A community group’s crusade to create a new cycle path along a stretch of Moray’s coastline has been backed by the area’s MSP.
Cyclists have raised concerns that the B9040 road between Lossiemouth and Hopeman is too dangerous for them to carry out their hobby on.
The Lossiemouth Community Development Trust claims that motorists can make the six-mile trip a “scary” experience.
The group has revived decade-old blueprints to connect Lossiemouth High School to its feeder primary schools along the coast with a cycle path.
Members have now outlined their determination to see the plans through to Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead.
Last night, Mr Lochhead expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme – which he says could bring more visitors to that part of the region’s coast.
He said: “Building a cycle path between Lossiemouth and Hopeman would be a great boost for local people and visitors alike.
“Such a route is long overdue, especially given that we could eventually have a cycling path linked to other communities such as Elgin and Fochabers.
“I commend the members of the trust for showing determination to make this happen.”
He added: “There is no doubt that cycling is playing a greater role that ever before in terms of tourism as well as improving our health.
“The Moray Firth coast and region generally is an ideal location for cycling and, the better our cycling infrastructure, the more people will get in the saddle.”
The politician is no stranger to the pursuit himself, having taken part in the 66-mile Loch Ness Etape event the past two years.
Melanie Newbould, who leads a local female cycling club called Belles on Bikes, is one of the driving forces behind the campaign.
She said: “Even a short cycle along the B9040 can be a terrifying experience.”
A feasibility study into the path was funded by Moray Council and the pro-cycling Sustrans organisation in 2007.
The Lossiemouth Community Development Trust is now raising the money required to commission new research, in the hope that the old plans can be updated and brought to fruition.
