Work set to begin on new cycle route between Bridge of Weir and Houston

Cyclists will soon have a safe, dedicated way to travel from Bridge of Weir to Houston as work on a new cycle route gets set to begin.

Beginning at the park near the entrance to Bridge of Weir, the route will see the existing pavement resurfaced and adapted into a shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists, with a new crossing point introduced on Old Bridge of Weir Road and the route continuing to its endpoint at Gryffe High School.

The route was developed following a suggestion from Houston Community Council and following engagement with the local community, including local businesses, community groups, schools, elected members and residents, the finalised route is now due to be implemented.

Work will begin on Wednesday 5 May and is expected to last around six weeks.

Nigel Hobbs, Houston Community Council, said: “Houston Community Council very much welcomes the proposed route improvements between Bridge of Weir and Houston.

“More now than ever being able to walk and safely cycle between our communities is vitally important in terms of health and the environment and it will provide 6,500 Houston residents with easier and safer access to the National Cycle Network, allowing those without a car to move around more easily.

“It will also help Gryffe High School students get to school safely and support local community facilities and businesses as they begin to recover after the Covid pandemic.”

If the cycle route proves popular with the local community, it is planned to extend it further into Bridge of Weir and there is the potential to make the route permanent should this be desired.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes.