Still work to be done before exciting plan becomes a reality
Plans to create a national cycle roadracing centre in Cambuslang have been given a warm reception.
Th e id e a , g e rmi na t e d by Cambuslang Community Council, CamGlen Bike Town, South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, and East Kilbride Road Club, has been praised for its good intentions.
Chair of the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership, Councillor Graham Simpson, also welcomed the proposal - but stressed that it is only a plan at present.
He said: “It’s only a proposal at this stage, but it’s an exciting proposal.
“There’s an awful lot of work that needs to be done to make it a reality, so I don’t want people to get too excited at this stage - but if it were to come off, it would be fantastic.
“There’s a clearly a need for a facility like this in Scotland, as there isn’t one at present, and it would give people the ability to train off-road.
“We’ve got the Velodrome nearby, which is great, but there’s nothing outdoors, so for people who like to cycle outside, there’s absolutely nowhere to train at present - that’s why this proposal is such a good idea.
“The other thing we could potentially do is to use the Clyde, and create a canoeing/ kayaking centre. It doesn’t have to be just for cycling.
“We could also get children involved through the Bikeability Scotland scheme as well.
“One of the real barriers for cycling is the fear of going out on the road, so if we have a facility like this, it might encourage more kids to train and learn how to cycle safely.
“For all those residents, it could be a great project, but I stress there’s still an awful lot of work to be done to make it a reality.
“Scottish Enterprise own the land so there would have to be negotiations there, but everyone we speak to is very supportive of this.”
Cambuslang West councillor Richard Tullett added: “One of my highlights of 2014 has been my involvement with the bike project.
“It’s a really committed team who have a very far-reaching vision, and it’s been good to be about to join the project board, working alongside Councillor Graham Simpson, the chair of the council’s cycling partnership.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops in 2015.”
Gregor Yeoman, coach at the East Kilbride Road Club, said: “There’s nowhere local where it’s safe to train children and young people in roadracing.
“We have us e d in d u s t r i a l estates and circuits belonging to other sports, but that isn’t always possible and some have proved to be unsuitable as they are not dedicated cycle tracks.
“So we need a dedicated facility if we’re going to produce the next generation of Sir Chris Hoys.”