A new cycle path has been officially opened in North Lanarkshire.

The 1km route runs from Calderbank to Airdrie and has been made possible by the local authority with funding available from Sustrans and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

A section of the new path is part of the South Airdrie Path Network and under the recent investment, it has been widened and resurfaced with tarmac to improve the route for users. Solar studs were also installed along the edges of the path to assist as guides for those using the route as dusk. In addition, a new foot and cycle path were constructed alongside the road into Calderbank.

The path has created access to employment opportunities in Airdrie for local residents, and enhanced local routes for leisure and recreational purposes; while at the northern end of the route, the path connects into recently improved cycle paths through Brownsburn Park, adding to the local network.

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At Calderbank Primary School, a new cycle shelter was also unveiled. Located in the playground, the shelter covers an existing rack of cycle stands and allows children to cycle to and from school and store their bikes safely.

Welcoming the investment, Councillor David Fagan, Convener of Regeneration Services, said: "This is an excellent new development for the communities along the path from Calderbank to Airdrie, and for the wider cycle network across North Lanarkshire. It open up an attractive leisure route for local people to enjoy, as well as linking to other cycle paths that allow people to cycle to and from nearby business locations."

John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, added: "Sustrans Scotland is very pleased to see this path being officially opened. We contributed funding towards its installation through our 'Community Links Programme' – a grant scheme run by Sustrans, on behalf of Transport Scotland, which provides funding for the creation of walking and cycling infrastructure for everyday journeys.

"The new path will provide people with a safe, off road option for cycling and walking those day to day trips, such as commuting to work or getting to school. Hopefully this, together with the new cycle shelter at Calderbank Primary School, will give more children in the area the opportunity to start their school day off with a revitalising bike ride."

(JP/IT)