Safe route to Speak

VILLAGERS SEEK SAFE AND ACTIVE TRAVEL CORRIDORS

Keith Hoole Residents from Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge are so keen to make sure there is a safe route to walk between their villages, that they have set up a charity to promote and further their cause.

Formed during the Covid lockdown, ’Connecting Spean Roy Area SCIO’ has already submitted a report to the government making the case for safe, active travel corridors along the trunk roads leading out of their villages. They are asking for a separate track away from fast and large vehicles to keep them safe, healthy and to reduce their carbon footprint.

Active Travel simply means making journeys in physically active ways – like walking, wheeling (using a wheelchair or mobility aid) cycling or scooting and is also a way of getting fitter while cutting carbon emissions and being more sustainable as well.

Linda Taylor, the chairperson of the charitable group said: “The bureaucracy to request an active travel route was so difficult that we decided to produce our own preliminary feasibility report putting all of our ideas into one document which we have now sent to the decision makers.

“Instead of jumping into the car to go to the shop, we would like to walk there safely. We can build our stamina up to cycle there and back on tracks or quiet roads, The group would like to see a continuation of the existing track from Roy Bridge village centre at the western end of Inverroy extended to allow a safe active travel route to Spean school”.

An active travel track from Spean Bridge village centre to Leanachan Crossroads would allow pedestrians and non-motorised traffic access to General Wades Road is also an aim of the group. They would also like to see an upgrade of the path up to the Commando Memorial which is narrow where it leaves the village and the 60mph limit starts and believe that widening just up to the lay-by would make a huge difference.

The group have many supporters, including local businesses and government bodies, but would welcome even more. Anyone who can empathise with and support the aims of the group can become a member. It costs nothing but must be over 16. Have a look at their website www.activetravelspean. wordpress.com