Cycle plan for upgraded A9 a mess say Scottish Greens

The Scottish Greens said there was "enormous pressure" to raise rates of cycling

The Scottish Greens have described the planned provision of cycle routes on the A9 between Perth and Inverness as "a mess".

The Perth branch of the party said it was told by a Transport Scotland official that cycle paths will not be provided on both sides of the road.

The road between Perth and Inverness is being dualled at a cost of £3bn.

Transport Scotland the upgraded road would include improved connections for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP and co-convener of Holyrood's cross-party group on cycling, said the Scottish government was "under enormous pressure" to increase the number of journeys being made by bicycle.

She said: "It would be monumentally daft if they spent £3bn on a dual carriageway that did not incorporate better cycle infrastructure for Perthshire and Highland communities along the route, not to mention the opportunities for cycle tourism."

Transport Scotland said it was listening to feedback on the A9 project, and said the responses made it clear that people wanted cycling facilities close to the road and also safe crossing points.

A spokesman said: "The new cycleway supports the policy set out in the Cycling Action Plan by facilitating links to the communities of Kincraig, Kingussie and Aviemore and will provide a direct alternative to the numerous off road tracks and the Speyside Way.

"As we continue to further develop the A9 dualling programme, provision for non-motorised users including cyclists will be a major factor in the design of schemes taken forward."