MORE than £1 million will be used to develop and improve a traffic-free cycling route to run alongside HS2 in Bucks.

The funding will come from the government and was announced on Thursday by cycling minister Chris Heaton-Harris.

A total of 22 upgrades for the National Cycle Network will be funded, including a 10-mile section of the Misbourne Greenway through Bucks - a 20-mile-long greenway linking several towns and villages between Aylesbury and Uxbridge, which follows the Misbourne Valley.

A total of £1,623,000 will be contributed by the Department for Transport for the work.

The greenway aims to provide a traffic-free path to run alongside HS2 in the county.

Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Cycling and walking are sustainable forms of transport, which help to keep people active and clean up the quality of our air. This funding will put the right infrastructure in place, so people can enjoy new routes on foot or by bike, supporting the government’s ambition for cycling and walking to become the natural choice for shorter journeys by 2040.”