It is quicker to cycle to town than walk or drive, a recent experiment has proved.

Walking for All in Keighley (WALK), a health and environmental initiative set up earlier this year, wanted to compare the time it took to reach the town centre for a walker, cyclist and driver.

Three volunteers set off for Town Hall Square from the junction of Aireworth Road and Aireworth Grove, at 8.35 on Monday morning. On foot was WALK co-ordinator Neil West, Keighley Women's Centre manager Annette Dent cycled and Isobel Scarborough drove.

"This is not a race," said Neil, "We are not just trying to see who gets to the town centre first, but also compare the quality of the different ways of travelling."

But if it was a race, the cyclist was the quickest, taking just ten minutes, while Neil arrived seven minutes later and the driver took an extra four minutes.

At the end Neil said: "I was surprised the walker got there before the car. Isobel got caught up in congestion on Hard Ings Road and the school run. She then had to park behind Keighley Voluntary Services (Spring Gardens Lane) and walk down."

Neil, who took a scenic route alongside the River Worth for part of his journey, feels this proves there is little difference in time between walking and driving.

This, he feels, strengthens the argument that walking or cycling are more efficient, healthier, more enjoyable and cheaper.

WALK's funders include the British Heart Foundation and Keighley SRB.

Keighley Women's Centre offers guided walks for women wanting to take up walking who are concerned about safety and walking long distances. For details contact the centre on 01535 681316.