Lochgelly Cycle Loop

John McComisky, Fife Council Cycle Officer, provided community councillors with an informative presentation about the new plans for the town.

 

Fife Council. John detailed plans for the new cycle loop circuit in Lochgelly.This is part of an ongoing consultation exercise and he has attended several group meetings with local people to talk about the project.

 

Fife Council have funded £1 million for the project and £300k being contributed by the Scottish Government and Sports Scotland each.  This will see a circuit of over 1 kilometre and the development of a club house and car parking facility.  It will entirely fenced in and will be lit throughout.

 

This is first of its kind in Scotland and will add to the work being done across Lochgelly.  They hope to have regular cycling events as well as a range of other sporting activities (e.g. roller blading and running)

 

The Circuit would help to further increase the sense of pride in the community, hosting a facility that is suitable for attracting local, regional and national events as well as excellent local facilities that can be made available for all.

 

• The Circuit would create several employment opportunities including self-employed, opportunities for workforce development, volunteering and engagement with local businesses.
• Users of the facility would bring with them a desire to purchase from local shops and businesses.
• This facility would provide opportunities for all ages and abilities to be physically active on a bike through top level coaching and training opportunities for the community as well as attracting regional, Scottish and British Championship events.
• Introducing a facility within walking distance or with good public transport links will provide an easy to reach place that will impact positively on the community’s health and well-being.This project would put Lochgelly at the forefront of cycling in Scotland with the opportunity to develop a culture of cycling as a normal activity for residents in the area and across Fife.

 

Studies in 2014 concluded that for every £1 invested in sport and physical activity, it saves around £3.20 in future health costs so this really would be a spend to save initiative.  This project links well with the other campaigns that we are involved with.

 

The planning process concludes in June and work should commence in October.  Further details are available through Fife Direct (see links page).

 

If you more information then you can contact John through the email address below

 

John.McComisky@fife.gov.uk

 

If you want to view the plans on the development of the Cycle Loop, the address below will take you to Fife Councils planning site

 

www.fifedirect.org.uk/planning 

 

This is yet another massive investment for Lochgelly and the Community Council are pleased to offer our support.