Following the tragic death of cyclist Stephen Barclay on the A835 between Tore and Maryburgh in 2005, when he was struck by a passing lorry, there have been numerous calls for a cycle track to be built on the high-speed carriageway.

In June last year, news that the cycle track was in line and that it would be completed in 2007 was welcomed by then MSP Maureen Macmillan, who said an agreement was reached with Scotland TransServ after discussions when she urged officials to look into the possibility of creating a cycle lane.

She said then, "I am pleased that due consideration was given to the suggestion and they have acknowledged that this is a practical solution which can be undertaken relatively quickly."

But now, it transpires, the cycle path will not be created this year, and Scotland TransServ this week said it "should" be completed by the end of March 2008.

Dingwall and Seaforth Councillor, Angela Maclean said, "The cycle path on that stretch of road has been required for some time.

"I have listened to many complaints from people concerned about that road, because there is a dip at one point and drivers sometimes don't give a second look to cyclists, or even notice that they are there."

"We were promised that there would be cycle paths on the A835 in 2007, but so far there is no evidence of this.

"It has taken a long time to get to this stage, but hopefully now that the plans are almost complete, we will finally see something being done about this."

Councillor Maclean added, "It's not only cyclists that will benefit from the path. Plenty of people walk these routes and a cycle path would help increase their safety too. At the end of the day the path will make a big difference to keen cyclists in the area."

New cycle paths are expected to be implemented from Kilcoy to Leanaig crossroads, and then follow down the old road to Conon Bridge cross roads and back down the verge heading towards Maryburgh roundabout.

Following a Fatal Accident Inquiry at Dingwall in 2005, friends and family of Mr Barclay, a nurse, who was also a partner in an organic vegetable business based in Brahan, voiced concern that speed limits for HGVs were frequently flouted, not enforced by police and in many cases claimed drivers simply escaped prosecution.

A spokeperson from Scotland TransServ, the national transport agency, said this week, "It is proposed that construction will start in the new year and the facility should be complete by the end of next March. The link will run from Tore roundabout to Maryburgh roundabout."

Only two weeks ago a cyclist travelling on the A835 near the Maryburgh roundabout was the victim of a "hit and run" accident when he was knocked off his bike and left lying on the road after the car driver sped off.

Inspector John Chisholm commented, "This latest incident highlights the possible dangers that lie on the road. In this case the cyclist mercifully escaped with minor injuries, but this is possibly because it was only a small car. I doubt that it would have been the same outcome if the cyclist was struck by a large goods lorry."

A spokesperson for the Highland Cycle Campaign said this week, "A cycle path is necessary on the A835 because it is a very busy road and people do stupid things on it."

l.ford@spp-group.com

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