Opening of the new cycle path
The recent excellent summer weather has brought some great news for cyclists, walkers and horse riders in South Ayrshire, with the completion of a new path at Murdoch's Loan in Alloway.
Officially opened by Provost Winifred Sloan, assisted by keen cyclists from Alloway Primary School, the new path links Doonfoot to the Maybole Road in Ayr and is part of South Ayrshire Council's Local Transport Strategy - which will see the full development of the Local Cycle Network around Ayr, leading to reducing vehicle emissions, improved personal health and environmentally responsible travel.
Running almost 2 kilometres from the Burns Heritage Centre in Alloway to Maybole Road in Ayr, the new path connects to the advisory cycle lanes into and out of the town and completes phase two in the southern loop of the Local Cycle network.
The new route consists of 2 kilometres of surfaced track for cycling and walking, with some adjacent sections left unsurfaced for horses and riders. It also benefits from eco-friendly solar lighting making the path safer and easier to follow when darkness falls.
Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the path, Provost Sloan said: "South Ayrshire is a paradise for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. This new route really does offer something for everyone and I am delighted to formally open it.
"I'm especially pleased to see so many young people turn up on their bicycles for the launch and have been heartened to see just how many cyclists and walkers have gone past me in the few minutes since I cut the ribbon!
"As Provost, I take a keen interest in local history and I was delighted to learn that the new path has been built on part of the Ayr to Turnberry railway, becoming the second section of the Council's cycle network to be built on this former line.
"My hope is to see many more people out on their bikes, on foot or on horseback making use of this path and I look forward to the completion of the cycle path network as part of the Council's Local Transport Strategy."
Picture Caption: Opening of the new cycle path in Alloway were: Provost Winifred Sloan and Councillor Peter Convery, pictured with Council Officers George Fiddes (Team Leader Traffic and Transportation), Neil Shedden (Technical Officer) Annabel Beattie (Environmental Performance Officer, Sustainable Development) and Margaret Graham (Road Safety Training Officer).
Also present: John Paterson (Sustrans Ranger), Campbell McCall (Cycling Scotland) pupils and staff from Alloway Primary school and the community police officers from Strathclyde Police.