Councillors Welcome Completion of Cycleway

Peterhead South SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Stuart Pratt have welcomed the formal opening by the Provost of Aberdeenshire of the last section of the cycleway around the town’s bypass.

The councillors and Provost Jill Webster were joined by representatives of JogScotland, Peterhead Cycle Club and pupils from Dales Park School at the opening ceremony.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“I’m delighted that the ‘missing link’ has at long last been completed. It was over two years ago that I raised this matter with the Director of Infrastructure at Aberdeenshire Council following approaches I received from cyclists, walkers and members of JogScotland, who regularly use the route and I've been pushing for this ever since.

“The route was supposed to have been completed as part of a planning condition for a local development, but this didn’t come to fruition. Instead, I am pleased that the council have acted on local demand to pull together various agencies and secure funding for this scheme.”

Chair of the Buchan Area Committee Cllr Stuart Pratt added:

“I’m very pleased that local people will now be able to cycle, walk or jog along this route in safety and not find that this ‘shared-use’ cycleway comes to an abrupt end.

“Judging by the reaction of local runners and cyclists at the official opening this morning, it looks like it will prove very popular indeed.”

Speaking ahead of the opening, Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“The new shared path around Peterhead will benefit the local community and help to meet the demand for cycling and walking infrastructure.

“The Scottish Government is committed to investing in cycling infrastructure, training and road safety projects through active partnerships with charities such as Sustrans to make Scotland a more active and healthy nation and increase the numbers of people choosing to cycle each day.”