Election candidate promotes Active Travel for bicycles in Thurso area
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A Thurso-based candidate for the forthcoming Highland Council elections talked about his support for Active Travel initiatives in his area.
Active Travel is promoted by Transport Scotland as a commitment to increasing levels of cycling and walking for transport and leisure – an issue that Thurso community activist and council candidate Alexander Glasgow holds dear to his heart.
"Recently, I chatted with local reps from Cycling UK Highland at a street event promoting Active Travel with electric bikes for loan allowing people to sample them and see more of Caithness and test for lifestyle suitability," said Mr Glasgow.
"I tried one and went for a quick few miles around Thurso. Battery aided, it was like being in my 20s again. Many moons ago, when I was cycling around Caithness, I was coming down Scrabster Brae with a tailwind. I hit 50 mph. I was overtaking traffic."
As a supporter of Active Travel, Mr Glasgow highlights the work of Cycling UK and its manifesto which can be seen at: www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2021/02/cycling_uk_scotland_may_elections_final.pdf
"I would hope to work with them [Cycling UK] and funders such as Sustrans Scotland to promote more cycle and walking routes. The recently painted totem at the railway station promotes the National Route.
"One long-term aspiration is an Active Travel route on the back roads in Caithness with reduced speed limits and also could incentivise road surface repairs. Up to 10 years ago, the Thurso Locality Plan identified a potential route around Thurso which is well lit at dusk to make cyclists and walkers feel more confident. A well lit pathway around Thurso would encourage evening strolls, as would a fully integrated tourist policy."
Mr Glasgow added: "Public transport providers also could be incentivised to provide more bicycle facilities not just on trains through the likes of Friends of the Far North Line but buses. This part of the #NC500 would be opened up for more visitors as seen with the repainted totem at the railway station to promote the National Cycle Route.
"Any cyclist now will be conscious of unsecure overnight storage. Time to promote this as well."
He also noted how the £3M shortlisted for Active Travel and regeneration money for Wick is an offer that does not happen every day and has "to be worked for".
More info on Active Travel can be found at: www.transport.gov.scot/active-travel/
