Buckie saddles up for £25k Active Travel cycling boost
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PEDAL power in Buckie has been handed a £25,000 boost thanks to a community-focused funding package.
Moray Council has completed installation of cycle parking, bike repair stations and pumps promised earlier this year for Buckie and the surrounding area as part of their Active Travel scheme.
Moray Council’s Active Travel team invited Buckie residents to cast their votes on how £25,000 should be spent on cycle infrastructure in and around the area. The funding was allocated through the council’s Participatory Budgeting process, which gives local people the opportunity to decide where public money is spent in their communities.
Following feedback from residents, a bike repair station, pump and cycle parking area was installed at Cluny Square. Cycle stands are now in place at Marchmont Business Park, while Buckie Community Centre boasts a bike repair station and pump. Strathlene has a new bike repair station, pump, and cycle stands and Buckpool Harbour is home to cycle stands.
Moray Council Leader Kathleen Robertson said: “These installations give residents more choice in how they travel round town, provide health benefits through reduced congestion and better air quality and these areas also have the potential to help the people of Buckie to save money.”
The move was welcomed by Buckie's three councillors, Sonya Warren, John Stuart and Neil McLennan.
Councillor Warren said: "Buckie was fortunate to attract funding as part of the Active Travel strategy to help make getting about by alternative methods to driving.
"It's great to see the Participatory Budgeting giving the community the opportunity to have their say in where and how the Active Travel funding was used.
"The public clearly identified the lack of bike parking in the centre of Buckie, resulting in this bike station being located in the square. Hopefully it will be well used and encourage people to cycle to the centre of town."
Councillor Stuart commented: "It is great to see the installation of the cycle parking, pump, and repair station in support of active travel.
"I know the design may not be everyone's cup of tea, but at least you won't miss it."
Councillor McLennan added: “It is always interesting to see the range of things pubic monies are spent on.
"In this case, community feedback contributed to decision making which many would like to see more.
"I will be interested to see uptake of these resources and whether they achieve the aims of what they are set out to do.”
The Buckie active travel project is one of 23 schemes Moray Council put in place across Moray in the first 12 months of its five-year Active Travel Strategy (2022-2027). The strategy aims to promote more non-motorised travel for residents and visitors, like walking and cycling.
