THIS week's opinion column comes from Cllr Richard Trail, SNP councillor for Helensburgh and Lomond South.

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WORK on the new leisure centre at the pier car park in Helensburgh is at last under way. The parking area has been substantially reduced and navy blue site huts now stand within the fenced perimeter. Swimmers will have a two-year wait before their first plunge into the brand new pool.

The large investment is worthwhile for the health benefits that flow from it. We all put a high priority on our health, yet many of us fall into a lifestyle that leads to illness rather than wellness.

The NHS spends billions on curing our illness and a pittance on prevention. High quality sporting facilities are a positive contribution to encourage us all to exercise more.

READ MORE: Your letters to the Helensburgh Advertiser: August 27, 2020

The Covid lockdown has thrown up an opportunity to make some changes to the movement of traffic in the town centre. Government funding has been allocated to encourage more active travel in our cities and towns.

Following a public consultation, the council is preparing plans for introducing a one-way system in the town centre. Pavements will also be extended to give more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The changes are a temporary measure to give encouragement to more active travel.

Some of my colleagues on the council are unable to recognise the benefits arising from this pilot project. They cannot see beyond the initial confusion and disruption.

But the last five months have shown there is an appetite for walking and cycling. Sales of cycles have risen sharply since March. The quieter streets in the early days of lockdown have given more space for cyclists, and they have responded with enthusiasm.

Active travel brings long-term benefits for health, reduced congestion and less air pollution. More space available to cyclists will make it safer and encourage more to go the shops by bicycle.

READ MORE: Advertiser View: How welcome it is to see sport returning in Helensburgh and Lomond

Cycling has become an everyday transport choice in Denmark and the Netherlands. It can become a convenient way of commuting to work over short distances.

But for this to become commonplace will require a culture change. The pilot project is a small step towards balancing the mix of bicycles and cars on our streets.

The recent successes of the British competitors in the Olympics and victories in the Tour de France has transformed the popularity of the sport of cycling.

The crowds who turned out to watch the Tour de France riding in Yorkshire are testament to its popularity. Now we need to make everyday cycling just as popular.

Click here to read more news and views from across Helensburgh and Lomond