Sustainable transport charity Sustrans last week (Thursday, May 26) announced funding towards the delivery of cycling and walking projects across Scotland.
The regional North-east area is set to benefit from investment of £1.3million in new infrastructure to help people of all ages and abilities make more journeys by foot and bicycle.
Through its Community Links programme, Sustrans is match funding projects in the region to the value of £669,000 which has been committed by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans.
The Community Links programme provides grant funding for the creation of infrastructure across Scotland that enables more people to cycle and walk for everyday journeys. Sustrans provides up to 50% of the funding required for a project.
Projects across the North-east include the development and design of those identified within the five Integrated Travel Town Masterplans across Aberdeenshire, and further work on the Deeside Way around Aboyne.
Additionally, there are 11 projects within Aberdeen City, including the detailed design for the continuation of the Riverside Cycle path from Bridge of Dee to Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Derick Murray, director of Nestrans, welcomed the funding announcement: “Cycling and walking are efficient and healthy options for travel but both depend on the provision of good, safe routes and facilities.
“This welcome funding will allow local authorities to deliver various projects to encourage people to walk and cycle safely in and around their communities using the new infrastructure.
“The Community Links programme is a fantastic initiative which enables us to take these worthy projects to be taken forward and the funding is testament to the collaborative working of Sustrans with local authorities and partner agencies.”