Inclusive Cycling Track
Ray Smith is the Chairman of the Dalmellington Parish Development Trust a trustee of the 9 Community Council group and a board member of the CCLP. He is leading the project to build the inclu-sive cycle track in Dalmellington.
"The funding from the CCLP allowed us to invest heavily in the track. It is a £455,000 project with 40% coming from the CCLP and the balance through the community wind farm benefit. The track is under construction now and making good progress after a slow start. It was a real eye opener for me just how much funding is available."
The track is approximately 370 meters of flat tarmac that will simulate a real road layout. This will allow kids to do their cycling proficiency in a safe way before they need to go out into traffic.
The track is accessible to everyone including elderly and disabled users through having adaptive cycles available to take people out on, as well as for hire.
As the active travel route passes right alongside the gate it will be easy to get to.
It is not just cycles either, other users are welcome. The plan is to have remote control cars using the area as well.
"There are four big nursing homes in the area so we can bring residents here for some out-door activities. The inclusive cycles mean they don't need to be able to cycle themselves, someone can take them even if they are frail, disabled or blind. We are also working to help with physical rehabilitation and stroke recovery.""
The track and cycle hire will employ two staff directly with scope for other opportunities as spin offs.
The site has been derelict for a long time as it was the site of the old school before the new one was built.
The active travel route runs on the other side if the trees and the car park is shared with the sports fields and community center. There is hope that in the future the next phase will include a pump track for skaters and BMX users.
In the longer term still, the active travel route may connect all the way to Loch Doon, the proposed National park and the development at Breezyhill and the North Kyle masterplan.
"This project gives people a reason to come to Dalmellington and stop for a while. We need more here to attract folk into the town to boost the economy. To have something to eat, use the shops and facilities. We are the gateway to the Galloway tourist route. The community development fund finally gives us a chance to do something to attract visitors. Things are looking more hopeful."
Sharon Smith is the Development officer for Dalmellington Parish Community Development Trust. Alongside colleague Lorraine Mair they are responsible for administering the South Kyle wind farm community benefit fund.
"The inclusive cycle track is too good an opportunity for the community to miss out on. With the government pushing health, wellbeing, inclusivity and accessibility. It is not just an addi-tional facility for local people, it will help attract tourists and visitors as it ties in with the active travel route, cycle hire and sports fields. I'd love to see the parish totally regenerated. We have been working on doing that for years. I hope the projects last and we can build on that legacy. You always have to be positive and look forward."
There is inspiration to build upon already in place. A stage of the famous Tour De France cycle race passed through the village a number of years ago. More recently the UCI cycling championships were held in Glasgow. The hope is that this project, as part of wider thinking can help attract some of the benefits of such events to an otherwise overlooked part of the country.
