A city-wide cycle network could be developed in Dundee after funding was secured to assess the potential economic benefit.
The network would ensure all Dundee’s current routes link and also connect with the city’s main hubs and attractions.
£25,000 has been handed to Dundee City Council by sustainable transport group Sustrans to allow a business case for the network to be developed.
Once the case is established, any plan would then need to be approved by councillors before becoming a reality.
The idea has been pushed primarily by Dundee Cycling Forum, an independent group hoping to improve local infrastructure.
Event organiser with Dundee Cycling Forum Donald Baddon said it is a step in the right direction.
He said: “The idea behind it is to look at how a city wide cycle network would benefit Dundee economically.
“Currently there are cycle paths in different parts of the city but they don’t necessarily connect.
“For us to get everyone cycling around the city, there needs to be a circuit.
“For example, if you live in eastern Douglas, the only way to cycle down to the Riverside cycle path would be to travel down Arbroath Road.
“That might not be the most comfortable option for some.
“The route between Broughty Ferry and City Quay is another example. It’s great up until you reach the centre but then there isn’t much after that.
“You end up cycling through a car park or along a narrow footpath.
“People are less likely to cycle if there isn’t a strategic network.
“A network would ideally link the city’s most popular attractions such as the V&A and McManus museums.
“It would make sense to link Perth Road, Abertay University and Dundee University to the network as well as connecting the train and bus stations.”
The news comes as a series of major changes to transport in the city are being developed.
One of these is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) potentially banning all highly polluting cars from the city centre.
Another is the Northern Links cycle route which hopes to establish three corridors into the city centre; Lochee Road, Victoria Road and Princes Street/King Street.
An e-bike share scheme, which will be one of the biggest in the UK, is also being developed for a spring launch in the city.
Mr Baddon added: “There are currently a lot of different aspects to transport being developed in the city and these will all need to be pulled together.
“Public transport needs to compliment these initiatives.
“The e-bike scheme in particular if we can get it working and affordable would be important for many areas such as the Hilltown.
“It’s very early doors but it’s exciting.”
The funding comes from Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme which aims to create more safe and attractive journeys by foot and bicycle.
The programme is funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland.
Dundee City Council were approached for comment.
