Scottish transport bosses want to build a cycling centre in the heart of Moray’s biggest town to encourage residents to use their bikes and cut down on congestion.
Organisers behind the scheme are canvassing local opinion on where in Elgin would best to site the building – which will feature storage space, repair equipment and bikes for hire.
Transport Scotland has been granted £14million from the European Union to carry out the environmentally friendly initiative across the country.
The government body has now enlisted Aberdeen-based consultancy firm Aecom to perform feasibility studies into creating an “active travel hub” in Elgin.
Aecom transport planner, Iain Hamilton, said the idea was at too early a juncture for him to offer an idea of the money required to create such a building in Elgin.
Mr Hamilton added: “Right now, we are trying to work out the size of centre Elgin would need and we won’t be able to estimate a price until we determine that.
“The building would have to provide a focal point for walking and cycling routes, and be within easy reach of public transport facilities.
“We need to speak to the public to make sure we are offering them the sort of centre they want, with the right features.
“The form it takes will be decided by what we end up deciding to put into it.”
Planners say the complex will hire out bikes adapted to suit disabled people, or with pushchairs attached.
It could even feature an indoor “educational space” for children to learn about healthy living.
The team behind the enterprise delivered a presentation about it during a meeting of Elgin Community Council on Tuesday night.
They revealed that possible locations earmarked for the venture include Cooper Park and the top deck of the St Giles Centre car park.
Mr Hamilton said that spots on the High Street, at Moray Leisure Centre and in the Lossie Green car park were also being considered.
Elgin City South councillor, Graham Leadbitter, said offering residents a safe place to keep their bikes in the centre of Elgin would persuade more of them to cycle to work.
He added: “One of the biggest barriers to people cycling more is the lack of secure storage for their bikes in the town.”
