Campaign for safer cycle routes

A call has been made to create more safer cycling routes across St Andrews.

Three St Andrews councillors and MSP Willie Rennie have accompanied campaigners from the St Andrews Space for Cycling (SASC) group on a tour of potential safe cycle routes between residential areas in the town, and the general location of the proposed new Madras College.

The tour was lead by SASC member Hamish Lawson, who has designed a map of potential cycle routes. The aim of the tour was to examine ways in which sustainable travel – specifically walking and cycling – could be made available to schools, as roads are too busy with cars for many parents to allow their children to cycle.

SASC chairman Tony Waterston said: “There is a huge opportunity here to influence new development towards concepts of sustainable travel which are becoming more and more necessary, and understood right across the country.

“Cycle campaigners were greatly heartened by the full support of the councillors and the MSP for developing safe cycling routes to schools, as a first step towards other developments in the town which we are seeking.

“We also ask educational authorities to set a target of at least 50% of non-bussed pupils travelling to the school by bike or on foot, as is the case in many European countries.”

The group toured potential routes.