Perth and Kinross Councillors have got together with local cycling groups to support a proposed cycle path which has seen various groups work together to achieve their goal.
Councillors Kathleen Baird, David Illingworth and Angus Forbes all praised the work of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT), Cycling Scotland’s Transport Planning and Engineering (TP & E), National Walking and Cycling Charity Sustrans and local authority officers who worked with local landowners, Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland to look at the best route out of Bridge of Earn towards Abernethy.
Councillor Kathleen Baird, Councillor for Almond and Earn Ward, said: “I am very much in favour of this project for the Active Travel Route along the side of the A912 Baiglie Straight, and for the consultation undertaken by PKCT which shows a great deal of support. It will also make life easier for motorists as they will no longer be delayed by cyclists on the road.”
And Councillor David Illingworth, Councillor for Almond and Earn and PKC Ambassador for Sustainable Travel, added: “This will be a much-needed improvement to this road given the safety record on this road. It is clear that we all have to make lifestyle changes to reduce CO2 emissions and to do that we have to invest in making it easier for people to walk and cycle.”
Councillor Angus Forbes, Convenor for Environment and Infrastructure, commented: “This project completely fits in with the council’s strategy for improving infrastructure for active travel and all the health benefits that derive from getting people active.”
Katherine Melville, Campaigns Coordinator of Bycycle Perth and Kinross Cycle Campaign, said her group “fully supports” the implementation of the cycle path.
Meanwhile, Roger Humphry, co-convener of Perth Area Living Streets (PALS) said: "The only reason why this active travel route shouldn’t be built would be if there were better options. This option isn’t just the best option available – land ownership and future maintenance mean this is the only option.”