Road closures for Pedal Scotland are '˜too much'

Residents in the Braes say the road closures for the Pedal for Scotland event this weekend are far too restrictive and will disrupt community life for longer than is needed. Picture: Craig Halkett

The charity bike ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh for thousands of cyclists is being held on Sunday and is taking a new route between Avonbridge and Linlithgow, passing through California, Maddiston and Whitecross this year.

The detour will mean road closures from 6am until 3pm disrupting bus and church services as well as access for residents for most of the day.

Residents and local groups claim there was little warning and no consultation by Pedal Scotland with communities.

John Wotherspoon of Maddiston Community Council said: “We as residents are supportive of the proposal for cycling and a healthy lifestyle and we could have worked around a proposal for traffic movement, but this absence of talking the issue through and having the common decency to consult has annoyed many.”

Resident David Gibson said: “As the first cyclists do not leave Glasgow Green until 7.30am, why are we isolated from 6:30am until 3pm? The closure period is far too long.”

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Pedal Scotland, as the organiser, was instructed to notify, by letter, all communities potentially affected by the race as part of their overall responsibilities. In addition, they were asked to install signs in advance of the letters being issued throughout the area.

“The routes are devised in conjunction with Pedal Scotland and Police Scotland with public safety in mind and to ensure wherever possible, disruption is kept to a minimum.”

Cycling Scotland say 2000 letters were sent to households while the likes of churches and care homes were also notified.

Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving said: “In order to keep thousands of participants and event staff safe, and based on the advice from Police Scotland, it is necessary to put extensive traffic management in place for Pedal for Scotland.

“We appreciate the patience of residents and businesses along the route on the day. Every effort is being made to provide access management plans for individuals with specific requirements and we would emphasise that, on the day, road closures will be removed as soon in the afternoon as it is safe, for participants and event contractors, to do so.”