Cash boost for new East Neuk cycle path plan

From left, Kevin Lancaster, Gerald Cooper, Carl van der Lee and Cllr Elizabeth Riches.

Cyclists in north east Fife are a pedal stroke nearer having another safe cycle path.

Sustrans, the charity that promotes travelling by foot, bike or public transport for everyday journeys, has pledged more than £280,000 for a shared-use path between the East Neuk’s two main towns.

The money matches funding already agreed by Fife Council.

The aim is to have a path linking main venues, shops and harbour area in Anstruther and Pittenweem, and to continue on to Cellardyke and Kilrenny.

The path would allow children to cycle safely to school and help people with mobility scooters to go off-road.

It will also provide walkers and runners with additional routes.

East Neuk councillor Elizabeth Riches welcomed the latest development.

“This will enable work to be started on the design, which Sustrans will need to approve before the full funding is released,” she said.

“In addition, this will all be subject to successful agreements being concluded with landowners along the route.”

A cycling sub-group of Anstruther Community Council has been working on the plan.

Cllr Riches added: “This is not the limit of our ambition as we hope eventually to have a cycle track linking all the East Neuk villages.

“We also welcome the work St Andrews University is carrying out to link the town to Kingsbarns and Crail.”

Transition, which works with the university and local community on carbon reduction projects, has funding to investigate the possibility of developing this route for commuters, visitors, businesses and schoolchildren.