Bike paths boost with new funding

CYCLING paths in the Capital are set to be improved as part of a new £6 million funding package.

Plans for the cash allocated in the 2013-14 budget were outlined by Transport Minister Keith Brown yesterday.

The Land’s End to John O’Groats tourist route will be upgraded from Barnton junction to the Forth Road Bridge and money will be available for local authorities to improve the cycle route along the A90 between Edinburgh and Fife.

Mr Brown said: “I want to ensure people who currently cycle, and those who are considering it, are given even more reason to get about by bike by continuing to improve Scotland’s cycling infrastructure.

“We know that for many people, the safety aspect is keeping them from experiencing the great number of benefits that can be found in cycling.”

Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “We are working with local authorities to increase the amount of training which is delivered on-road, as opposed to in the playground, as training is far more beneficial when delivered in a live road environment.”