On one of the last glorious sunny days in September, residents of Killearn came together with a shared eagerness to learn about active travel in Killearn. From nursery and primary school kids to community members and local groups, from local businesses to Stirling Council, everyone shared a curiosity for active travel, making this event fruitful and fun.
The first part of the event took place at Killearn Primary School, where the P1 and P6 children were invited to share their active travel experiences. It was a delight to see so many bikes and scooters in all shapes and colours parked outside the school, as those pupils who were able to scooted or biked to school.
In the classroom, the children had an opportunity to share what they liked and disliked about the journey to school, followed by a lively discussion on how we can improve the area to make the trip more pleasant and safe.
Outside, the children had great fun pedalling to make delicious and healthy smoothies on the famous smoothie bike and got creative by decorating their bikes and helmets with colourful stickers and other bike decorations. It was a fantastic and engaging afternoon, and the kids shared some clever and creative ideas that can help shape the Killearn Active Project and the School Travel Plan.
The second part of the event started in the evening at our beautiful village hall. Local groups involved in active travel showcased their projects and invited the community to try an e-bike or learn more about Alba Nordic Walks or Local Place Plans. Also featured was a Dr Bike session with Country Cycles, cargo bike trial sessions, the smoothie bike, kids activities, a fabulous display of photographs, short quotes, and colouring-in pictures from the nursery kids, all accompanied by free tea and cake.
It was also a chance to learn more about the Killearn Active Travel Project and the proposed routes (which are only very early discussions). There is currently no safe active travel route for walking, biking or wheeling between the growing community to the south of Killearn and Killearn village. Parking in Killearn village, particularly around the primary school where congestion is a big problem, is minimal. There is no public transport to link the two areas or for those south of Killearn to travel further afield, as buses run from Killearn village.
An attractive, safe off-road route between the south of Killearn and Killearn village would link these two areas of Killearn. A fit-for-purpose path will encourage more regular walking, biking, and wheeling for everyday journeys for the growing community. The Killearn Active Travel project is working towards the realisation of this change. This proposed path can significantly foster wheeling, cycling and walking, especially for everyday journeys to school, work or the shops. It creates many benefits not only for those
involved in active travel but also for the Killearn community by decreasing traffic congestion, helping tackle the climate emergency, and improving mental and physical health and happiness.
During the event, we asked the participants to give their thoughts on the project, the proposed route and traffic calming measures. Overall, people are very supportive of the proposed path as an alternative to Station Road and see this as a priority. It was also clear that the majority of the respondents would like to see speed reduction in Killearn. Some measurements, such as speed cushions, have strong support, while others are less popular, such as speed bumps.
This project envisions welcoming and safe paths for all everyday journeys, including school runs. We hope to make this happen so that young and old and everyone in between can enjoy active travel in wider Killearn.
Many thanks to everyone who joined the event. Your support and enthusiasm made it a fantastic gathering!
Caroline Carrick, a member of the Killearn Community Council, said:
“It was great to see such a big turn out to the active travel event with so many people participating and interested in leaving feedback on how we can improve walking, cycling, and wheeling in the village. A big thank you to everyone who came along and all those who helped make it a success.”
Thank you to: Cycling Killearn, Country Cycles, Alba Nordic Walks, Killearn Path & Heritage Group, Stirling Council, Killearn Driving School, Killearn Tennis Club, Killearn Community Council and Killearn Primary School.
This Article appeared in The Courier (November 23 Edition) Please sign-up here https://killearnactivetravel.blog/contact/ and opt in for communications to receive further details on the project as it progresses.
Killearn Active Travel 