting cyclists have led to 3,443 tonnes of carbon dioxide being saved – the equivalent of more than 381,000 car journeys.

Further north in Newcastle the statistics show almost £1m saved in health care costs, some £461,500 being invested in the local economy and almost 2,000 new commuting cyclists saving 436 tonnes of CO2.

British Cycling recreation manager Tom Mutton said: “Thanks to the partnership and support from Sport England and the many local authorities we work with, recreational cycling has created a dramatic increase in the popularity and participation at all levels in the region.

“The legacy of this work is already clear, both in health and economic benefits, and we can only see these increasing as British Cycling moves into a new era from 2017 with its new principal partner.”

He added: “This summer is going to be huge for cycling, both on an elite and recreational level, and there are still plenty of opportunities for people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the county on two wheels.

“Sky Ride Local rides take place into October and are perfect for riders of any age or ability. All rides are led by trained British Cycling Ride Leaders, we have more than 2,300 in the UK, whose expert local knowledge and dedication is a key element of our success.”

On a national level British Cycling’s partnership with Sky has helped encourage more than 1.7 million people to cycle more regularly through recreational cycling programmes and the inspirational role of the Great Britain Cycling Team and Team Sky.

British Cycling’s programmes, in partnership with Sky, include Sky Ride offering people the chance to cycle around a traffic-free city and Sky Ride Local – free guided rides.