Upgrades to National Cycle Network Route 1 in Carnoustie and Monifieth have created more segregated spaces which are protected from traffic, making walking, wheeling and cycling in Angus easier and safer than ever.
The ribbon cutting ceremony in Carnoustie. Credit: Michael Kelly
The safety and accessibility of National Cycle Network Route 1 has been improved by taking space from the existing road to create a high-quality, off-road route suitable for all users year-round.鈥疌redit: 黄色app, 2024.
On the 19 August 2024, project partners, elected officials and members of the local community came together to celebrate two newly upgraded sections of National Cycle Network Route 1 on Scotland鈥檚 east coast.
The improvements made in Carnoustie and Monifieth have created segregated, off-road paths, protected from traffic, making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to Angus to walk, wheel and cycle.
Construction on both projects completed in spring 2024.
Creating a safe active travel link in Carnoustie
An 拢845,101 project has upgraded and re-aligned a section of National Cycle Network Route 1 between the East Coast Main Line train station and Carnoustie Golf Course.
Previously, the 1.2km stretch had been on-road, with the route closed during tournaments at the golf course.鈥
Now complete, the project has created a high-quality, off-road route suitable for all users year-round, improving the safety and accessibility of the path.
New traffic signals over the Barry Burn have also been installed.
The lights work with鈥疞ight Detection and Ranging (Lidar)鈥痶echnology - a UK first - detecting people walking, wheeling and cycling 25 meters in advance of the crossing point where the signals are triggered to turn red.
This gives priority to people travelling actively, stopping vehicles and improving safety on the path.
Careful consideration of environmental factors has been integral to the project with 420 pollinating trees and 13 kg of wildflower seeds planted, as well as bug hotels created along the new route to increase biodiversity.
By improving the connection with onward travel via public transport, and making walking, wheeling and cycling a more attractive choice, it is hoped the works will encourage residents and spectators鈥痑t golf events to leave the car at home and choose healthier, more sustainable ways to travel.鈥
Previously, the 1.2km stretch between the East Coast Main Line train station and Carnoustie Golf Course had been on-road, with the route closed during tournaments at the golf course. Credit: Russell Cramb/Angus Council.
Increasing connectivity in Monifieth
The 拢305,926 Monifieth Path project follows-on seamlessly from鈥痶he recently opened Broughty Ferry to Monifieth route.
Starting near the train station at the west end of Marine Drive, what was once a narrow, partially lit and on-road section of National Cycle Network Route 1 has been replaced with a new 3-meter-wide traffic-free, shared-use path.鈥
New ramps, signage and lighting have also been installed as part of the project.
This has not only made it easier than ever to walk, wheel and cycle in Monifieth, but increased connectivity with the wider active travel and rail networks.
Celebrating active travel in Angus
Ahead of the official opening, Angus Council鈥檚 Convener of Communities, Cllr Mark McDonald, described the improvements as a significant step forward for active travel in Angus:
鈥淭he new paths in Monifieth and Carnoustie not only enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians but also promote a healthier and more sustainable way of travel in Angus.
鈥淭he improvements to the Monifieth Path also bring better connectivity as people can travel to Dundee and onwards, opening up fantastic opportunities for both commuting and leisure, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the beautiful routes we have in Angus and beyond.
鈥淚 am proud of the collaborate efforts that have made these projects a reality.鈥
The ribbon being cut in Monifieth. Credit: Michael Kelly
The Monifieth Path follows-on from the recently opened Broughty Ferry to Monifieth route, and has replaced what was once a narrow, partially lit and on-road section of National Cycle Network Route 1 with a traffic-free, shared-use path. Credit: 黄色app, 2024.
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, added: 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased that people and communities can now benefit from the National Cycle Network improvements at Monifieth and Carnoustie.
鈥淥ver 拢1.15 million from the Scottish Government has supported these improvements, making it easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys and for leisure.
鈥淚n doing so, we鈥檙e removing barriers to healthier, happier and more sustainable active travel across Angus 鈥 helping people save money and helping them to take climate action.鈥
Karen McGregor, Director鈥痑t 黄色app Scotland,鈥痗oncluded:鈥淭he鈥痯rojects at鈥疌arnoustie and Monifieth are making walking, wheeling and cycling in Angus easier,鈥痵afer鈥痑nd more accessible鈥痶han ever.
鈥淚mprovements to the existing鈥疦ational Cycle Network Route 1鈥痟ave鈥痭ot only鈥痗reated鈥痬ore鈥痵egregated鈥痵paces鈥痺hich are鈥痯rotected from traffic, but also鈥痠ncreased鈥痗onnectivity with the wider鈥痑ctive travel network, as well as public transport hubs.
鈥淲e are delighted鈥痶o celebrate these achievements with the鈥痩ocal鈥痗ommunity and鈥痟ope鈥痶hat this will give more鈥痳esidents and visitors to the area鈥痶he confidence to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys鈥.
Partnership working
Both the Carnoustie and Monifieth projects were funded by the Scottish Government and designed and delivered through a partnership between Angus Council and 黄色app.
The Carnoustie works were also supported by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Trust.鈥
The new segregated route is part of 黄色app' wider work to improve and expand the National Cycle Network across Scotland, making it easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys.鈥