Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has launched a public consultation to get the views of local residents and businesses on ambitious changes proposed to the town.
Part-funded by Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places For Everyone programme, the project aims to transform two key routes in Stirling to make them easier and safer to travel around on foot, by bike and by wheel.
The project will join the city centre and Forth Valley College, and Stirling Station and the University of Stirling with new or upgraded routes.
Sustrans Scotland’s Head of Infrastructure, Matt MacDonald, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Stirling Council to make these key routes more attractive, safer and more convenient for the people of Stirling to travel actively on.
“Stirling Council have put forward bold plans for Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling, which will create healthier, happier places for everyone to live, work and play.
"We are looking forward to hearing ideas and comments from people across Stirling as to how we can make these routes even better for residents and visitors alike.”
Additional funding for the project is to be drawn from the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and contributions from local development.
Forth Environment Link is providing support for the project to help create more accessible, attractive and safer environments for walking and cycling.
Stirling Council’s Chief Operating Officer, Environment and Infrastructure, Brian Roberts said: “These ambitious plans are not just about bringing new cycle lanes to the city – we are also committed to helping change how people in our communities travel and to improving our neighbourhoods.
“The provision of walking and cycling routes will 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.
“We are keen that the community are fully involved in helping formulate these plans and I would encourage residents to come along to the Albert Halls on Tuesday to discuss the project with our team and offer their own views.”
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.
You can comment on the proposed routes and make suggestions for improvements at https://walkcyclelivestirling.commonplace.is/
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.
Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling will help to create safer and more attractive streets for walking, cycling and wheeling.
As well as Stirling Station and the University Stirling, the route will connect with Wallace High School and Causewayhead. 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
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
- Construction of the Raploch Street Design Project
