The ‘Cycling Killearn’ project is delighted to be involved in Killearn’s Active Travel project. Both projects share the aim of promoting cycling for local journeys – benefiting the environment and personal wellbeing.
When Cycling Killearn was launched earlier this year, our initial priority was to understand residents’ interest in cycling, any perceived barriers and how these might be overcome. A group of master’s students from Strathclyde University were engaged to undertake a research and consultation project.
The students undertook an online survey which was widely promoted through posters, flyers and the village’s Facebook groups. This generated 168 responses. The students also facilitated a community consultation. This open event brought together residents with an interest in cycling to discuss the barriers and share ideas on how they might be overcome. It was well attended, with 31 people enthusiastically participating in facilitated workshop sessions.
The main barriers are a lack of:
- cycling infrastructure
- cycling skills/confidence
- maintenance knowledge/skills
- cycle parking
We are now working on an Action Plan. This will include organising bike maintenance workshops, offering training courses, leading guided rides and providing route maps. Additionally there are plans for more cycle parking at the Village Hall. We’re also seeking to encourage people to support each other by connecting at events and on social media.
The research identified significant interest in ebikes. Did you know that we have four community ebikes? These are available to hire by anyone who lives or works in the village. You need to be over 18 years of age. Details can be found at https://www.kcfc.co.uk/cycling.html.
Since our research identified the state of the cycling infrastructure as the greatest barrier we’ll be working with the Killearn Active Travel project to call for improvements. Please lend your voice by joining @CyclingKillearn on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to get involved!
Sarah Deas – ‘Cycling Killearn’ co-lead and member of ‘Killearn Active Travel’ Advisory Group
Killearn Active Travel 