Skye Cycle Way
Creating a safe path for all between Broadford and Kyle
A group of volunteers and representatives from local groups are working together to establish a safe cycle path between Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh. In January 2019 the group was awarded funding from Sustrans Community Links to undertake surveys and feasibility studies as the first phase of path development. In September 2019 further funding was announced, through Sustrans Places for Everyone, to develop designs and to employ a part time project officer.
The group holds regular open meetings and organises occasional path-clearing action days.There are also plans to hold community events and other activities.
New volunteers are very welcome. Ways you can get involved include:
- Helping organise an event
- Helping with fundraising
- Helping with administration
- Publicity and communications
For more information follow Skye Cycle Way on Facebook: @SkyeBikeRunWalk
SKYE CYCLE WAY – HAVE YOUR SAY
We are currently consulting on the route between Broadford and Ashaig. Working with the community and engineering consultants we have identified three possible options. One of these options will be taken to the next stage of Concept Design.
We would like to hear your thoughts. Download Map 1 and Map 2 produced by the engineers for further information. Then complete our short feedback survey:
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZCTCJ7Q
Deadline Friday 27th March
When giving your feedback please bear in mind that the path should be suitable for all users including walkers, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and cyclists – both leisure and commuting.
If you have difficulty downloading the maps or completing the survey please email mail@broadfordandstrath.org
The three route options are:
‘Waterloo Road option’ (maps 1 – 5): From Broadford, along Waterloo and through Breakish. This would entail adding a 1.2m wide footpath along the shore side of the Waterloo Road, requiring rock armour to be built out at certain points. The current footpath that links Waterloo and Lower Breakish would need to be improved, and a new bridge built across the burn.
‘Committee Road option’ (maps 6 – 9) From Broadford, a controlled crossing at the Sleat Road junction would lead to a new shared footpath/cycleway along the north side of the A87 then along the Committee Road through Breakish. This would entail constructing a new footpath alongside the north side of the Committee Road for walkers, allowing cyclists to use the carriageway, improving passing places and restricting traffic speeds.
‘A87 Option’ (also shown on maps 6 – 9): This would entail improving, widening and constructing a continuous shared footpath and cycleway along the south side of the A87 through Upper Breakish, with a second controlled road crossing to the north side at the Committee Road junction.
DEADLINE FOR FEEDBACK 27th MARCH
Thank you.
READ MORE
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.
KEY FACTS
Time frame: 2017 – Present
Funding:
£1000 Ward Discretionary Fund – Highland Council
£500 – Member donation £146,000 –Sustrans Community Links / Places for Everyone programmes funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland
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:
Highland Council – Ward Discretionary Fund | Member donation | Sustrans
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