Cycling group gears up push for bike racks in town centre

Published on Monday 15 June 2009 10:01

A CYCLING group is lobbying West Lothian Council for more bike racks in Linlithgow to promote fitness and ease congestion.

Linlithgow Cycle Action member Matthew Ball said most people are scared to go on their bikes due to congestion, or are convinced that the car is quicker. The group has reminded councillors that a single car parking space can fit up to ten bikes.

A time trial conducted by Provost Tom Kerr last year showed that taking a car may not save any time.

Mr Ball said: "People think it takes five minutes to get into town by car. But they forget the ten minutes spent trying to get a parking space, then another five minutes to walk to the shop.

"Tom Kerr did our challenge and made it from the leisure centre to the town in just six minutes.

"We would like to see at least 15 more racks put in place at equal distance along the high street, so people can ride in and park their bike securely, close to where they want to shop."

A West Lothian Council spokesman said it would be happy to discuss bike racks with the action group, and would set up a meet with Mr Ball if he requested one.