14-05-2025
Cycling in Dumfries and Galloway experiences 'transformative' 12 months
South of Scotland Cycling Partnership's review of 2024 has revealed a number of highlights, including major events in Gatehouse and Ae.
The past 12 months have been described as 'nothing short of transformative' for cycling in Dumfries and Galloway.
The past year saw the official launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C cycle route from Stranraer to Eyemouth as well as a range of improved cycle routes.
And the region also played host to major events, with Ae Forest attracting 500 competitors for the British Enduro Championships and both the Raiders Gravel and The Gralloch being based in Gatehouse.
These are among the highlights in the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership's review of 2024.
The organisation is made up of a number of local and national organisations, including South of Scotland Destination Alliance, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Visit Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Chief executive of SSDA, David Hope Jones, said: 'The year 2024 was nothing short of transformative for cycling in the south of Scotland.
'From hosting world-class events to launching the Kirkpatrick C2C, together we have shown the world what our region has to offer.
'These achievements are not only boosting our visitor economy, they are embedding cycling into the heart of our communities and landscape.
'The SSDA is proud to work alongside partners to ensure cycling continues to play a central role in putting the South of Scotland on the map for active and sustainable travel.'
Chair of the council's education, skills and wellbeing committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, said: 'This review is a welcome one and shows how strong an offer we have as an area in relation to cycling.
'I would like to say thank you to all the partners who have come together to collaborate in this work to date, and long may it continue.'
SOSE chairman, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, added: 'The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy annual review highlights the exceptional contribution of partners, businesses and community groups across the South who have made positive social and environmental impacts which cycling provides to our region.
'We want cycling to become the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 in the South, and the review highlights the progress being made to achieving our collective goal.'
