A campaign has been launched to build a cycle path from Perth to Inverness along the entire length of the new dualled A9.
Campaigners hope to turn the route into a tri-carriageway incorporating two lanes for traffic and a third for non-motorised users (NMU) alongside.
The £3 billion road project involves the upgrade of 80 miles of single carriageway along the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025.
A NMU forum including cyclists, equestrian enthusiasts and walkers was established by Transport Scotland to consult over the emerging design proposals for the route.
The cycle path petition, already signed by hundreds of people, was launched after the initial meeting of the A9 NMU Forum in Perth this week.
Petition author Ruaridh Ormiston, of Newtonmore Riding Centre, said: “It has come to our attention that Transport Scotland do not actually intend to build a safe and parallel, traffic free, NMU path, the length of the new dualled A9 from Perth to Inverness.
“This is quite distressing because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Scottish Government to do the right thing. If it is built it will be something we can all be proud of for generations.”
The A9 dualling project is designed to deliver economic growth through improvements to road safety and journey times, as well as better links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport.
Campaigners claim a new cycle path would link up communities for NUM users, such as between Carrbridge to Aviemore, and would be suitable for all levels of cyclists as well as walkers, equestrians and disabled buggy users.
Mr Ormiston continued: “Part of the intention is to have NMU users make use of the current National Cycle Route, NCN 7, provided by Sustrans.
“However, most NMU users know this is not traffic-free its entire length.
“When using sections of the old A9, where public traffic use continues, there is very often dangerously fast local traffic and some rat runs to avoid congestion on the new A9.
“It is not controlled by speed cameras so it puts many NMU users off ever using it.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Our approach to NMU provision for the A9 dualling programme is to provide new sections of off-road and localised enhancements to the National Cycle Route, where possible to support long distance trips.
“In addition, we will provide safe crossing facilities and connections to existing key paths and recreational routes.”