An investment proposal of £1 million for a closed-loop cycle track on council land near Lochgelly High School could help bolster Fife’s cycling community.
The facility, if approved as part of the council’s budget in February, would be the first dedicated cycling circuit in Scotland.
Details were revealed at a community networking event attended by more than 90 people who took part in the discussions about shaping the future of cycling in Fife.
Kirsteen Torrance, the council’s cycling development officer, said: “The event was testament to the upsurge in interest in cycling. I was overwhelmed with the positive response.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in demand for all aspects of cycling and now have a framework that will help us to develop new, innovate and cost-effective initiatives to get more people on bikes and help those on bikes to go further.”
Councillor Mark Hood, Fife Council executive committee member, is keen to give prominence to developing cycling over the next few years.
He said: “The proposed circuit would be a multi-use facility. If approved, it would allow us to deliver a wide range of cycle activities. This would include toddlers on balance bikes, older people returning to cycling, cycle skills and confidence builders.
“It would also ensure clubs, groups and events had a top-class facility to develop riders and run activities.
“The circuit would also be suitable for running and cyclocross and have room for further developments to ensure we cater for the future. Consultation on the draft budget is under way.
“This is an exciting proposal and one I hope the community will embrace.
“We anticipate that the circuit would cover its operating costs and even generate a surplus. Studies show that for every £1 invested in sport and physical activity, it saves around £3.20 in future health costs so this really would be a spend-to-save initiative.”
Funding of almost £5 million has already been secured to expand cycling routes in Dunfermline and Glenrothes, as well as a range of supporting projects to encourage people to get on their bikes.
Fife is already making its mark with success stories such as Cyclestart, which delivers cycle rides for new cyclists across many towns and villages. There are currently 23 trained volunteers who deliver the 55 Cyclestart rides on a regular basis.
Events and races are being established too, such as the introduction of community club mountain bike races for children and young people (known as a Dirt Crit). This year the Kingdom Crits series of events had around 80 participants at each event and is now led by community volunteers.
Mr Hood said: “We now have a cycling framework in place that will allow us to ensure the ongoing development of cycling in Fife. We will maximise resources, expertise and knowledge to deliver on this.
“I hope that it will put us firmly on the map in terms of delivering top-quality cycling experiences for Fifers of all cycling disciplines.”