TROON Cycle Friendly Toon first meeting received “very engaging” residents with positive collaboration.

At their first meeting last month, locals from Troon and the surrounding area discussed and shared ideas for projects and priorities that could work on a cycle friendly route throughout South Ayrshire.

As part of the voluntary group, South Ayrshire Paths Initiative (SAPI), ‘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.

Those who attended the first meeting suggested the improved pavements for people with mobility scooters, so they can get around Troon better, widening of the cycle path at the Dunes along the beach front to stop overtaking issues between cyclist and walkers by cutting into the grass side only and a one-way system in the Town centre would make it a better shopping environment.

Others thought that motion detection lighting would be a good fit for underneath the LCN Road Bridges and others suggested that it was a must for people to “feel safe” when walking on paths as some cyclist should have “better respect and travel too fast” and an education and promotional program should be put in place.

Colin Clark, a volunteer at SAPI, said: “From this first meeting, a proposal has been sent to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) for formal approval and a request for council resource and funding. 

“From there, a full public consultation will take place during the whole life cycle of any possible project with and other co-design events.”