PLANS for a new cycle network on Syke have been given a huge boost thanks to a £90,000 grant.
The money will be used to support the Skye Cycle Network project run by volunteers on the island which aims to reopen the former A87 road between Kyleakin and Broadford as a cycle path and identify other cycle paths in the Edinbane area.
Funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme, the project aims to provide safe to use links in and between communities on Skye.
Run by destination management organisation SkyeConnect, it will build on two active travel projects already underway in Skye, each delivering new cycle and walking routes from Broadford to Kyleakin and around the Edinbane area.
The Skye Cycle Network project will ask for public views on what infrastructure they would like to see in their local areas. A spokesman said they hoped reopening the former A87 road - which runs next to the new A87 - would be the first step in leading to an 'island-wide' network of paths for visitors and locals.
"There is widespread support locally for a path that will be safe for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages, that will link communities and increase connectivity, provide low carbon transport options, and offer recreational and tourism opportunities," he said.
Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects have been appointed to deliver a series of local consultations, as well as the surveying and planning of potential routes.
Mark Crowe of "Skye Bike Shack" has been recruited as a Project Officer on behalf of SkyeConnect.
He said:"Where possible the project will seek to reuse lengths of old road, quiet single-track roads and existing core path networks to enable recreational and commuting travel both within and between communities on Skye.
"We will be consulting over the next few months before we move towards surveying, planning and further consultation."
Alistair Danter, Project Manager for SkyeConnect, added:"This is a great opportunity to develop a network of safe routes that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for generations.
"When we submitted the application, we could not have predicted the impact Covid-19 would have on our lives. These safe routes will be more important than ever in the new reality after lockdown."
Sjoerd Tel, infrastructure coordinator for Places for Everyone, is looking forward to moving the Skye project forward onto the local consultation and planning stages.
He said: "Active travel is just as important for rural communities as it is for urban ones.
"The Trans Skye Cycle Trail project really demonstrates that. Sustrans are delighted to support SkyeConnect in their efforts to create a safe and accessible active travel network for residents and visitors on Skye."
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