Sport Aberdeen has officially marked the opening of a new path connecting Aberdeen Cycle Hub at Seaton directly to the beachfront, helping make access to the beach esplanade safer and more inclusive.
The Core Path 17 upgrade project to create a smooth resurfaced, shared use path that connects to the beach esplanade via the existing underpass, has improved accessibility for adapted cycles, wheelchairs, buggies and e-bikes.
A celebratory launch event took place today (Wednesday July 8th) hosted by Sport Aberdeen and Cycling UK in Aberdeen, with led rides and organised activities for families, invited guests and local dignitaries. The event provided the opportunity to showcase the new route and the opportunities it creates for people of all ages and abilities to access the beach safely.
The upgraded path, operational since April and made possible thanks to a £150,000 investment from Nestrans through Transport Scotland’s People and Place Programme, also supports the work of the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies (GICB), based at Aberdeen Cycle Hub at Seaton. The Hub works closely with local and national partners including Rock Up and Ride (Sport Aberdeen), Cycling UK Connecting Communities and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, to provide adapted bikes and trikes, accessible cycling sessions and free led rides for people of all abilities.
Cllr Alex McLennan, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new path connecting Seaton to the beachfront
Mark Pain, Community Sport Manager, Sport Aberdeen, said: “The new path is a hugely important step forward in making cycling and outdoor spaces more accessible for everyone in Aberdeen.
“Previously, accessing the beach promenade from the Cycle Hub could be difficult due to the condition and layout of the existing paths. This new connection opens up the beachfront in a safe and inclusive way and gives people far more freedom and confidence to travel independently.
“It has already been fantastic to see the difference the route is making for participants in our inclusive cycling sessions. Being able to leave the Cycle Hub and safely access the beachfront creates new opportunities for led rides, family participation and active travel.”
View from above: The upgraded path from the Aberdeen Cycle Hub to the beachfront has improved accessibility for adapted cycles, wheelchairs, buggies and e-bikes
Paul Finch, Director, Nestrans, said: “We are delighted to have supported the development of the path to create a safe route so that more people can choose walking, wheeling and cycling.
“Projects like this demonstrate how investment in active travel can remove barriers, improve accessibility and create healthier, more connected communities.”
Anyone interested in getting involved in cycling through Sport Aberdeen’s Cycling Hubs, which also run adapted cycling sessions at Catto Park Athletics Track in Peterhead and the Deveron Community and Sports Centre in Banff, can find out more by contacting:
communitysport@sportaberdeen.co.uk or searching for “Sport Aberdeen Community Cycling” on Eventbrite or the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies Facebook page www.facebook.com/grampianinclusivecyclingbothies