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 £11 million project is a cornerstone of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £214 million partnership between both 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 (£8.4 million) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5 million), 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 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 today (24 April) at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance.
Very pleased
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Funded by almost £11 million 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 £188 million 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 £45 million 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.”
Sets a new standard
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.”
Transformational
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.”
For more information on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, visit: https://www.stirclacksdeal.com
For more information on Sustrans’ Places for Everyone Funding, visit: www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/places-for-everyone
