Moray SNP News

MSP MEETS ROADS AGENCIES TO WELCOME NEW LHANBRYDE TO FOCHABERS CYCLE PATH AFTER SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN

Richard Lochhead MSP has met with officials from both Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland at the new cycle path on the A96 linking Lhanbryde and Fochabers. 

After being contacted by constituents about the issue, Mr Lochhead has been campaigning with Cllr Shona Morrison for the gap between existing cycle paths at Lhanbryde and Fochabers to be connected.

While there are still a few extra road signs to be put in place, Transport Scotland have stressed that the path is open to the public, which now facilitates a full cycle path between Elgin and Fochabers and completes the missing link.

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Lochhead said:

“It was good to meet with both Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland on the new section of cycle path earlier today and see the work that’s gone in to close the gap in the cycling network locally.

“For the last few years now, I’ve been urging transport authorities to look at how they could improve the cycle path provision between Fochabers and Lhanbryde and pressing them to complete the missing link.

“There are still some concerns around the crossings involved and I raised this with officials while on-site who confirmed that this will be monitored as part of a safety audit to be carried out 6 months after the path’s opening.

“I will be seeking an update from Transport Scotland on this in the coming months and will continue to press that the safety of all those using the path is paramount.

“It was also very encouraging to see cyclists using the route while I was there and as a keen cyclist myself I’ve also cycled it so I am very much looking forward to using the path regularly.” 

Commenting, Cllr Shona Morrison said:

“I know that many people locally have been calling for this section of the cycle path to be improved, which would allow a complete path from Fochabers right through to Elgin, and so I’m delighted to see that work has been completed after the case was taken up by our MSP. 

“This is a popular route which will now provide greater connectivity for both cyclists and walkers, as well as offering a direct link to Threaplands Garden Centre.

“There’s a lot of effort being made to encourage people to leave their cars at home and to travel by bike and there’s no doubt that having good joined up infrastructure is key to getting more people to choose active travel.”