Cycle routes in Glasgow get £1million boost from council

Nearly £1million is to be spent on cycling and walking routes in Glasgow's East End because the city council wants to encourage more healthy lifestyles in an area of chronic ill health. The council also plans to give better cycling and walking access to job and education opportunities in the city.

The scheme involves infrastructure upgrading of three routes: Clydeside Cycle/Walkway, London Road between Glasgow Green and Springfield Road, and Gallowgate, from Trongate to Parkhead Cross.

There will also be a campaign to encourage residents of Parkhead, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton to use active, sustainable modes of transport. Additional funds will come from Clyde Gateway URC, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, and the Scottish Parliament at Holyroood.

The project will form key connections to the 2014 Commonwealth Games sites at Parkhead and Dalmarnock.

Some 7,500 people took part in the Glasgow Skyride last month, with councillors hoping that the event would encourage more people to get back on their saddles more often.

And the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow should also help to improve the health and fitness of Glaswegians, with a £23.5million investment providing a lasting legacy for Scotland.

The legacy plan was unveiled in Glasgow this week by Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond. A number of smaller legacies make up the grand plan, including an improved transport infrastructure in Glasgow at a number of levels, from the M74 completion and East End Regeneration Route bringing greater accessibility and flexibility to the road system to better walking and cycling routes around the city.

And the new world-class venues being constructed, including the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the east end, will be available to the city’s people as part of the Commonwealth Games' legacy.