Police have raised concerns that a new cycle path linking Shipley and Bradford could attract nuisance motorcyclists and quad bikers.

Transport charity Sustrans has applied for planning permission for the ‘Bradford Canal Greenway’, which would be designed for walkers, cyclists and, in some areas, horseriders. It would be maintained by Bradford Council.

The traffic-free route would run from Shipley rail station to Stanley Road, Frizinghall, along the east side of Bradford Beck, passing homes on Powell Road, Poplar Crescent, Poplar Road and Crag Road.

But West Yorkshire Police have raised concerns that the path could attract nuisance motorcyclists.

A report sent by the police to planners said: “Segregated footpaths or tracks can attract all types of anti-social behaviour and other crime types.

“At present in the district there is an emerging anti-social behaviour trend in relation to motorcycles and quad bikes using this type of open facility and other land to the detriment of it and the surrounding area.”

It said Sustrans should explain not just how it planned to keep such vehicles off the greenway, but what it would do if people got around these measures and managed to gain access.

The police also recommended that the path should be designed to avoid creating “hiding places and dark secluded areas” which might attract criminals.

The Canal and River Trust has written to planners as well, saying it hoped the greenway plan would not prejudice the possibility of restoring the nearby Bradford Canal.

Council planning officers have recommended that the application for approval.

Their report said: “The route is to be designed with measures to deter the use by motorcycles. The route would be used by walkers and cyclists and has been designed so as not to create conditions prejudicial to residential amenity for any nerby residents.”

It said the plan to reopen the canal had already been dropped.

It said: “The re-opening of the former Bradford Canal was previously an aspiration of the Council.

“However, in the current economic climate this is no longer a project being promoted by the Council and is not included within the draft Shipley and Canal Road Corridor Area Action Plan.”

The plan will be discussed by the Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee on Monday at 10am at Bradford City Hall.