Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 19 June 2014 10:49
The new 600-metre pathway, for pedestrians as well as cyclists, runs along Caplehill Road into Renfrewshire’s Brownside Braes.
It links onto Renfrewshire’s pedestrian and cycle network, giving local residents access to safe pathways.
From there, it also allows cyclists to safely access the National Cycle Network.
It is something both councils have been keen to see provided for some time, and residents have also made requests for the path.
East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Councils worked jointly to create it with both Sustrans and SPT helping fund the work.
Councillor Jim Fletcher, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: “It’s great to see the completion of this missing link that now gives our residents safe access to a wide network of paths.
“All four partners have worked together on this major project to deliver this and we know from the comments we’ve had that it will be popular.
"I hope to see lots of people trying it out, particularly as we head into the summer holidays."
Councillor Chris Gilmour, Deputy Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Environment Policy Board, said: "We are happy to have played a lead role on this collaborative project between the two councils.
"With the assistance of funding from SPT, we have delivered the final part of this cycle route, which is part of a much longer route running through south Paisley before connecting to the national cycle route network at Fulbar Road.
"We are fortunate that here in Renfrewshire we have an excellent network of cycle paths and we would encourage young and old cyclists to continue to make use of them as much as possible."
John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “We are pleased to see this path linking Barrhead with the south of Paisley officially opened. Sustrans Scotland contributed £162,000 towards its installation through our ‘Community Links Programme’ – a grant funding scheme which provides money for the creation of cycling network infrastructure for everyday journeys across the country.
“The new path provides an excellent off-road facility for people to use for day trips and for leisure purposes. Seeing Renfrewshire Council and East Renfrewshire Council working in partnership across their boundaries to ensure it successful delivery was particularly inspiring. It is fantastic that Barrhead and Paisley now have a safe walking and cycling path linking them together.”
Jim Coleman, SPT Chair said: “SPT is delighted to support projects such as this. One of our key aims is to promote active travel and encourage as many as possible to leave the car behind. What better way to do that than to create a safe environment with dedicated spaces for cyclists to use for work or leisure.”
Pupils from Cross Arthurlie Primary in Barrhead were among the first to use the path, when their Junior Road Safety Officers cycled down to try it out.
Cross Arthurlie was one of the first East Renfrewshire schools to achieve Cycle Friendly Status in 2010, hold regular Cycle to School days, take part in the nationwide Big Pedal event and run an after-school cycling club. Their committee of Junior Road Safety Officers also promote cycle safety.
Yusuf Amin, P6, said: “I’m looking forward to cycling along the new path. It will be much safer. We have had a great year as JRSOs and had huge success at our Big Pedal. We had more than 200 pupils cycle or scoot to school.”
Emma Montgomery, P7, said “I have walked along the new cycle path before, so now I’m really looking forward to cycling along it.”
Maria McEwan, P6, said: “Cycling is good fun and now it is much safer to access the cycle route. This means we won’t have to worry so much.
Cameron Craig, P7, said: “I do a lot of cycling with my family, so it’s really great to have somewhere to cycle closer to home.”
To mark the completion of the work, a ‘Barrhead to Brownside Family Cycle will take place on Saturday morning, and local residents are invited to join in.
It is a ride of round three miles and will be a combination of riding through quiet residential streets and exploring the new cycle path.
Cyclists will leave the Barrhead Centre in Carlibar Road at 10.30am, ride to Brownside in Renfrewshire, before heading back for a BBQ at around noon.
Children should be accompanied by an adult and everyone must wear a helmet.
If you would like to go, please email local_transport@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
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