An active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
And people are being asked to have their say on another new walking, wheeling and cycling route that will link Bridge of Allan and Dunblane to Stirling and the wider region.
Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has created two new cycling, walking and wheeling corridors of more than 6.5 km that connect communities, businesses and higher education institutes across the city.
The £11m project is a cornerstone of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £214m partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish governments.
It has been funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme (£8.4m) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5m), and by Stirling Council from developer contributions (£325,000).
Route one links Stirling Train Station and the University of Stirling, taking in iconic landmarks like the Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way.
Route two has bridged the gaps between Forth Valley College and Stirling’s historic city centre under the shadow of Stirling Castle.
The new infrastructure will also lay the foundations for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region, and support the objectives of Stirling Council’s Climate and Nature Emergency Plan.
The project was officially opened last week at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Funded by almost £11m from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys.
“This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions. To support the ambitions of Scotland’s local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188m into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.
“To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £45m through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. The Deal aims to create 5,000 jobs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling by boosting transport, tourism, training, business growth and projects to tackle climate change.”
Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston, said: “I’m thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected.
“Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region.
“The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it’s going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses. I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.”
Simon Strain, head of programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans, said: “Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city. Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys.
“Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We’re delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.”
Dunblane
A further project looks to link Bridge of Allan and Dunblane to Stirling and the wider region.
Phase 1 of the project will connect Bridge of Allan (at the junction of Keir Street and Fountain Road) with the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling infrastructure on Airthrey Road (at the Hillfoots Road junction) near the University of Stirling.
Phase 2 will connect Bridge of Allan to Dunblane via the A9 and B8033 as far as the Dunblane Centre roundabout.
The project is part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal Active Travel Routes Programme. It is being partly-funded by the Scottish Government through the City Region Deal. A bid for the remaining funding required for Phase 1 of the project has been submitted to Transport Scotland.
More details about the scheme, including maps and illustrations, and a survey to provide feedback and suggestions, are now live on the Engage Stirling website.
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “This project will connect Dunblane and Bridge of Allan to Stirling and other communities in the region along a safe and accessible active travel route.
“It will give people the option of walking or cycling rather than having to take the car, opening up access to destinations such as workplaces and businesses, schools, further and higher education settings, public transport hubs and visitor attractions. Along with environmental and social benefits, this exciting project will also support economic growth in a number of areas including in the key tourism sector, with connections to the National Cycle Network and other travel infrastructure.
“We want to ensure the new route meets the needs of our communities and other potential users so please share your ideas and feedback in the online survey on Engage Stirling.”
The survey will close at midnight on Saturday 31 May.
