A section of a new shared-use cycle path to link Aberdeen city centre with the Robert Gordon University campus at Garthdee was opened today (July 14).
Aberdeen City Council has overseen the creation of the 0.7 miles stretch of the cycling-walking route along the north bank of the River Dee, between the King George VI Bridge and the Bridge of Dee, under a scheme joint funded by Nestrans and Sustrans.
Work began on the £275,000 project in January to upgrade and widen the existing path to bring it up to the appropriate standard for a shared-use cycle path.
New cycle-friendly access points were created, and solar powered LED lighting studs installed to light the path at night were included in the works, of which ACG Contracts was the main contractor.
There are ongoing schemes this year jointly funded by Nestrans and Sustrans to look at extending the route to Robert Gordon University and also to look into crossing provision for pedestrians and cyclists along the entire route.
Aberdeen City Council regeneration and transport spokesperson Councillor Ross Grant said: “We welcome the opening of the shared path, as Aberdeen City Council is committed to making the city a safer and better place for cyclists of all ages, with a programme of creating more cycle paths and routes in conjunction with Nestrans and Sustrans.
“I’m sure many students – and other people just out enjoying the riverside – will get great use out of the path.”
Nestrans Chairman Councillor Ramsay Milne, said: “The new riverside cycle path is an excellent addition to the existing active travel network in Aberdeen City and Shire, improving links with existing cycle lanes on Market Street towards the City Centre, the Duthie Park and Deeside Way.
“The path follows a beautiful route and will no doubt be popular and well used with walkers, joggers and cyclists alike.
“Nestrans is delighted to continue working with partners on active travel projects across the area which will encourage people to cycle or walk everyday journeys by linking the places people live in with the places they want to travel to.”
Graeme Brown, Infrastructure Partnerships Manager Sustrans, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support the new and improved riverside path between the city centre and the Garthdee campus – a key link which connects local communities with their surroundings, local facilities and each other.
“Sustrans Scotland has been able to contribute to this project using funds from Transport Scotland. We look forward to working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Nestrans to develop further opportunities for people to walk and cycle short, everyday journeys safely and quickly.”
Transport Manager at RGU Judith Logan said: “We actively encourage our staff and students to cycle to the university and it is fantastic that new routes such as this, which provide cyclists with a safe, picturesque way of getting around the city, are being developed.”