DUNFERMLINE has received a £2.2million boost of pedal power to help West Fifers get on their bikes.

Cycle Dunfermline, Fife Council’s bike initiative, has received the cash from Sustrans’ Community Link Programme, with match-funding from the council.

The cash will help set major improvements in gear, including a traffic-free, east-to-west route through Dunfermline, along Carnegie Drive.

The two-year project also includes traffic-free cycle training for all kids and adults; a traffic-free route from the south to the city centre, via Queensferry Road; instructors for every primary and secondary school in Dunfermline; improved routes linking the parks and city centre; a traffic-free route next to William Street and improvements to the Linburn corridor.

Of the cash, around £1mil is expected to be spent in 2014/15 and the rest in the following year, with Fife Council consulting with residents before finalising plans.

The money is part of a £5m pot being invested in Fife cycling projects, with Cycle Glenrothes, the Lochgelly-Ballingry cycle route and Kirkcaldy cycleway link also awarded funding.

Councillor Pat Callaghan, executive spokesperson for environment and transportation, welcomed the news.

He said, “Fife Council has been at the forefront of encouraging people to cycle for over 20 years.

“We’ve over 350 miles of cycleways, many 20mph residential zones and we are continually encouraging people to cycle more.

“We support the Government’s vision that 10 per cent of all trips in Scotland will be by bike in 2020.

“Thanks to the team in transportation we now have an ambitious cycling programme and the funding to deliver it.

“This is great news for Fife. I hope many more of us get out on our bikes and reap the rewards of a healthier lifestyle.”