SCOTS locals have welcomed the arrival of a new £1.25m community outdoor cycling circuit, which opened on Sunday.
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd opened the West Lothian Cycle Circuit in Linlithgow amid a ten year vision from the local community.
Linlithgow Community Development Trust (LCDT) has created the circuit to support both professional cyclists and the local community.
Sir Chris Hoy, Katie Archibald and Ben Rowlings, among others, have supported the project.
The 1km traffic-free, tarmac circuit made up of 4 loops is fenced and floodlit for safe all year round use.
Funding for the circuit came from the Cycling Facilities Fund from Sport Scotland and Scottish Cycling, West Lothian Council and a range of external funders.
The circuit is being offered as a training facility for athletes coming to Scotland for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Cycling Championships this August.
However, the circuit is also intended to be a new cornerstone for the community, with weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions available for locals.
Maree Todd said: “With only a few months to go until the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, it is great to see the Cycling Facilities Fund continue to contribute to a long-lasting active legacy, helping people to improve their physical, mental and social health through cycling.”
Carole Racionzer, chair of LCDT, said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming professional cyclists to Linlithgow but equally thrilled the local community will have this exceptional asset to support people learning to cycle and to cycle safely.”
The circuit is now open for individual drop in sessions, club use and organised activities.
