A cycling loop that could ease traffic and attract visitors should be rolled out around the Tay, says a Fife MSP.
Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, has called on three councils to come together to secure funds for the “spectacular” route.
His Tay Estuary cycle loop would run from Newburgh to Dundee, over the Tay Bridge to Perth, then Abernethy before returning to the start.
Mr Rennie said there had been calls from communities to link up the cycle pathways around the Tay.
“If the three neighbouring councils come together and secure the investment, the benefits would be seen immediately,” the North East Fife MSP said.
“Many local residents commute over the Tay and giving them the option of a good quality cycle path can only be good for easing congestion and pollution.
“There are some truly spectacular views around the Tay and I’m sure the revived cycle path would provide an attractive prospect for visitors or locals in their leisure time.”
Some parts of the loop require work to make them safe for cyclists of all levels, Mr Rennie said.
Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Fife councils have been sent details of the proposals in a letter from the fitness fanatic politician, who has spent lunch breaks at parliament running up Arthur’s Seat.
John Mitchell, Fife Council’s service manager for sustainable transport and parking, said they will look carefully at the suggestions.
““Fife Council has worked in partnership with Sustrans and SEStran on many projects in recent years to promote and develop cycling in Fife,” he said.
“We have just been made aware of the proposal to develop a cycle loop around the Tay Estuary and we are happy to investigate this further with our neighbouring local authorities.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “We will be responding to Mr Rennie directly in due course.”
