John Grimshaw, founder and president of the 10,000-mile Sustrans national cycle network, made the statement after riding a section of the proposed Derwent Valley Cycleway route and agreeing to become the project's patron.

Mr Grimshaw also described the Matlock to Bakewell section as "one of the best potential routes in the country".

He added: "Since this proposed greenway goes through the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage site there is a national and international obligation to see that it happens sooner rather than later."

The cycleway group, formed by residents from the Derwent Valley and surrounding area, is focusing on the section from Matlock to Rowsley as its first stage.

Derbyshire County Council has adopted the entire route from Derby to Bakewell as a future greenway – defined as a car-free, off-highway route – and at a recent meeting in Derby the Environment Agency supported the proposal.

Group chairman and Darley Dale resident Chris Strawford said: "This is a route born out of the concerns of the people of the Derwent Valley. We will help to develop it for cyclists, pedestrians, mothers with baby buggies and the disabled.

"Central to our idea is the need for people to be able to avoid the A6. We want to support the desire of the people for access to local shops, schools, libraries and the countryside in safety and peace."

Sustrans regional manager, Patrick Davis, has said that the charity will do all it can to support the project and help to open up the Peak District and the national park to visitors in an environmentally friendly way.