Push for two new cycling routes
Stirling Council is seeking the views on proposals for two new cycle routes through Stirling.
One would link the city centre with Forth Valley College while the other aims to improve the route between Stirling Station and Stirling University.
Officials began outlining the ‘walk, cycle, live Stirling’ scheme to traders last month and yesterday (Tuesday) held a launch event at the Albert Halls.
Cycle charity Sustrans and Forth Environment Link are working with the council on the proposals.
One of the routes would, if agreed, take cyclists from the city centre through Upper Craigs, Dumbarton Road and along the A811 Raploch Road and A84 Millennium Way to the Castleview park and ride and college campus.
Route proposals include resurfacing and widening pavements and creating safer crossing points alongside protected cycle lanes.
It is hoped the route will aid people walking and cycling to Albert Halls, Smith Art Gallery and King’s Knot.
The second route between the station and university links Goosecroft Road and Causewayhead Road and Airthrey Road.
A decision is yet to be made on whether the route is taken along either Cowane Street or Wallace Street.
A council spokes person said: “This route is currently one of the most popular links in the city for people travelling by foot or bike.
“The project will help to create safer and more attractive streets where walking and cycling is prioritised and provide improved links from residential areas and the city centre to destinations including the university and Wallace High school.”
It is hoped the route will also improve connections from Stirling’s communities living north of the river to the city centre and other key destinations including Stirling Bridge and the Wallace Monument.
The spokesperson said the aim of the scheme was to make it easier and safer to travel around on foot and bike, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and create “more attractive and dynamic public spaces along the way.
Scottish Government is part funding the scheme through Sustrans Scotland’s Community Links PLUS competition. Additional funding for the project is to be drawn from the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and contributions from local development.
No funding from Stirling Council’s main roads and transport budgets is required to support the project, said the council.
At a meeting organised by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District, elements of the scheme were explained to people with businesses in Upper Craigs.
Traders complained about parking facilities in Upper Craigs and the street’s downat-heel appearance – pointing the finger at the former trophy shop window which is strewn with dead flies.
They also expressed worry about any disruption which might be caused by work to create the cycle lane, should the scheme proceed.
There’s more information on the council’s website.