Plans are underway for the old Alloway to Burton railway to be upgraded to form a cycle route and bridle way.  Funding of £40,000 given to South Ayrshire Council by Sustrans, a cycling charity, will be used for initial improvements.

In June 2005 Sustrans requested bids for cycling schemes that could be delivered by local authorities before March 2007.  The Council submitted a scheme to upgrade the old Alloway to Burton railway track to form a proper cycle path and bridle way.  The scheme was approved by Sustrans and accepted by the Scottish Government.

The route, which is owned by the Council, is currently used as a walking and bridle way as well as a route for cyclists.  The former railway is in a poor state of repair, overgrown with vegetation and has poor drainage.

Convener of the Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee, Councillor Margaret Toner said:  “Improving cycling provision is a key element of the Council’s sustainable transport policy. 

“Cycling Scotland has just completed a study to develop an implementation plan for the Local Cycle Network across the whole of South Ayrshire. Funding from the Regional Transport Partnership and the Scottish Government will be used to implement a number of schemes this year.

“Upgrading of the route along the former railway line at Alloway will benefit all users and will link the Burns Monument directly to the National Cycle Network. 

 “Many residents and visitors to South Ayrshire are keen cyclists.  It is a healthy outdoor sport that people of all ages can enjoy, and I think that upgrading this route will be of great benefit to local and tourists.  I am certainly looking forward to cycling along it.”

Members of the Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee took a decision to allocate the Sustrans grant funding of £40,000 towards the project and to proceed with remedial work.  The Committee also decided to proceed with the bulk of the project once further funding has been allocated by Sustrans.

It is anticipated that this will be the first stage of a planned programme of works if Sustrans can obtain additional funding from the Scottish Government to provide a further £230,000 to complete the works in 2006/07.

Further future upgrading of the route would provide an improved running surface for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.  Repairs will be carried out to the bridge at the River Doon with missing parapet stones being reinstated, which would give an opportunity to provide seating at existing viewpoints that are presently difficult to access.

The Scottish Government has highlighted their aspiration for more innovative cycling and walking projects to be developed as part of their Cycling, Walking Safer Streets funding.

The Council has previously carried out consultation on the provision of a local cycle network with local cycle routes identified for areas of Ayr, Troon, Prestwick, Maybole and Girvan. The results of the consultation indicated the strength of public feeling regarding cycling in South Ayrshire. 

May 2006