The police and Craven District Council have vowed to work with cycling groups to ensure the success of next year’s Tour de France.

Cycling groups have also agreed to work with the authorities to make sure cyclists behave safely and within the law on the area’s roads.

It follows comments made by Craven district councillor Andy Quinn and senior police officers at a council meeting that there were issues with some cyclists riding at high speeds through Embsay, which is on the National Cycling route.

Dozens of comments, mainly from cyclists, were left under the Craven Herald’s online report of the meeting, with Coun Quinn, the council and the police also receiving irate emails.

Sean McKibben, chairman of Skipton Cycling Club, said cycling was an increasingly popular sport and everyone should work together to make sure all co-existed safely on the roads.

He said: “The club is committed to supporting and educating riders as well as working with the police, council and other local agencies to ensure a safe and fun experience for all.”

He said he was sure there were cyclists who behaved irresponsibly on the roads, but he had never seen any.

He also pointed out clubs included members from all sections of the community and added: “While the Tour de France will no doubt lead to an influx of visitors who want to ride on our wonderful roads, the reality is that most of the cyclists we see are locals.”

Chief superintendent Alison Higgins, director of operations at North Yorkshire Police, said the police “truly welcomed” cyclists of all abilities and that officers were looking forward to the 2014 Tour de France stages in North Yorkshire.

She said: “The prestige and support for the event itself guarantees a boost to the local economy. It will also showcase the outstanding beauty of our area as a place to visit and as a prime destination for cycling.”

She added that road traffic police, together with 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, would work with cycling and tourism groups to promote safety.

“Detailed guidance will be given to ensure riders are made aware of road layouts and conditions, particularly relating to the more challenging and faster routes. This will include highlighting locations where cyclists need to take more care in relation to other road users and vice-versa.”

Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton, leader of Craven District Council, said: “Craven is long recognised as an ideal area for cycling and has some of the highest cycling participation rates in the country. We welcome the expected increase in cyclists, who, in anticipation of the tour, will no doubt be visiting the district in even greater numbers to cycle the route and adding to the tourist economy.”

He added that the council would be working with the police and communities to ensure maximum benefit as well as a lasting legacy.

“This will require mutual respect between motorists and cyclists with all road users recognising their individual responsibility for the safety of each other.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, which secured the Grand Depart, said: “I firmly believe that those areas willing to work with and welcome cyclists and cycle clubs have the opportunity to build a relationship that will extend beyond 2014 and provide a long term boost to local businesses.

“Welcome to Yorkshire is hosting a series of roadshows around the route of the Grand Depart during April to show businesses how they can benefit from the event and I would welcome concerned or excited residents to attend to hear more about how the world’s largest annual sporting event can leave a positive footprint on their area for generations to come.”