HUNDREDS have backed a petition demanding no further delays to the completion of a long-awaited cycle path between Helensburgh and Dumbarton.
Members of the recently-launched CardrossCAN (Climate Action Network) group are lobbying Argyll and Bute Council, walking and cycling charity Sustrans and the Scottish Government’s transport secretary, Michael Matheson, calling for the project to be delivered “at the very latest within the current schedule, if not before”.
The cycle path, which will link the two towns via Cardross, has been in the planning for almost two decades and is scheduled for completion by 2026/2027.
Last month the Advertiser reported on renewed calls from local residents for the cycle path to be completed, prompted by a collision involving a vehicle and a cyclist on the A814 in which 40-year-old Dumbarton man Colin McCourt was killed.
READ MORE: Renewed calls for cycle path completion after Cardross crash tragedy
The petition states: “The past 20 years have shown a lack of accountability for the cycle path, thereby losing the public’s trust in these organisations to complete this project.
“The cycle path is a much needed safe environment for cyclists, walkers, horse riders and users of mobility equipment to travel between the towns and villages situated along the northern shores of the River Clyde.
“Cardross village in particular has no direct active transport route out of the village other than the main road between Dumbarton and Helensburgh (A814).
“The A814 (60mph speed limit) is a narrow road, with relatively few straights for vehicles to pass cyclists and walkers safely. Many that travel on this road regularly have a near-miss story to tell and this was tragically emphasised in November by the death of a local cyclist.
“Following the recent upsurge in people walking and cycling, it is imperative that this cycle path is completed without any further delays. The cycle path will protect vulnerable cyclists and walkers and provide a safe route for all ages to partake in active travel between Helensburgh and Dumbarton, including enabling young people to develop healthy commuting habits.”
READ MORE: Letters: Council must show accountability and complete long overdue cycle path
The petition continues: “With Scotland hosting COP26 next year it is an embarrassment that such a busy commuter area does not have an active travel path.
“If you believe this cycle path is important to you, your family, your friends, the wider local community’s mental and physical wellbeing, and the environment, please sign our petition.
“A strong level of public support through signing this petition will send a clear message that we as a community really need and will use this path.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said the authority remains “focussed on providing a dedicated, high quality, accessible walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton”.
READ MORE: Section of major Helensburgh road re-opens after almost six weeks
They added: “While providing cycle paths is not a service the council is obliged to provide, we work hard to develop them in Argyll and Bute by successfully winning competitive funding bids and gaining the support of local landowners.
“The original project, to link Helensburgh with the National Park, was completed. This separate project has needed partner funding to complete every stage.
“We have awarded the design contract for the full route of the cycle path between Helensburgh and Dumbarton. This will be finished by summer 2021.
“Construction of the section linking Cardross rail station to the Geilston Burn has paused until spring 2021. Geilston Burn is a key winter fish breeding ground and our agreement with SEPA does not allow us to work around the burn at this time.
“We hope work can begin again in March 2021, once the fish have left the burn.”
Around 1,000 people have signed the petition; to add your signature, search for ‘Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path’ on change.org.
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