Falkirk Council: Plans for cycle trails in Callendar Park

Falkirk’s Callendar Park could become home to a new network of cycle skills trails that will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes.
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If funding is found and planning consent is granted, the new cycle skill trails will be next to the Par 3 nine-hole golf course.

The plans include bringing the golf course pavilion back into use, creating a place to house bike repair space well as storage of equipment and changing facilities.

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The plans were drawn up by Falkirk Community Trust – now part of Falkirk Council – which says it will create a “flagship public space”. One of the new trails will be a short, green circle level mountain bike route, which will provide an introduction for cyclists to the nearby Canada Wood trails.

The cycle trails would go next to the nine-hole golf course if funding is foundThe cycle trails would go next to the nine-hole golf course if funding is found
The cycle trails would go next to the nine-hole golf course if funding is found
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A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: “There will be sufficient space to retain the golf course and include the new cycle facility within the area. The cycle trails would also be carefully designed in keeping with the surrounding area, being mindful of other park users.

“The beginner’s cycling area for basic skills coaching would be flat, located just up from the Pavilion, and ideally situated for parents to watch and supervise.”

“The mountain bike skills area would be located on the west side and offer progression, build fitness, and improve bike handling skills. The existing Pavilion, which is currently underused, would be re-purposed as a cycle and outdoor activity hub.

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“If funding and planning consent is approved, we plan to promote and develop the cycling facility and our golf course, offering a broader range of affordable activities for our visitors at Callendar Park.”

The trail was designed by CRContracting (CRC) and Collective Trax (CTX) on behalf of Falkirk Community Trust and it is hoped they will be used by cycling clubs locally and sports development to deliver a range of cycle training programmes.

Other sites were considered for suitability; however, Callendar Park was identified as being the best fit for this project. It is well-connected to many commuters and recreational cycle routes and is close to the local canal network. It also has direct access with mountain biking trails at Canada Wood.

Among other pluses, Callendar Park already has an e-bike station and is close to Falkirk Active Travel hub. It is also part of the John Muir Way and toilets and car parking facilities are already in place.

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The applicants also believe there is high demand for cycling facilities across the Falkirk area as even prior to the recent surge in demand, Falkirk cycling clubs were already reporting waiting lists with more than 150 children.