New £11million walking and cycling route project around Stirling launched
An £11million project designed to transform how people move around Stirling and encourage more people to walk and cycle was officially unveiled yesterday. The 'Walk, Cycle, Live' scheme has created a pair of new cycling, walking and wheeling corridors of more than 6.5 km to help connect communities and educational institutes across the city. The first of the two routes links Stirling train station and the city's university, taking in iconic landmarks such as Old Stirling Bridge and the Wallace Monument along the way. On the second route, the gaps between Forth Valley College and the city centre have been bridged to increase access across Stirling. The project was opened at an event at Wallace High School yesterday, with staff and pupils from the school joined by representatives from Stirling Council, the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'I'm very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. 'Funded by almost £11 million from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. 'This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions. 'To support the ambitions of Scotland's local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. 'This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.' The project is described as a 'cornerstone' of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - with funding coming from the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme, the City Region Deal and by Stirling Council from developer contributions. Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston, added: 'I'm thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected. 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. 'For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region. 'The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it's going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses. ' The scheme has not been without its critics during construction, with locals having had to contend with varying degrees of disruption during the works. Cllr Preston added: 'I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.' Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans said: 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city. 'Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys. 'Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We're delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.'
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