Fife Council unveil plans for closed-road cycling circuit

Fife Council on Thursday unveiled designs for the Fife Regional Cycling Centre, the area's first purpose-built closed-road cycling circuit, which will host clubs, groups and events, proposed on council land near Lochore Meadows.

The circuit will contain several loops, the largest of which will be 1.6km long, with plans for car parking, a clubhouse and an on-site bike workshop also being considered, subject to funding. The centre could also be used for training for triathlon or other cycling-related disciplines.

>>> Fife Council has received £5 million to invest in cycling

Cllr Mark Hood of Fife Council's executive committee told the Fife Courier: “This would be a fantastic community asset for Fife that would allow the council to deliver a wide range of cycle activities - from toddlers on balance bikes to older people returning to cycling, learning new cycle skills and confidence builders.

“In recent months officers have been working to finalise the plans for the facility and it’s great to see the positive reaction from Fife’s strong cycling community. We are committed to meeting the growing demand to develop cycling in Fife and this is a standout example of how we could do just that. It’s gaining national attention already and with the nearby Lochore Meadows gaining a reputation for its mountain biking and recreational off-road cycling offerings we’re in a strong position to deliver something really special that compliments it here.”

Fife Council officers intend to submit the proposal early next, with building work starting in late 2016 if the plans are approved.

Cllr Hood went on to say: “It’s really important to emphasise why a focus on the long-term wins of investing in sport, physical activity and sustainable travel at a time when the council is facing increasingly tough budget pressures, is vital."