The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Bikers feel taken for a rough ride
Council chiefs hope all roads will lead back to Aberdeenshire after a popular cycling event left over claims of “dangerous” conditions.
Ride The North director Neil Innes revealed his plans to attract 2,000 cyclists to Angus in 2024.
The move south came as he claimed there was a lack of co-operation from Aberdeenshire Council – and that roads were treacherous for those on two wheels.
The departure will come as a blow to plans to cash in on cycle tourism, expected to grow after the recent visit of the elite Tour Of Britain race showed off spectacular north-east scenery.
Aberdeenshire Council’s roads and infrastructure head, Philip McKay, told The P&J: “We are happy to continue discussions about how any future events can be delivered safely, both for participants and other road users.
“Ride The North has become a popular cycling event which not only attracts local riders but also those from further afield.”
Mr Innes claims he was forced to break the law and sweep the minor country roads around Knock and Aberchirder in the summer, ahead of his 2023 event.
Rather than concerns for potholes, it was the gravel they were filled with that caused him concern. One rider left Donside in an ambulance in 2019 due to the skittery surface, while another needed paramedic attention when the cycling challenge found similar conditions in Moray.
No one was felled by the road conditions this summer, but Mr Innes felt a lack of co-operation from the council increased the potential “danger”.
However, the council’s Mr McKay, who is responsible for the condition of Aberdeenshire’s 3,500 miles of road, said the roads were in better nick than some in other regions.
“As with any proposed event on the roads network, we work with organisers to ensure activities can be delivered safely,” he added.
“We have liaised with organisers of Ride The North in recent years, looking at various aspects ranging from appropriate signage to the preparation and sweeping of roads ahead of the event.
“While it is the case that there are defects on our network, it is also the case that Aberdeenshire’s roads are routinely placed in the top two or three in the annual independent Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey.”