CYCLING is to be officially permitted along the Preston end of Weymouth seafront.

Councillors have voted in favour of maintaining bylaws preventing cycling on the Esplanade between the Pav-ilion and the Sluice Gardens but they backed plans for new bylaws allowing unrestricted access between the gardens and Overcombe Corner.

A new cycle lane could also be part of plans for future development of the Esplanade as members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee pledged to look at ways of providing alternative facilities for cyclists as a matter of great importance'.

Anne Neale, representing the Cyclists' Touring Club and the Dorset Cyclists' Network, urged the committee to implement new model bylaws permitting cycling along the whole of the seafront.

She said: "In the run up to the Olympics we will have new challenges, and many will be on the beaches and promenades.

"By adopting the model bylaws now we will be ready to meet these challenges."

Chairman of the committee Mike Goodman said he was concerned that removing the old bylaw covering the seafront would see the council lose existing controls in place on the promenade.

He said: "If we revoke this bylaw we will lose control over other elements associated with the beach and esplanade operations.

"The danger of that has got to be weighed against being able cycle in the area."

The committee supported a motion to discuss privately the outcome of independent legal advice the council had received over the impact of revoking the bylaws, although several councillors voiced objections to not holding the debate in an open forum.

Coun Brendan Webster added: "I can't see why we are being so secretive about it."

When asked whether cyclists could still face prosecution for riding on the seafront Coun Goodman said the police would continue to refer cases to the council and they would treat each case on its merits'.