Creating a safe path for all between the Skye Bridge and Broadford

Our aim is to establish a safe, traffic-free route for walkers, wheelers and cyclists between Kyleakin and Broadford. This main route to the island is currently served only by a very busy and dangerous trunk road. The new path will encourage greener, active travel; connect communities; and provide leisure opportunities for local residents and visitors.

The route will run from the Kyleakin roundabout at the end of the Skye Bridge to the outskirts of Broadford. It will re-use much of the old road running alongside the busy A87 and then pass through Breakish to link with future island-wide safe routes.

The grassroots project was started in 2017 by a group of volunteers and representatives of local groups, and subsequently developed through a series of open meetings. In 2019 we were awarded funding from Transport Scotland via sustainable transport charity Sustrans to undertake surveys and feasibility studies.  Subsequent funding has enabled us to employ a part time project officer, develop designs and consult with residents and user groups. We have also held a number of volunteer action days.

The working group holds regular update events and is involved in a number of local community events and activities.

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The seven mile stretch of A87 between Broadford and Kyle is a hugely busy road. All Skye Bridge traffic comes this way, including lorries and tourist traffic, and the 60 mph speed limit is often exceeded. While cycling in Skye is increasingly popular, and a more environmentally friendly way to travel for both work and leisure, this is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous route to attempt on two wheels.

Yet alongside much of this busy road sit remnants of an old road running along the shore – largely now hidden, but with much of the tarmac is still in place under the moss and undergrowth. The group’s vision is to re-use this existing structure and extend it to provide a beautiful, safe and convenient path for all non-motorised users – including cyclists, walkers and runners. In due course this could become the start of a ‘green’ transport network across Skye and Wester Ross.

How to get involved

New volunteers are very welcome.  Ways you can get involved include:

  • Helping organise an event
  • Helping with fundraising
  • Help improve access to active travel for less mobile users
  • Helping with administration
  • Publicity and communications
  • Joining the working group

More information

Contact Skye Cycle Way: SCW@broadfordandstrath.org
 

KEY FACTS

Time frame: 2017 – present

Location: A87 between Broadford and Kyle

Benefits to the community: Creating a safe path for all between Broadford and Kyle. Start of a ‘green’ transport network across Skye and Wester Ross.

FUNDERS

Sustrans – Community Links and Places for Everyone Programmes, funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland | Highland Council – Ward Discretionary Fund | Community donation 

 

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