The first bikes have travelled down a new cycle path in Moray’s biggest town that is aimed at keeping them off busy roads.
The upgraded route, which is nearly a mile long, has been built as part of the project to replace Elgin High School.
Contractors have spent six months widening the path in the south-west of the town to 10 feet as part of the £310,000 project. Cyclists will now be able to use the route while allowing space for walkers.
The project, which has been funded by travel charity Sustrans, links with a network of other walking routes to connect residents among the booming New Elgin population with the school.
Tree-lined avenues will guide pupils towards the entrance of the new £29million secondary school once it has opened in October.
It is expected that the walking and cycling route will prove popular with those attending evening events at the school, with the facility doubling as a community centre outwith normal teaching hours.
Elgin City South councillor John Divers explained the path would build on a “legacy” of creating similar projects.
He said: “It’s something Moray Council has been doing for years, trying to get people to walk and cycle. We’ve got one of the best records in the country in it, and especially in Elgin.
“In the south of the town, we’ve worked very well in conjunction with developers to provide these routes as the new homes have been built.
“There are a lot more cycle paths in the Elgin South masterplan, particularly on the old railway line. It is something of which we can be rightly proud.”
Moray Council’s transport technician Katherine Forrest explained the new route would provide a safe path in a busy part of the town.
She added: “The old narrow path has been upgraded to provide adequate space for both cyclists and pedestrians to safely use the shared path and enjoy the journeys.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank local residents for their goodwill and cooperation during the six months the contractor was on site.”
