Cyclists in Aberdeen have stepped up pressure on councillors to address safety concerns on city roads.
Members of the local cycle forum gathered outside the local authority headquarters yesterday prior to a meeting of the enterprise, strategic planning and infrastructure (ESP&I) committee.
The group had been expecting a previously submitted petition on improvements to paths along the A944 between Westhill and Aberdeen would be discussed.
More than 700 people signed the document, which had previously been debated by the local authority’s petitions committee before being referred to ESP&I.
Jyll Skinner, chairwoman of Aberdeen Cycle Forum, said the aim was to ensure the subject stayed at the forefront of local politicians’ minds.
The group wants to see the A944 route widened near the new Prime Four business park development at Kingswells to meet national cycle path standards.
Concerns have also been raised over a section near the Five Mile Garage, at which cyclists are forced to dismount or cut through a lay-by.
Mrs Skinner said: “We came down here today to show our support and we were hoping that some of the councillors might come out and speak to us.
“I think more could be done (for cyclists). It seems like a lot of time cycling is not seen to be a priority, and is often an afterthought.”
Aside from the Westhill route, the forum has also targeted Ellon Road and King Street for potential improvements.
Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Yuill, ward member for Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee, was the only councillor on the committee who stepped out of the town house to meet the cyclists.
He said: “I am very happy to support Aberdeen Cycle Forum, and I believe we do need to improve facilities and safety for cycle users across Aberdeen.”
Mr Yuill said that both developers and the local authority had a role to play. He added: “I would like to see cycling issues examined at the start of projects, not at the end.”
Council officials were tasked with investigating options for the A944 route in June.
Councillors heard yesterday that it could be November before a report on the issue would be completed, however.
Ross Thomson, Conservative member for Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross and the council’s ‘cycling champion’, said: “Our officers are looking into it.
“It is disappointing that we don’t have a report on this now, but hopefully we will have a full report in November.”