Stirling Council will host a public drop-in event to showcase concept design drawings for the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project in the Cowane Centre on Wednesday 26th February.

Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is aiming to transform two key transport routes in Stirling so that they are easier and safer to travel around on foot and bike.

The project is seeking to protect the environment by making improvements to routes from the city centre to Forth Valley College, and from Stirling Station to the University of Stirling.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the concept designs at the Cowane Centre on Wednesday 26th February between 1.30pm and 6.30pm.

Stirling Council is working in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Forth Environment Link to create more accessible, attractive and safer environments for walking and cycling.

As well as creating a new active travel network, Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling will also reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and create more dynamic public spaces along both routes, helping to make the city a better place for people to live, work and visit.

Convenor of Stirling Council's Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Jim Thomson, said: "These ambitious plans are not just about bringing new cycle lanes to the city – we are committed to helping change how people in our communities travel and to improving our neighbourhoods.

-- Advertisement --

"The provision of walking and cycling routes will have a positive impact on the environment and carbon emissions. It will also allow everyone to get around independently, including children and people with disabilities, while we also hope to achieve a reduction in both traffic volume and speed in our local neighbourhoods."

Vice Convenor, Councillor Danny Gibson, also said: "Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling will make walking, cycling and wheeling more accessible, pleasant and safe along these two routes. We are keen that the community are as involved as possible in the delivery of these plans and I would encourage residents to come along to the Cowane Centre on Wednesday to discuss the project with our team and offer their own views."

Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is part funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland's Community Links PLUS competition. Additional funding for the project is to be drawn from the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and contributions from local development.

Route 1: Stirling Station to the University of Stirling

The route between Stirling station and the University of Stirling is currently one of the most popular links in the city for people travelling by foot or bike.

The project will help to create safer and more attractive streets where walking and cycling is prioritised and provide improved links from residential areas and the city centre to destinations including the University of Stirling and Wallace High school. The project will also:

• Improve connections from Stirling's communities living north of the river to the city centre and other key destinations.

• Improve walking and cycling for visitors between the city centre (including Stirling Castle), Stirling Bridge, the river and the Wallace Monument.

• Improve the quality of the National Cycle Network.

Route 2: City centre to Forth Valley College

The College Route will improve the look and feel of streets including Upper Craigs, Dumbarton Road, and Albert Place.

The proposals include resurfacing and widening pavements and creating safer crossing points, alongside protected cycle lanes. The route will also:

• Bring residents and visitors to the Forth Valley College and draw people from the city centre to destinations including the Albert Halls, Smith Art Gallery and King's Knot.

• Provide a walking and cycling link to the Forth Valley College from the city centre.

(MH/JG)