Cycling and walking routes around Dundee’s regenerated Waterfront have been hailed by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson as he announced a funding boost for local projects.
Schemes across Tayside and Fife will benefit from tens of thousands of pounds worth of additional support through the Scottish Government’s Cycle Friendly Community Development Fund.
Dundee International Women’s Centre, Coupar Angus Cycle Hub and Bikeworks Fife are among 28 organisations across Scotland receiving a share of more than £330,000 to provide additional access and opportunities.
Other initiatives to benefit include Angus Cycle Hub, Dundee & Angus ADHD Support Group, Dundee City Disability Sport and North Fife Cycling Group.
Mr Matheson said he hoped the funding would go some way to establishing a “Scotland model”, similar to Copenhagen and Amsterdam, where cycling and walking becomes the most prominent form of transport in cities and towns.
“I’ve been encouraged by Glasgow and Edinburgh but also what is going on here in Dundee with the transformation of walking and cycling routes around the Waterfront,” he said.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that Dundee is a city that is very ambitious about trying to support its cycling and active travel infrastructure. We can see that from the new train station the city has and the bike facility that has been put in there.
“It’s an example of a real commitment to help support people who want to cycle and also use public transport like the train that we’ve created a hub that actually allows that to happen.”
Coupar Angus Cycle Hub’s development officer Grant Murdoch said: “From the very start, the Hub has been about the community and connecting people, families and generations.
“The funding and recognition from Cycling Scotland gives the Hub a boost and helps position cycling as a viable means of commuting and accessible leisure activity.”
Pete Mills, development officer at Cycling Scotland said: “We’re supporting communities across Scotland to use cycling as a way of achieving their aims.
“From projects that support mental health to those that tackle homelessness, the funding will support the purchase of bikes, equipment and maintenance tools as well as providing training and promoting projects locally.
“We’re excited to give more people across Scotland access to bikes and the opportunity to cycle.”
