Fears over drivers’ behaviour

People who cycle across Fife say they are more concerned about the behaviour of bus, lorry and car drivers than any other road user.

Alongside Perth and Kinross, Fife scored highest in dissatisfaction with public funding for cycling and infrastructure, with discontent expressed about both cycling in towns such as St Andrews and the routes linking the region’s settlements.

A common feeling among those who completed our survey is that there is little consideration given to active travel infrastructure by Fife Council and, when suggestions are made, they allege, the authority is not interested.

“Although there may be at least temporary changes during the current crisis, Fife Council has put little in my area towards funding better facilities,” says Patrick Marks.

“Cycle officers working for the council try their best but are constrained by the lack of funding.”

When they do head out, Fifers who cycle tend to stick to the local area.

Three-quarters say they use their bike to go to the shops, more than any other part of Courier Country, and around three in five cycle an average of less than 30 miles a week, or just a few miles each day.

Sarah Dallas-ross, from Wormit, said potholes are a constant cause for concern. “I’d like to have someone responsible for road repairs and maintenance cycling alongside me to experience this for themselves” she said.

Fife Council announced earlier this week that it had secured £2.42 million from the Spaces for People fund to develop temporary infrastructure for active travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the initiatives planned are widened footpaths, pop-up cycle lanes, speed reduction measures and “behaviour change promotion” to encourage people to leave the car at home.