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Bike Glenlivet blazes a trail as one of first announced for cash boost from Cycling Facilities Fund


By Lorna Thompson

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BIKE Glenlivet is on track for a near-£13,000 boost to create a new all-abilities mountain bike trail.

The centre is one of nine community and club cycling projects in Scotland in line for cash from the Cycling Facilities Fund.

The Scottish Government and sportscotland announced the first projects to receive investment from the £8 million fund to develop accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities, with £12,933 going to Bike Glenlivet.

The fund aims to inspire new and existing cyclists to make cycling a sport for life.

The Bike Glenlivet project will see the extension of its current all-abilities blue trail to create a 5km loop that builds on the wide range of activities already available.

The trail will be accessible to riders of all levels, including people using all-terrain wheelchairs.

Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust believes the project will have a significant impact on participation, particularly for young people, women and girls, people with a disability and those who live in a rural location.

Oliver Giles, trust development manager, said: "Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust are delighted to receive this funding from sportscotland to install a new all-abilities blue trail at Bike Glenlivet.

"We’re excited to be working with the centre operators Bike Glenlivet and landowner Crown Estate Scotland to deliver another great trail at the centre which has become the must-visit mountain biking location in the Cairngorms National Park."

Bike Glenlivet has been announced as one of the first recipients of Cycling Facilities Fund investment to create a new all-abilities trail.
Bike Glenlivet has been announced as one of the first recipients of Cycling Facilities Fund investment to create a new all-abilities trail.

The Cycling Facilities Fund was established to build on the growing interest in cycling by developing a network of accessible facilities to encourage people of all ages to ride bikes and enjoy the sport.

There has been huge interest in the fund, which is open to clubs, education establishments, councils or leisure trusts, charitable organisations, community sport hubs and community organisations.

Sports Minister Maree Todd said: "I am delighted to see this investment in community and club cycling projects across Scotland which will hopefully encourage more people to take up cycling for the benefits to their physical, mental and social health.

"I want us to build on the enthusiasm for cycling this year and see even more people choosing to cycle for recreation and active travel.

"Scotland hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships gives us a great opportunity to use the power of the bike to help meet our transport, health and environmental aims, as well as supporting the events industry through its recovery.

"As part of Scotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen thousands of people embrace the benefits of cycling, and I hope that the excitement generated as we build up to this major event will encourage even more people to get active on their bikes."


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