Work on Scotland’s first purpose built cycle circuit will begin in Fife this week.
The 1.6km outdoor circuit, between Lochgelly High School and Lochore Meadows Country Park, will offer everyone the chance to cycle free of traffic.
Opening early next year, it will ensure clubs, groups and events have a top class facility to develop riders and run a wide range of community activities.
Fife Council’s community convener Judy Hamilton said: “We are committed to meeting the growing demand to develop cycling in Fife and this is one of the ways in which we are doing just that.”
Fife Cycle Park will be able to attract regional, Scottish and British championship events.
But, Mrs Hamilton added, it was so much more than delivering something for cyclists.
With many unable to access or return to cycling, programmes would help to break down barriers by offering bikes and activities to help locals develop skills and confidence.
“Children need to learn to ride a bike,” she said, adding it would provide a place for fun lessons.
Mrs Hamilton said investing in such a scheme when the council was facing increasingly tough budget pressure helped contribute to its longer term goals, helping people to stay active and be healthier.
Cowdenbeath area convener Linda Erskine added: “This circuit will put Lochgelly at the forefront of cycling in Scotland and give us the chance to develop a culture of cycling as a normal activity for residents in the area and across Fife.”
It secured £300,000 from sportscotland and additional funds from the Scottish Government.
Hailing it as “terrific”, Sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said bringing together initiatives for cycling and local community was a great example of the “world class sporting system we are developing in Scotland”.
Scottish Cycling chief executive Craig Burn added it was hugely exciting to see ground broken for the first regional level cycling facility in Scotland.
“Having a closed road loop on their doorstep is going to make a huge difference to the communities and clubs in and around Lochgelly and Fife.”
CEO of Triathlon Scotland Jane Moncrieff added: “The country park has played host to numerous triathlon participation and Scottish Championship events over the years and the addition of the cycle loop will help us to develop more opportunities for children to take part in our sport.”
For more information visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/cyclingcircuit.
