A TROON cycling initiative has been shortlisted for this year’s FutureTown Design Competition.

As part of the voluntary group, South Ayrshire Paths Initiative, ‘Troon the Cycle Friendly Toon’ has been set up to create a better cycling and walking infrastructure for Troon – they believe that a redevelopment is “required” in the town to “enhance the pedestrian and cycling experience” and improve its connection with Loans, Muirhead and Barassie.

The initiative is up against 11 other towns throughout Scotland, including two Prestwick projects – Dementia Friendly Prestwick and Innovating Prestwick for the Future.

Colin Clark, a volunteer at SAPI, said: “We are clear that the new and existing housing estates should have better connections to local facilities, including schools, which would allow more enjoyable walking and cycling journeys, on both shared and segregated paths, for everyone. 

“As Troon is on the National Cycle Network Route 7 which passes along the picturesque beach promenade, we should promote ourselves to encourage walkers and cyclists to visit our South Ayrshire town of Troon instead of sometimes just passing us by.”

At a recent public forum on Saturday, November 18, SAPI, Philippa Whitford MP and Cllr Craig MacKay joined to gather ideas and suggestions from the Troon community.

Presentations were given to suggest possible routes around Troon, including, the consideration of a one-way system in the Troon town centre with improved and consistent level and wider pavements with added cycle access and parking facilities, a dedicated cycle route along Bentinick Drive from Craig end Road directly into the Town Centre, an improved community link to the Station from Loans, Muirhead, Marr College with a new pavement and cycle path along Harling Drive for walkers and cyclists alike and a better shared path along the promenade and along Brassie Beach on the NCN 7.

Cllr Craig Mackay, commented: “As somebody who routinely cycles to get about Troon, I was delighted to see the positive ideas people brought to this initial consultation. 

“I have already arranged discussions with Ayrshire Roads Alliance and hope to see us begin to make progress on turning Troon into a cycle friendly town in the near future.”

Colin Clark, added: “I am personally pleased that only recently a cross party representative of all our councillors were in Ayr in the council office asking for Troon to be case for new funding for our town, so it has already started and we as a community group just need to drive it forward with the backing of our elected council.

“The next step from this first community event is to report back to the Troon Community Council and then to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance consideration for possible support and funding streams available over the next six months.”

To vote for Troon the Cycle Friendly Toon, you can visit http://www.scotlandstowns.org/futuretown_vote_17 and voting closes on Monday, November 27.