The first circuit of a new Lanarkshire cycle park has been given the green light after Patrick Harvie MSP officially opened it.
The Clyde Cycle Park in Cambuslang is aiming to transform derelict land in the area into a new site that will inspire more residents to take up cycling, encourage locals to use their bikes instead of cars and help get people to be physically active.
Mr Harvie, minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants rights, opened the first circuit of the park.
He then joined 15 P6/P7 pupils from James Aiton Primary School in a coaching session, practising skills for confident cycling, how to navigate obstacles, and how to cycle safely in a group.
After cutting the ribbon to open the 250m skills circuit, he told Lanarkshire Live : "The Clyde Cycle Park is a great new facility and it was brilliant to see the young people from James Aiton Primary School using it for the first time.
"Many people would like to try cycling as the healthiest, cheapest and greenest way to get about, but they don't always feel safe getting started out on the roads.
"The Clyde Cycle Park provides excellent opportunities to learn cycling skills and build confidence. I hope that all the schools in Cambuslang, Rutherglen and in other towns in the area will take advantage of the Clyde Cycle Park for their own Bikeability training and other cycle coaching."
The project has been developed by three community organisations – Cambuslang Community Council, East Kilbride Road Club and Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust (CamGlen Bike Town) – working together with South Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture.
John Bachtler, chairman of the Clyde Cycle Park, told us : "We were delighted that Patrick Harvie was able to join us for a formal opening of the first stage of the Clyde Cycle Park.
"We were able to thank him for the Scottish Government’s investment in the project through the Clyde Mission Fund which has got the development of the Clyde Cycle Park underway, together with contributions from Scottish Enterprise and South Lanarkshire Council.
"We were also able to show the Minister the plans for the next stages of the Clyde Cycle Park which eventually will involve 2km of circuits, a BMX pump track, a cycle speedway circuit, a pavilion with café and restaurant, play area and canoeing facility.”
Gregor Yeoman, secretary of the Clyde Cycle Park, who led the coaching session, said: "We were very impressed that the Minister arrived on his bike, and took part in the coaching session with the James Aiton young people.
"He demonstrated to the young people the importance of cycling and encouraged them to make use of the Clyde Cycle Park to develop their skills."
Kerry McGhee, the headteacher at James Aiton Primary School, said: "We are delighted that this facility has been built so close to our school and is accessible to all of our pupils and their families.
"It's a great opportunity for people of all ages to be able to develop their cycling skills, as well as their confidence within a safe and sustainable environment."
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