Expansion of Dundee’s cycle routes is being welcomed as a large stretch of footpath running from Birkhill into the city is added to the network.
Proposals to designate the stretch of Coupar Angus Road running through Dryburgh and towards Lochee as shared cycle and pedestrian use was approved by councillors.
The £150,000 project will involve more than a mile of surfacing, solar studs and signs to be installed, with work starting on April 17.
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “We are doing all we can to encourage and support people to use more sustainable forms of transport both for pleasure and commuting.
“The benefits of increased use of sustainable forms of transport, like cycling, are obvious.
“It creates a win-win in which the cyclist improves or maintains their own health and the city benefits through improved air quality and less congestion
Ferry councillor and keen cyclist Laurie Bidwell said expanding the network was a positive step in linking up routes and promoting cycling across the city.
He said: “This is a very positive development which will lead to the creation of an additional cycling route alongside the Coupar Angus Road from the Kingsway north to the boundary with Angus.
“I think it is well thought through and will provide links with cycle routes in the south at the Lochee Transport Hub and in the north with Muirhead and Birkhill.
“This route coming from the Coupar Angus Road is a good one because of the potential to link in to Angus.
“In fact, when Angus Council realise their aspiration for an off-road cycle track on a long stretch of the bed of the former Newtyle railway, there should be opportunities for a cycling route all the way to Newtyle.”
The improvements are being match-funded by Sustrans.
Mr Bidwell added: “I hope that the relatively light current use by pedestrians will mean there should be less potential for future conflict between walkers and cyclists sharing the pathway.”
The new cycle route will cover the distance between the Birkhill Inn, running north of Camperdown Park and finishing up just south of the Kingsway.
A map of the Dundee cycle route is available to download here.