Cycling in West Lothian is on track after receiving a funding boost of nearly £700,000.
The West Lothian Cycle Circuit has been handed £636,011 from the Scottish Government and sportscotland while Balbardie Pump Track received £45,433.
They are the first nine projects to receive investment from the £8million Cycling Facilities Fund.
The new cycle circuit in Linlithgow will be a dedicated, safe training facility providing opportunities for participation at all levels, encouraging more women and girls into the sport, and meeting the huge demand that already exists in the local area.
The track will be accessible meaning that people with disabilities or additional support needs can also take part, promoting increased physical activity and inclusion within the community. It will also provide a competition venue to attract cycling events to West Lothian.
Meanwhile the pump track at Balbardie in Bathgate will give cyclists of all ages and abilities the opportunity to hone their skills and try out a different form of cycling in a safe environment
Matthew Ball from West Lothian Clarion welcomes the announcement.
He said: “The circuit will be a game changing facility for people in West Lothian looking to gain confidence, ride their bikes and have fun in a safe traffic free environment.
“Securing this funding isn’t the finish line for the project, its the start line for amazing events, activities, coaching and day to day riding for thousand of people in the county. The Clarion would like to thank all partners and volunteers involved in the project who have worked together tirelessly over the last few years.”
Welcoming the investment, Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “This is most welcome news and will bring a significant boost in helping to further increase opportunities to engage in outdoor activity in West Lothian.
“The West Lothian Cycle Circuit will be of great benefit not only to local people in the Linlithgow area, but for sports people from far and wide. This facility will support partners across the sporting system to build on a record increase in the number of people participating in cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Balbardie pump track in Bathgate will add to a number of well-used pump tracks in place across West Lothian. This will have a similar effect in encouraging the local community to get on their bikes, enjoy a different style of cycling than they might normally be used to while improving their off-road skills too.”
Fraser Falconer, Linlithgow Community Development Trust’s chair added: “The new facilities being built will represent a tremendous achievement for our community, creating a wonderful place to nurture a love of cycling for people of all ages and inclusive for all. After years of hard work from local volunteers and supporters, the recognition by sportscotland and West Lothian Council gives great inspiration to us as we link the delivery of the cycle circuit to active travel, healthy living, social inclusion and improving health and well-being.”
Sports Minister Maree Todd said she hopes the investment will encourage people to get on their bikes.
She continued: “This funding will support that opportunity by developing accessible community facilities, helping with our ambitions to support participation across all groups, tackle inequalities, and help more people lead active lives.
“As part of Scotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen thousands of people embrace the benefits of cycling, and I hope that the excitement generated as we build up to this major event will encourage even more people to get active on their bikes”.
With Scotland set to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the ambition is for the Cycling Facilities Fund to provide accessible community and club facilities like the West Lothian Cycle Circuit and Balbardie Pump Track that inspire new and existing cyclists to make cycling a sport for life.
Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, added: “There is a whole new generation of cyclists who have been inspired by the athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Projects like the ones being funded today will give cyclists of all abilities the opportunity to participate and progress in the sport, emulating their heroes, or simply having fun.
“We have been impressed by the ambition and commitment of applicants to the fund and look forward to working with them to make their projects a reality. Delivering this network of accessible, community facilities across Scotland is reliant on partnership working and we are fortunate to have the continued support of a range of partners including the Scottish Government, Scottish Cycling, the National Lottery, and the National Lottery players.”
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