Didcot could get a new cycle path, if a scheme wins the backing of viewers of a TV show.

Plans to provide a new path and tunnel under the railway line embankment, connecting it to the extensive network of routes on either side, could win funding from the Big Lottery Living Landmarks scheme - if it gets enough votes.

The Didcot scheme is one of 79 throughout the UK that make up a £50m Connect2 bid to the Big Lottery Fund.

Connect2 is a nationwide project run by Sustrans, which aims to improve travel across the country by creating new walking and cycling routes for everyday journeys.

Town council leader John Flood said he would definitely vote for the scheme. He said: "I welcome anything which encourages cycling, because it's good for the environment and fitness.

"It will be better than nothing, especially if the taxpayer doesn't have to pay for it, but we really need two-way car access, as well as cycle access, because the railway will always be a barrier unless we get two-way traffic."

Currently, pedestrians and cyclists share a narrow, raised footpath through the one-way Cow Lane bridge.

A Sustrans spokesman said the project would make walking and cycling the easiest and quickest ways of travelling around Didcot, and would link the two parts of the town either side of the railway.

Charles Lineker, a resident in Ladygrove, said: "It's a great idea and I encourage anything which will get people out of their cars and exercising and the fewer cars in Ladygrove, the better. But I'm not sure how another tunnel will benefit the estate exactly, I think it would make more sense to make Cow Lane two-way."

Four organisations, including the Sustrans Connect2 project are competing for the £50m. Each will be the subject of a television programme in the Living Landmarks series on ITV1 next month, before the public vote, which will be part of a live programme.

Town councillor and cyclist Bill Service said: "A new subway would encourage more people to walk and promote more use of bicycles by every age group. The community would be better placed to reach shops in the town and facilities such as the cinema and arts centre."

Colleague Margaret Davies said: "Cyclists need this scary, dark, crowded tunnel replaced by something modern, attractive and safe."