Major plans are in the pipeline to promote the Lake District and Cumbria as the premier destination in the UK for the multi-billion pound leisure cycling industry - which officials say could create thousands of new jobs.

Estimations by experts and Newcastle University predict that as many as 2,000 jobs could be developed directly or indirectly through "cycle tourism" if the idea takes off as predictions suggest.

Exploration of a new "sustainable tourism product" has led to research being commissioned by Cumbria Tourist Board, Cumbria County Council and the Rural Regeneration Company.

A key draft strategy has now been produced, which says the idea has environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits.

Dr Andrew Miles and Julie Tait, area managers for Cumbria of Sustrans and based in Endmoor, appeared before the Lake District National Park Authority implementation committee to gain members' support for the idea and to consider cycle tourism when it looks at development of sustainable tourism and transport.

Already, Sustrans says cycle tourism is estimated to be worth around £635 million a year to the UK, with forecasts for the next 20 years suggesting it could generate £14 billion a year across Europe.

Cumbria's coast-to-coast cycle route attracts an estimated 12,000 visitors annually, spending a total of £1.5 million in Cumbria and Northumbria.

One 17-mile trail in Cornwall directly employs 23 people and generates £3 million, according to the draft strategy.

Dr Miles said research has shown that cyclists rank the importance of scenery when choosing a destination, and see cycling as a way of enjoying the countryside away from the crowds.

The report recognises Cumbria has distinctive qualities appealing to cyclists from its landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers and coast, to the county's two national parks and three areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Furthermore, it has a huge diversity in terrain to provide a wider variety of cycling experience and offers easy access to secluded and tranquil areas.

Sustrans, a national cycling charity which promotes sustainable transport, says the county already attracts five per cent more cyclists than the national average of seven per cent and that the county is recognised as England's leading outdoor activity area.

They say the benefits will not only represent an enduring tourism attraction but reduce the pressure on the environment by promoting an alternative, sustainable transport.

Furthermore, championing the county and developing it as a cycle tourism destination could:

- Offer great incentive for people to visit.

- Encourage people to stay longer.

- Attract new visitors.

- Encourage exploration of the wider county rather than just the tourism hot spots.

Dr Miles said: "There are lots of good ideas out there and lots of enthusiasm. People understand the potential, and businesses, for example, are very keen to get involved.

"It should not be forgotten that this is about delivering benefits both to visitors and to local people. The strategy is about substantiating the case and providing a framework to guide development in ways which maximise the potential."

The strategy now has to be accepted by its commissioners and it is hoped it could be implemented by spring. Following further exploration, the ideas could start to be taken forward within the year.

Dr Miles said: "There are a large number of cycle shops not all of which do cycle hire. But there are a dozen principal operators in this sense. There are ten companies providing dedicated cycling holidays of various kinds, centre-based, touring and mountain biking.

"There are literally hundreds of accommodation providers who claim to be cycle friendly.

"There are job implications, certainly. Cycle tourism directly and indirectly supports about 5,000 jobs in Cumbria already."