A cycling group is concerned for the future of the sport in the region following the loss of a ”vital” council liaison post.
ByCycle also known as Perth and Kinross Cycle Campaign is worried the local authority’s axing of its sustainable transport officer (STO) will have a negative effect on the voluntary group.
The STO, whose position was lost in budget cuts this year, was responsible for communicating with ByCycle and running initiatives to support cyclists. They included the organisation of the summer cycle ride programme, the development of volunteer ride leaders, national bike week, the upkeep of Perth and Kinross cycling web pages, and the creation of Perth cycling maps.
ByCycle secretary Katharine Melville said cutting the post had broken the chain between the group, the public, and Perth and Kinross Council.
She said: ”As far as I understand, the STO was set up to act as a liaison between the council and the cycling public and now it’s gone. We are concerned what effect that is going to have on us.
”ByCycle fears that the considerable improvements that have been made for cycling and walking provision around Perth and Kinross will be put on hold.
”And we have concerns that we will no longer be consulted on traffic planning matters which affect walkers and cyclists.”
Ms Melville said group members would do their best to take over some of the duties.
A council spokesman said: ”Due to budget constraints and requirements to make savings we don’t have a budget to employ a sustainable transport officer any more.
”The council will continue to carry out core work on cycling developing cycle routes, signage and cycle parking, and will continue to promote sustainable transport by attending events.
”We already have a range of cycle maps, and these will be updated whenever necessary. We will also try to continue some of the promotions that were organised by the STO wherever possible.”
In contrast to Perth and Kinross Council’s move, Fife Council has recently appointed a cycling officer to encourage more children to walk and cycle to school (link).