RONDJE NOORDZEE
East Lothian Courier
16 september 2010
The green light has been given to the creation of a long-distance cycle path along the East Lothian coast.
East Lothian Council’s cabinet has put in motion a 10-year-project to develop a North Sea Cycle Route (NSCR), linking coastal settlements and joining a 6,000-mile network of paths around the North Sea.
Development of the proposed cycleway at a cost of around £1.6 million will be subject to availability of funding. It will be part of a larger coastal tourism strategy to promote a range of activities including watersports.
Councillors believe good cycling facilities would attract substantial numbers of visitors from home and abroad. A 2006 study carried out in the north east of England indicated that the NSCR there attracted 60,000 trips per year and injected about £3 million into the local economy.
Councillor Barry Turner, environment spokesman, said: “A coastal route would link the seaside communities and boost recreational and commuter cycling. The cycleway would be marketed on the NSCR website and could attract substantial visitors from the continent where there is a greater tradition of cycling. The route through eight countries on the North Sea passes through many ferry ports linking Britain with Europe, offering the chance to cycle between ports.”
Councillor Stuart MacKinnon, economic development spokesman, agreed: “It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who cycle out to North Berwick, then jump on the train back to Edinburgh. This new cycle route will open up the whole East Lothian countryside.”
Dunbar and East Linton member Jacquie Bell added: “This will bring numerous benefits to Dunbar and East Linton, as well as encouraging more local people to cycle.
“It will encourage people to explore the county by bike, rather than by car. We might have to develop the cycle path incrementally, but it’s still very worthwhile encouraging this.”
The proposed cycle route will join the existing National Cycle Route 76 at Longniddry in the west and Dunbar in the east. It will pass through Aberlady, Gullane, Dirleton, North Berwick, Whitekirk, Tyninghame and West Barns.
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