Funding for iconic cycle route to keep bikes off dangerous road

Date: 3/1/2013

Funding has been announced for work to be carried out on one of the most scenic cycle routes in the UK in a bid to keep bikes off a dangerous road.

The Scottish government announced a package of £3.9 million, which will include funding for the Great Glen cycling route in the Highlands.

A number of cycling projects will benefit from the cash, but the bulk of it will go towards completing the track between Oban and Inverness.

It comes as Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown announced that he wants to make 2013 the year of 'pedal power'.

He highlighted the benefits of cycling, with increased fitness, a cheaper way to travel and minimal impact on the environment all featuring highly.

The grant will help to speed up construction of the route, with £2.6 million to be spent on the section to the north of Corran Ferry.

It is hoped that this can be completed by 2015, which would mean that cyclists no longer need to use the A82 trunk road.

Mr Brown said: "I am pleased to be able to announce this funding to help improve cycling infrastructure for tourists, commuters and schoolchildren in areas throughout Scotland.

"The Great Glen cycle path will be an iconic route, which will boost the local economy through the additional tourism."

Another section which is to receive funding is that between Oban and Appin, and will get a £400,000 slice of the cash.

Meanwhile the Airdrie to Bathgate cycle path will be allocated £500,000 for improvements to the route and the railway stations that accompany it.

A number of schools in Scotland will also get cycle parking provision at a cost of £400,000 in a bid to encourage more young people to ride bikes.

The Scottish government is to spend a record £2.7 million on cycling this year alone, which equates to one per cent of its entire transport budget.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News