Home   News   Article

Councillor brings forward proposal for Green Routes trial in Aberdeenshire


By David Porter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Garioch councillor Martin Ford is set to raise a proposal with Aberdeenshire Council to trial Green Routes at several locations in Aberdeenshire.

Councillor Martin Ford
Councillor Martin Ford

In a report to members of the infrastructure services committee which meets next Thursday he explained the background to the plan.

He said: "From early spring 2020 the UK was in lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

"People, industry and world leaders were faced with unprecedented challenges.

"With travel restrictions in place, people and businesses were forced to consider how to continue to function.

"Technology has played a key role with improved broadband, online meeting rooms and cloud-based working supporting home working and virtual conferencing on a massive level.

"With concerns about social distancing on public transport there has been a noticeable move towards traditional modes of travel, walking and cycling.

"People have taken to walking and cycling either for commuting purposes or as part of the daily exercise regime.

"Social distancing measures have led many authorities including Aberdeenshire to reconsider how road space is allocated to support more active travel, with this forced change in behaviour, there is an opportunity to capitalise on this new awareness of sustainable travel, cement any positive behaviour change and be more ambitious in tackling the issues around private car use.

He continued: "With a reduction in road traffic, road space became a valuable resource for many to walk or cycle for their daily exercise; reduced traffic volume essentially freed up a larger part of the road network for active travel use.

"This space became particularly important for many rural communities where access to good quality walking networks can be limited.

Unlike Strategic Cycle Routes and Community Corridors which are a longer-term project which aims to encourage greater uptake of active travel modes as everyday transportation within the Aberdeenshire area Green Route or Quite Lanes are on road and therefore does not separate those travelling by active travel modes from motor traffic.

Green Routes have previously been considered by officers but not progressed due to conflict with existing policies on setting of speed limits and instead it was requested that officers progress a trial of a similar scheme to Green Routes instead.

He continued: "With work already well underway between Economic Development colleagues and VisitAberdeenshire to promote the area as a cycle destination for Great Aberdeenshire Road summits, opportunities would exist to capitalise also on great walking routes.

Extensive work carried out by officers in relation to active travel in rural locations means that the following three routes have been identified for inclusion in the trial should it be given the green light -

Polinar Dam “loop” Inverurie - This is a popular route with those traveling by active means due to low traffic volumes. It forms a recreation circular route from Blackhall Road to St James Place.

Woodhead of Fyvie to Gight and the Ythan Trail - This route would support the aspirations of the Formartine Partnership to develop a long distance walking trail between Fyvie and Newburgh. In the interim, promotion of this section as a quiet route would support local community access to nearby Gight Woods and forestry trails.

Fernie Brae Road, Cornhill, Banff - This route could form part of a circular walk in the Cornhill area and would link to proposed infrastructure that the local community are proposing.

He explains: "It is appreciated that there may be other alternatives locations that members wish to consider for a trial, however the three locations identified by officers are thought to meet the criteria required for a trial.

"If the Committee approves the trial, further work to ensure that these sites are suitable will be progressed and it is anticipated that the trial can begin in Spring 2021 with a potential report back to Infrastructure Services Committee in November 2021.

"From a leisure, tourism and events point of view, Aberdeenshire is well placed to position itself as a destination for cycling and adventure tourism as in 2021 and 2022, Aberdeenshire, with Aberdeen City will host the Tour of Britain Cycling

"The Council is working with Opportunity North East, VisitAberdeenshire, Developing Mountain Biking Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to position the area as having the facilities and opportunities to promote active tourism in our great outdoors.

"Cycling and walking on safe routes are key to this opportunity.

"Delivery of these actions will require input and assistance from other organisations such as Nestrans, Sustrans, Cairngorms National Park Association and community groups.

"There are good examples of partnership working in active travel with such groups and the Council can lead some aspects but can also support others to achieve the shared goals of improving active travel infrastructure in Aberdeenshire. "


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More