Latest news with #ClimateandNatureEmergencyPlan
The Courier
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Courier
Local input 'crucial to getting Stirling cycle paths right', says deputy council leader
Stirling Council must take on board the views of residents when it comes to the city's new cycle and walking paths, according to its deputy leader. Jen Preston told The Courier the ongoing public consultation for the next phase of Stirling's active travel network was 'crucial to getting it right'. The Labour Stirling West councillor said she keen to hear more ideas from locals and cyclists. Ms Preston was speaking on Thursday (April 24) at the official launch of the active travel path that runs from Stirling railway station, through Causewayhead Road, to the University of Stirling. The walking and cycling path is part of the £11 million Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Ms Preston's comments come after responses to a recently launched online consultation highlighted local concern over the proposed Bridge of Allan to Dunblane cycle and walking path – the next phase of the project. Some residents feel the B8033 road between Keir Roundabout and the Dunblane Centre roundabout is too busy to be a single carriageway, and argue the change would be dangerous. Others say there are better nearby routes to develop into a path for bikes and pedestrians. Ms Preston told The Courier the existing active travel route is already well used, adding: 'I speak to a lot of the regular Stirling cyclists who use it often and they are really enjoying it. 'That says to me we are getting something right.' Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop also attended Thursday's ceremony at Wallace High School to cut the ribbon and mark the official opening of the active travel route. She said: 'Now that we have this fantastic facility, I hope more and more people will use it. 'Stirling should be very proud. 'Stirling has been a real leader with what it has done addressing climate change and the cycle path infrastructure.' Three Wallace High School pupils present at the launch event said they thought the cycle and walking path offered several benefits. Nora, Parth and Hayden, all in S3, said they felt safer riding their bikes on the path compared to the road. Parth added that he felt much happier cycling 'away from the bad drivers'. They all also said cycling to school is now more fun and social. Hayden said: 'One of my friends, at least one day a week, will come and cycle to school with me.' The Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project is funded by several bodies. The majority of the investment comes from Sustrans Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland and via Places for Everyone. The rest is provided by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, with a smaller portion from Stirling Council's developer contributions allocation. The project is part of the council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan, which hopes to make the area carbon neutral by 2035.
The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New active travel project 'transformational' for Stirling
It has been funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme (£8.4 million) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5 million), and by Stirling Council from developer contributions (£325,000). Route one links Stirling Train Station and the University of Stirling, taking in landmarks like Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way. Route two has bridged the gaps between Forth Valley College and Stirling's historic city centre under the shadow of Stirling Castle. READ MORE: Opening date revealed for new road bridge spanning River Clyde 'Landmark' cycle routes deliver record share of journeys by bike in Scotland Latest Avenues work in Glasgow begins in 'key entrance point' The new infrastructure will also lay the foundations for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region, and support the objectives of Stirling Council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan. The project was officially opened on Thursday at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance. Cabinet Secretary for Transport 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.' 'To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £45 million through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. 'The Deal aims to create 5,000 jobs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling by boosting transport, tourism, training, business growth and projects to tackle climate change.' Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston said: '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. '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.'
