The project, which will be delivered in conjunction with civil engineering firm K Rouse, will see the construction of a 10-mile cycle superhighway on segregated cycle track between Bradford and the east side of Leeds, through a predominantly urban location.

Around 80 to 100 staff from construction firm North Midland Construction will be working on the scheme, which should be finished by the end of the year.

The work is being funded by the Department for Transport, Bradford and Leeds councils and transport body Metro.

Geoff Poyzer, managing director of the Highways and Utilities Division of NM Group, said: “This is a highly prestigious project which will provide many benefits to the region in terms of health and access to leisure. ”

“We are delighted to be involved in a scheme which has been inspired by the tremendous success of the Tour de France and we are confident the cycle superhighway will provide significant benefits to existing cycling enthusiasts and those who have been encouraged to take it up – whether as a hobby or as a means of commuting.“