Scotland News
This page contains news from Sustrans Scotland. For the latest news on the National Cycle Network in Scotland, see the Scottish Route Developments page. For information on temporary closures, see Route Closures and Diversions.
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland - Sunday 12 September 2010
Scotland's biggest bike ride, freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, takes place on Sunday 12 September. This year's event will see the introduction of two new rides to ensure cyclists of all ages and abilities can take part. Riders can now choose between the 51 Mile Challenge Ride, the 100 Mile Sportive Ride and the Family Ride - a completely traffic free ride based in Glasgow Green. Please download press release for more information and visit the website at www.pedalforscotland.org
Cycling Action Plan launched at opening of Kincardine to Culross Cycleway
The Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP, launched the national Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) at the opening of the new traffic-free section of NCN 76 between Kincardine and Culross on 25 June 2010. Please download press release (Word) for more information.
Route 78 - Oban to Ballachulish section
The steering group of the traffic-free path between Oban and Ballachulish met to review progress and plans for 2010. Please download press release (Word) for more information.
Route 76 - Kincardine to Culross Cycleway
This excellent traffic-free path, built by Fife Council with Sustrans' support, was opened on 25 June by Stuart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastucture and Climate Change. The Minister visited the historic town of Culross to officially open the cycle path which has ceated nearly six (10km) of traffic-free route between Low Valleyfield and Kincardine, and completes a range of circuits of between 10-60km around Fife and Clackmannanshire. This year, the Kincardine to Culross path has been used by an average of 1,200 cyclists a month, as well as being a popular route with runners and dog walkers. Children from Culross Primary School took part in the opening ride, along with representatives from Fife Council, the Scottish Government and Sustrans, including several local volunteer rangers.
Route 78 - Oban to Fort William
The section of path along the disused railway from Inverfolla to Appin is now complete, giving a 4-mile traffic-free stretch from Inverfolla to Dallens. The path takes you along the shore by Castle Stalker where you get a view not available to travellers on the trunk road! In addition, Transport Scotland completed a new path between Glencoe and Ballachulish Bridge this summer. The whole of Route 78 from Campbeltown to Inverness will be known as the Caledonia Way. For more information on what sections of path are complete, see Oban to Fort William - what's happening? For information on this and other route developments, see the Route Developments page.
Civilising the Streets- new report from Sustrans and Transform Scotland
The report looks at why Scotland lags so far behind its near neighbours in Scandinavia and Northern Europe for numbers of people getting around on foot and by bike. Evidence from Scotland increasingly shows that all is needed is sustained (and modest) financial investment back by good leadership. We have a good knowledge of what is needed technically to increase cycling and walking to European levels but the missing link in our knowledge is how we got into this position. Civilising the Streets looks at the social and political conditions that have led to our neighbours doing so well and what lessons Scotland might learn. It concludes that, if we are to emulate the quality of life enjoyed by others we argue that we have to invest and lead on active travel.
National Route 75 - Airdrie-Bathgate Cycle Route closed
The railway path is closed between Airdrie and Bathgate to allow the reconstruction of the 15-mile Airdrie to Bathgate Rail Link. A new cycle route is being constructed by Network Rail and should be open in 2011. There are no signed diversion routes, but for suggested alternatives, see the Clyde to Forth page.
National Route 76 - Coastal route between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed
The new cycleway along the A1 between Skateraw and Bilsdean, south of Dunbar, was completed by Transport Scotland at the end of September 2009, completing the coastal route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh.
New cycling club for women
A new cycling club has been launched aimed at encouraging women's participation in cycling in the Edinburgh area. Hervélo (vélo is French for "bike") will actively promote fitness in women by providing support, knowledge and confidence to participate in cycling at all levels. Members currently range in age from 6 months to 60+ and a regular monthly programme of Sunday rides will comprise something to suit "mud honeys" (mountainbikers), "skinnies" (road bikers) and "rusties" (those new or returning to cycling). Details are on the club's facebook page or can be obtained by emailing hervelo@hotmail.co.uk