Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy...2013/11/27 · in Glasgow, and hosts world-renowned MTB trail centres at Fort William, Innerleithen and Glentress. Such facilities have far-reaching

Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy

APRIL 2014

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction and Background ....................................................................................... 3

1.1 Purpose of the Strategy ................................................................................................................ 3

1.2 Scottish Cycling Strategy 2014-2019 ............................................................................................. 3

1.3 International Facilities and Major Events ..................................................................................... 4

1.4 Disciplines and Facilities Hubs ...................................................................................................... 5

1.4.1 Road and Time-trial ............................................................................................................... 5

1.4.2 Track....................................................................................................................................... 6

1.4.3 MTB ........................................................................................................................................ 6

1.4.4 BMX ........................................................................................................................................ 7

1.4.5 Cyclo-cross and Cycle Speedway ........................................................................................... 8

1.5 Development Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 8

2. Process and Consultation ............................................................................................. 9

3. Hierarchy and Technical Standards ............................................................................... 9

3.1 Facilities Hubs ............................................................................................................................. 10

4. Facilities Audit ........................................................................................................... 12

4.1 Overview of the Regions ............................................................................................................. 12

4.2 North-East of Scotland (Grampian, Tayside, Fife) ...................................................................... 12

4.3 Highlands and Islands (including Moray) .................................................................................... 14

4.4 West of Scotland ......................................................................................................................... 15

4.5 South-West of Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire) ...................................................... 16

4.6 East and Central Scotland ........................................................................................................... 17

5. Summary of Feedback from Consultations and Survey ................................................ 18

6. Vision and Strategic Priorities ..................................................................................... 19

6.1 Overall Strategic Priorities .......................................................................................................... 20

6.2 International Facilities ................................................................................................................ 20

6.3 Region Specific Actions and Priorities ........................................................................................ 22

6.3.1 North-East Region ................................................................................................................ 22

6.3.2 Highlands and Islands Region (including Moray) ................................................................. 23

6.3.3 West Region ......................................................................................................................... 25

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6.3.4 South-West Region .............................................................................................................. 27

6.3.5 East and Central Region ....................................................................................................... 28

Appendix 1 – Scottish Cycling Performance and Participation Pathway ........................... 30

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Appendix 2 - Facilities Standards and Technical Specifications ......................................... 31

Appendix 3 – Facilities Audit ........................................................................................... 38

North-East Scotland (Grampian, Tayside and Fife) ........................................................................... 38

Highlands and Islands (including Moray) .......................................................................................... 41

West of Scotland ............................................................................................................................... 44

South-West of Scotland .................................................................................................................... 46

Central and East of Scotland ............................................................................................................. 48

Appendix 4 – On-line Survey Outcomes .......................................................................... 52

Appendix 5 – Summary of Organisations Consulted ........................................................ 57

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Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy

1. Introduction and Background

1.1 Purpose of the Strategy

Scottish Cycling, in partnership with sportscotland, invited Porteous Leisure to support them in

undertaking a detailed study to identify the future facility demands for all disciplines of cycle-

sport in Scotland. Specific outputs were requested as follows:

A revised audit of the present facilities provision in Scotland identifying any issues

and gaps in the provision.

A revised set of standards for national, regional and local facilities across the

disciplines of cycling.

A recommended programme of development supporting projected growth in cycle-

sport at regional and national levels.

The resulting strategic document provides guidance for development and investment over a 10-

year horizon with a detailed priorities plan for actions recommended over the next 5 years. This

document is intended as a high-level strategic framework supporting decision-making over these

timeframes.

1.2 Scottish Cycling Strategy 2014-2019

Scottish Cycling (SC) is the recognised national governing body for all branches of the sport in

Scotland. It is experiencing a large upswing in membership and undertaking transformational

organisational change in order to capitalise on the surge in popularity which has resulted from

unparalleled Olympic and World Championship successes during the last decade. While cycling

enjoys some of the highest community-wide sports participation rates, one of the most

prominent barriers to development is the misperception of the facilities requirements of the

sport: in sports development cycling is most commonly considered a non-facilities dependant

activity, yet evidence suggests that lack of safe and accessible spaces to cycle is a primary reason

for not participating1. The future growth and success of the sport is fundamentally linked,

therefore, to re-establishing the importance of dedicated cycle-sport facilities and to securing

adequate funding and support to provide safe and accessible facilities for developing riders and

racing.

1. London Assembly Transport Committee Cycling Survey, 2013; Brake and Bolt Burdon Kemp Road & Cycling Safety Survey, 2012;

2013 Australian Cycling Participation Survey.

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The vision of Scottish Cycling is to be “the best performing small cycling nation in the world”. To

deliver this vision Scottish Cycling must support a programme of development ensuring growth

of capability and capacity across the sector. At the heart of this programme is the definition and

delivery of a performance and participation pathway that ensures these development outcomes

are achieved in a hierarchical, structured and cohesive manner. Appendix 1 presents a graphical

overview of the pathway showing alignment of the programme delivery, coaching, events and

facilities provision to support rider progress through to the highest standards of performance.

The facilities strategy must therefore be seen as an integral part of the wider development

strategy, with provision of appropriate standards of facilities supporting development at local,

regional, national and international levels of training and competition. The SC development

strategy identifies the following primary objective:

A national network of safe and appropriate facilities for the purposes of cycle-sport

competition

In aligning the facilities strategy to the performance and participation pathway, the facilities

provision for riders at each stage of development must ensure the required technical standards

are met for the relevant level of competition within any discipline, while providing a training

space commensurate to the riders’ level of competency. The network of facilities must equally

ensure coverage creates a ‘pyramidal’ structure maximising local access and facilitating a feeder

process for riders climbing to regional and, thereafter, national and international, standards of

training and competition. Categorisation of the technical standards required to meet the

hierarchy of provision is included as part of this strategy.

1.3 International Facilities and Major Events

A number of international events have been held in Scotland over recent years and the

extension of the major events calendar in Scotland is a primary business objective of Scottish

Cycling. The opportunity for riders to access international standards of racing and training close

to home, unquestionably benefits cycling in many ways, not least of which is our ability to deliver

world-class riders. At the top end of the facilities hierarchy, Scotland now boasts a ‘state of the

art’ international indoor 250m track facility in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at the Emirates Arena

in Glasgow, and hosts world-renowned MTB trail centres at Fort William, Innerleithen and

Glentress. Such facilities have far-reaching impacts on the growth of the sport by improving

Scotland’s attraction for major events and providing increased opportunity to stimulate

community interest and engagement with the sport. International standard facilities support

provision of the performance and participation pathway through the ability to run programmes

and events developing riders from community right up to elite level. It is crucial, therefore, from

a facilities perspective to ensure that such facilities continue to be supported, developed and

invested in in line with the development needs of the sport.

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1.4 Disciplines and Facilities Hubs

A unique complexity of cycling is the multidisciplinary nature of the sport. The major Olympic

disciplines include road racing and time trial, track, cross-country mountain bike (XC-MTB), and

BMX. While not currently Olympic disciplines, the growth in participation numbers and number

of events staged in downhill MTB (DH-MTB), cyclo-cross (CX) and cycle speedway, warrants their

consideration in this strategy. Each of these disciplines requires unique facilities with specific

technical demands and the development pathway should ensure adequate facilities provision for

each stream. However, there is some degree of cross-pollination in the disciplines and indeed

rider development benefits multi-discipline participation. Equally, increased participation and an

improved sense of support and community can be driven by their inter-action. The SC

development plan, therefore, acknowledges the strategic importance of creating facilities hubs,

where riders have easy access or links to facilities servicing two or more of the disciplines. Ideally

each Regional Sports Partnership area would have at least one facilities hub. This does not

preclude the need to satisfy the hierarchical demands for facilities aligned to the development

pathway, but simply acknowledges the benefit of creating geographical clusters of those

facilities. A priority of this strategy is to identify where hubs exist or can be established to satisfy

this recommendation.

1.4.1 Road and Time-trial

The outstanding feature of road and time trial racing is their use of the open highway for both

training and racing. While this may infer no requirement for facility development, lack of

consideration for the needs of this discipline imposes a number of critical problems, not least of

which is the safety factor of cycling on open road. Road surfacing and technical standards, road

works, traffic calming measures, poor signage and lack of ancillary service provision, all feature

as concerns affecting the ability to race. Many routes have been utilised repeatedly for a number

of years and, as such are essentially established courses. In such a case, this strategy

recommends the identification of these routes so that distinct consideration and regard for their

importance to cycling may be applied to the roads on which they are conducted. At this time SC

is planning to capture this information in an on-line platform, providing an information resource

that can be accessed by the community.

The need for dedicated closed-road circuits is similarly apparent. These facilities would provide

safe and accessible spaces for training, conducting coaching activities as well as providing venues

for short course criterium racing. Identification and development of closed-road circuits in key

population centres and/or linked to facilities hubs, is a priority recommendation of this strategy.

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1.4.2 Track

Track cycling has provided cycle-sport in Scotland with the highest medal-count of any discipline,

while additionally contributing to success on the road through cross-training gains. Velodrome

access is therefore of high strategic importance. The impact of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in

Glasgow has been immediately apparent since its opening in 2012. However, the track is already

subject to high demand and access to the track by surrounding region’s clubs and riders is

limited. The Edinburgh velodrome at Meadowbank is nearing the end of its lifespan and some

decisions remain as to the future of track provision in the city. Caird Park velodrome, in Dundee,

an outdoor velodrome with shallow bank angle, has recently been redeveloped and coaching

and competition provision at the venue is showing positive signs of growth.

Additional track facilities in Scotland would, certainly, be welcome. However, future

development opportunities are fundamentally limited by the significant levels of investment

required. Outdoor velodromes present a substantially cheaper option, although the trade-off of

weather-restricted access must be taken into consideration. Successful development models

supported by British Cycling in England suggest outdoor velodromes still represent the more

sustainable model and indeed these regional and national standard structures have largely

supported the current successes in the sport to date. While media has recently sparked interest

in the potential for low-cost indoor velodromes, the feasibility of this option is yet to be

established. At this point outdoor velodromes remain the primary supported option for projects

with lower levels of investment. This strategy would encourage velodrome development in

Edinburgh/Lothians and additionally in the North of Scotland, while also supporting actions to

improve access to training and competition at existing track facilities.

1.4.3 MTB

The Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) project, which is based within Scottish

Cycling, is delivering the world’s first national strategic framework focusing on enhancing the

potential for MTB to achieve sporting, health, tourism and economic gains. The project has been

established between a number of partners, including Cycling Scotland, CTC, EventScotland,

Forestry Commission Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Cycling, Scottish

Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, sportscotland and Visit Scotland, in recognition of the

growing impact of the activity. This strategy has consulted with and aligns to the relevant

outcomes of the DMBinS strategy. Trail networks exist across the country and Scotland’s access

legislation allows us to bike and run events on them providing we do so responsibly and in

partnership with landowners, particularly around events. While natural trails are a key feature of

MTB in Scotland, this strategy will focus on purpose-built and graded trail networks for both

cross-country (XC) and downhill (DH).

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In support of the cycle-sport performance and participation pathway, strategic

recommendations for MTB facilities prioritises developments of trails that meet or can be

adapted to accommodate the technical requirements of competitions, and those that can

provide for the needs of cyclists of different levels and abilities, i.e. multiple trail gradings or

difficulties. The ideal aspiration is clover leaf- shaped trail designs.

The rural location of trails requires consideration when identifying appropriate venues for

training and competition. Trail centres, where trail networks are supplemented by ancillary

facilities such as toilets/showers, bike cleaning, uplift and trail-head transport, cafes and meeting

rooms, help overcome the barriers of rural location by providing on-site support structures for

riders, coaches and race infrastructure. This strategy supports development of both new and

existing MTB trail centres that can either accommodate temporary ancillary facilities provision

(i.e. adequate space and provision of essential services such as electricity and water) or else

provide permanent structures. The technical hierarchy in the appendices identifies specific

requirements in this regard at each level of competition.

Further consideration for supporting MTB development projects is the proximity to population

centres and the links to local community. The long-term sustainability and success of the trail

networks and centres demands ease of access and the integration of appropriate supporting

structures for developing riders. This strategy, therefore, acknowledges the importance of

ensuring future developments are both easily accessible and have established links to the local

club and coaching networks. In this regard the development of Glentress, with the additional

provision of support services such as sport science, meeting rooms, bike shop and café, is ideally

positioned to become a Centre of Excellence for MTB in Scotland and its development is

prioritised as a national training venue. Established facilities at the Nevis Range are similarly

supported in being at the forefront of international training and racing standards, providing a

key base for national training camps.

1.4.4 BMX

With only 3 affiliated clubs and few race standard tracks, BMX is substantially underrepresented

in Scotland. However, BMX is a primary entry point for cycling with riders as young as 4-5 years

able to participate in competition. BMX is also recognised as the ideal foundation to establish key

skills2; indeed a number of champions, such as Sir Chris Hoy, started life as BMX riders. It is

acknowledged that the development of race standard BMX tracks, alongside clubs to support the

provision of programmes and events at these tracks, is a primary requirement of a facilities

strategy upholding a performance and participation pathway. A priority of this strategy is to

identify where regional standard tracks can be established either through the redevelopment of

existing tracks or else the construction of new facilities.

2. “BMX – the perfect introduction”: E-news article, Union Cycliste Internationale, posted 27.11.2013

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1.4.5 Cyclo-cross and Cycle Speedway

Both cyclo-cross and cycle speedway involve quite distinct racing formats and facilities from the

Olympic cycling disciplines but share the similarity of being able to be conducted almost

anywhere where there is appropriate land space. Parks make ideal cyclo-cross race venues as,

with some imagination, a course can be set out that includes roads, country and forest paths and

meadowland, alternating in such a way as to ensure changes in the pace of the race and allowing

riders to recuperate after difficult sections. Courses are required to be between 2.5 and 3.5km in

length and be 2-3m wide for the majority of the circuit. Access to parking and toilet/changing

facilities close to the start/finish area are essential and should be of a quantity suitable to the

size of the event. Currently the Scottish cyclo-cross series has utilised Knockburn Sports Loch in

Aberdeenshire, Kilpatrick School Glasgow, Callander House and Country park Falkirk, and Foxlake

Adventures near Dunbar. Each of these venues provide interesting courses over a mix of terrain

and, while facilities custom-designed for cyclo-cross may be desirable, there is no immediate

requirement for these at this time.

Cycle-speedway is currently not recognised by the world cycling federation, UCI (Union Cycliste

Internationale), instead having their own International Cycle Speedway Federation. While

unlikely to ever be an Olympic or Commonwealth sport, the discipline is well supported, with

two clubs in Scotland hosting events and travelling to compete across the UK. Two UK tracks are

set to host the 2014 Club European championships and the Speedway world championships in

2015. Racing requires an oval track of 70-80m length that should preferably be an outdoor area

with appropriate riding surface such as grass, asphalt or gravel. As a discipline cycle-speedway is

somewhat similar to track racing but of smaller scale simpler format and, therefore, provides an

ideal entry point for cycle-sport. Speedway tracks are identified in the facilities audit as local

level track venues and no specific development actions have been prioritised within this

strategy.

1.5 Development Opportunities

It is important to acknowledge that development opportunities will arise beyond those projects

driven by the strategic priorities outlined in this document. While such opportunities are

welcomed, support will be determined in consideration of their alignment with the primary

objective: delivery a performance and participation pathway for cycle-sport.

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2. Process and Consultation

A steering group comprising of representation from Scottish Cycling, sportscotland and Porteous

Leisure was established to oversee the delivery of the strategy. Scottish Cycling’s Regional

Development Officers were additionally utilised in conducting consultations nationwide.

Supplementary technical expertise and information on facilities standards was provided by

British Cycling staffs.

The process in developing this plan included:

Initial consultations with Scottish Cycling regional staffs, National Events Officers and

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland Project Manager to establish key areas of focus and

opportunities for wider consultation.

Determination of an agreed hierarchy of facilities appropriate for the needs of each

discipline.

An audit of current provision against the established standards hierarchy.

Regional consultations with local authorities, clubs and communities to determine where

current development opportunities exist, to establish future needs and demands, and to

identify critical issues, gaps and barriers to progress.

On on-line survey to capture the views of cyclists in the wider community.

Consolidation of recommendations into a prioritised plan guiding national and regional

actions.

3. Hierarchy and Technical Standards

Sport England has provided, in partnership with British Cycling, detailed guidance on the

design of cycling facilities3. It is understood that, at the time of writing, a project is in place

to review all material provided in this regard. Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland

(DMBinS) will be developing good-practice guidance on building, managing and maintaining

mountain bike trails, in 2014. However, until new guidance is available, it is assumed that

facilities developed will conform to the existing published guidance.

3. Sport England: Cycle Sports Facilities – Design Guide, 2003

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Appendix 2 provides tables summarising technical guidance on key attributes of facilities at

international, national, regional and local levels. It is noted that while some leeway exists in

many attributes, UCI regulations for events dictate critical specifications, such as length and

width of courses/tracks, that will determine how appropriate the facility is for staging

categorised racing. Ancillary facilities provision is identified commensurate to the hierarchical

standard. Development actions supporting improvements in ancillary facilities should be

aligned to the requirements stated.

In respect of their greater contribution to the cycle-sport development pathway, facilities at

regional level and above are considered priorities for investment. However, it is recognised

that local provision, for example pump tracks and school facilities, is still important,

especially in terms of accessibility and support of foundational skill development. Local

provision will play an important part in stimulating and demonstrating demand for larger hub

facilities. Scottish Cycling will support the development of local facilities when there is clear

local demand and the facilities can be seen to contribute to the development of the sport.

3.1 Facilities Hubs

Hubs represent a cluster of facilities supporting multiple cycling disciplines in a single locale; a

hub must therefore establish provision for at least two disciplines. However, it is important to

state that not all disciplines will be involved at each hub, and that not all hubs will comprise

the same representation. The constituent facilities within the hub will be largely dependent on

the needs and opportunities of the particular location. Hence the hub may equally comprise

facilities of different hierarchical standards. While it is not necessary for all the facilities

proposed as a hub be located at the same site, the intention is that a clear locational focus

exists and that proximity be sufficiently close as to create a developmental centre for cycling.

It is recommended that a network of these facilities hubs be established throughout

Scotland building on existing dedicated facilities provision wherever possible. Scottish Cycling

considers it important to align the hubs with the Regional Sports Partnership (RSP) areas and

the responsibilities of their own Regional Development Officers. In such a case, it is

recommended that future planning ensure provision of hubs in discrete and significant centres

of population within each Regional Sports Partnership area. The ‘primary’ hub would be ideally

be located in the major centre of population within the region in order to maximise

accessibility, while additional ‘satellite’ hubs may be supported at secondary locations where

opportunities exist or demand dictates. An example of satellite hubs support would be in the

Highlands and Islands region, where the specific assets of Fort William and Aviemore would

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justify them being linked satellite centres to the primary hub of Inverness. It is acknowledged,

however, that the primary hub location in a region may be established out-with the main

population centre if a development opportunity exists that would appropriately meet the

criteria for the region’s main hub. The facilities audit identifies current hub opportunities in

each region.

Minimum requirements for each hub consist of:

A dedicated facility built to at least regional standards in at least two disciplines

Facilities to support entry into cycle-sport for new participants

Multi-club involvement

Ancillary facilities/structures to support coaching provision, programme and

events delivery

Meeting room

Access to toilets/changing facilities

Potential for year round use

Potential for Scottish Cycling Regional Development Officers and/or Local

Authority Officers to be based at the hub

Links to networks of on- and off- road circuits, routes or trails out-with the

dedicated facility provision

Where MTB is identified, in addition to trails, skills loops should be provided.

Where possible and appropriate, hubs should be linked to wider Community

Sports Hub provision

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4. Facilities Audit

4.1 Overview of the Regions

Data was compiled from consultation with the local community and includes venues where

either competition or training, appropriate to each level of technical standard, is conducted.

Table 1 summarises the total facilities count per region.

Table 1- Summary of Facilities Provision per Region

Discipline Grampian Tayside Fife Highlands

& Islands

West South-

West

East &

Central

TOTAL

Track 1 2 (grass) 2 2 (1

speedway)

7

Closed

Road 2

(not

dedicated)

1 (not

dedicated)

3 (not

dedicated)

1 (local)

3 (not

dedicated)

2 (not

dedicated)

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MTB XC 3 1 13 12 9 12 50

MTB DH 1 5 - 2 2 10

BMX 1 1 4 (pump) 2 1 (pump) 2 (1 pump) 11

Tables A6-A35 in Appendix 3 provide a summary of facilities provision across each region.

Comment on key observations is provided on a regional basis below.

4.2 North-East of Scotland (Grampian, Tayside, Fife)

The audit identifies a lack of dedicated closed-loop circuits and downhill MTB trails in all regions

of the north-east, limited access to cross-country MTB trails in Tayside and Fife, and no access to

BMX in Fife. Currently no hubs exist and strategic priorities would consist of developing a

primary hub in each of Grampian, Tayside and Fife.

In Tayside, the location of a hub in Dundee would be accommodated by extension to the

existing Caird Park facility which currently hosts an outdoor velodrome as part of a multi-

sports complex. This would be ideally complemented by a closed-loop circuit and BMX track.

Currently two options have been tabled with sites at Caird Park itself and nearby

Camperdown Park, both due to be considered at a meeting of local stakeholders in May

2014. After a strategic review of a variety of potential locations across Dundee, a new MTB

skills trail has been developed in Templeton Woods, a short and safe bike ride from both

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Caird Park and Camperdown Park. The DMBinS project has developed inner city route cards

for Dundee linking to wider trail routes in the Angus, Fife and Highland Perthshire region

which would add MTB opportunities to the hub.

Fife Council has been highly supportive of cycling and has recently created a full-time Cycling

Development Officer position. The opportunity to develop a Fife hub at Lochore Meadows is

currently being explored and would ideally supplement the existing MTB trail provision with

a closed-loop circuit and BMX track. Nearby Middleden Woods in Kirkcaldy has around 14km

of purpose built MTB trails and is a good venue for regional and local race opportunities.

New route cards have been created by Fife Council, with support from DMBinS, for leisure

MTB routes across Fife.

As the primary population centre, Aberdeen represents the ideal location for a Grampian

hub. While Aberdeen currently has no dedicated cycling facility, at this point a project is

underway exploring the potential for an outdoor velodrome with members of Aberdeen

District Cycling Association and private investors. Aberdeen Extreme Transition includes an

indoor BMX track and, with appropriate funding could be upgraded to host national events.

The opportunity to build a new outdoor BMX track exists and would be supported as a

secondary option. This could be further complemented by extending the existing MTB

facilities at Kirkhill Forest on the outskirts of the city.

Opportunities for satellite developments exist out with Aberdeen and are welcomed by this

strategy. Huntly Development Trust is leading a project, supported by Aberdeenshire

Council, to develop a wider community sports hub in the area. Huntly currently hosts a Ski

Centre, MTB trails and a small but useable closed-road circuit and would benefit from the

support of a community project and cycling club to ensure on-going development and

increased access to the facilities. Knockburn Outdoor Sports Hub, built by a private investor,

currrently supports cyclo-cross and MTB routes. Planning submission has currently been

made to include a closed-road circuit. Supplementing provision in this area, a new MTB

centre near Banchory is in early stages of discussion. In providing for the needs of road,

cyclo-cross, downhill and cross-country MTB, this strategy acknowledges that the

Banchory/Knockburn development may, at least in the short-term, satisfy the strategic

demand for the Grampian hub ahead of potential developments in Aberdeen.

Access to circuits for short-course road racing are available in both Grampian and Fife.

However, no closed-road circuits exist exclusively for cycling in the north-east. Opportunities

for developments present in Alford, Banff, Ellon, Knockburn, Lochore Meadows and Caird

Park. Priority should be given to those contributing to the creation of facilities hubs.

Comrie Croft in Perthshire is a well-developed regional centre for mountain biking in the

Breadalbane area. Existing opportunities to develop the centre and surrounding trails for

cycles-sport events and training would link well with the wider developments occurring

around MTB tourism in the Highland Perthshire area. Support should therefore be given to

these developments given that they satisfy the technical and training requirements of the

sport.

MTB trail developments in Fife should focus on ensuring the trails at Lochore Meadows are

expanded and sustainable. North Fife at present does not have club however if a club was to

emerge it would be an ideal location for a local/regional centre due to the established bike

infrastructure and training/outdoor education support provision in the area. Any

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development in North Fife should take cognisance of the potential for tourism based around

the global appeal of St Andrews as a destination.

There is potential for local initiatives in Angus, Perthshire and Fife towns based around clubs

and the increasing school-based delivery through the Active Schools network.

4.3 Highlands and Islands (including Moray)

The Highlands and Islands region has a wealth of MTB trails including both cross-country and

downhill tracks. The Nevis Range MTB facilities have important international significance hosting

international MTB events, while in the Spey Valley, Aviemore is home to sportscotland’s

Glenmore Lodge National Training Centre, which, as well as having its own MTB skills training

facilities, is surrounded by a number of trail networks including those at Glenlivet, Grantown,

Carrbridge and Laggan. The region is currently benefiting from a number of development

projects within the Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA) cycling action plan. The

opportunities presented by these two key locations support recommendation for their

development as satellites to the primary hub recommended at the centre of population in

Inverness. A strong and growing cycling community in Moray further proposes this area for

consideration as a satellite hub.

While Inverness is identified as the preferred primary hub, the city currently offers little

dedicated cycling provision. However, the University of Highlands and Islands campus is

currently seeking expressions of interest for facilities developments on site and this would

present the ideal opportunity for hub development. A feasibility study is being explored to

determine whether a low-cost velodrome could be constructed at the site with the

resources available. This would complement potential development of a closed-road circuit

on the site, while redevelopment of the disused Inverness BMX park and the creation of

MTB trails and skills area would further extend the facilities provision of an Inverness hub.

Moray similarly has little dedicated provision and further investigation is required to

determine opportunities for development of a hub.

Nevis Range currently offers access to an international world cup downhill track, a World

Cup XC course and the full range of graded trails. A pilot lease with Forestry Commission

Scotland presents the opportunity to further develop the area as a key Scottish mountain

biking hub with national training camps attending annually. The venue may require

additional upgrades to be at the cutting edge of mountain bike training including pump

tracks, improved jump lines and a skills area. The World Cup DH trail may need upgrading to

continue to be at the forefront of international racing standards. This strategy supports

these developments.

Glenmore Lodge is a national and regional training centre for outdoor sports and is at the

forefront of developing and delivering mountain biking coaching and leadership courses. The

centre currently provides access to trails, skills areas and a limited pump track. Plans are

currently in place to develop and extend current provision and there may be potential to link

in with the developments at the nearby Badaguish Outdoor centre. Consideration of a

closed-road circuit development linked to the centre would represent the ideal supplement

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to these plans; potential development of the existing cross-country ski tarmac circuit may be

an option.

The DMBinS Highland Cluster study and the CNPA cycling plan has recommended extending

and developing trails, uplift service, local pump tracks and safe cycling routes in the region

within 10 years, supporting creation of the Cairngorm National Park, with an emphasis on

development in the Aviemore vicinity, as a cycling destination in the region within that time-

frame.

A number of opportunities exist to access closed-road circuits for road cycling in the region.

However, the one dedicated facility (Highland Cycle Ability Centre) was designed for

disability cycling and presents a number of barriers to standard racing including design

limitations and safety standards. Actions to assist in overcoming these barriers would be

welcomed and have the support of this strategy. However, it is acknowledged that any major

redevelopment work with respect to the track design is unlikely. Development of dedicated

closed-road circuits is further recommended in the region, ideally linked to the hub centres

previously identified.

The region benefits from a number of local BMX facilities and a number of future

developments have also been identified. These provide the ideal starting point for building

the sport in the region, supporting the need for a competitive track for riders to progress to

nearby. It is recommended, therefore, that the track redevelopment in Inverness meet at

least minimum technical standards for racing.

The area is well served for MTB trail centres. Any developments excluding those mentioned

above should be local in scale and revolve around local club development needs.

4.4 West of Scotland

The West region is fortunate to have access to facilities in all disciplines except downhill MTB.

The primary hub centre of Glasgow provides a road-track centre at Emirates Arena, consisting of

the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and a closed-road circuit, while the MTB centre at Cathkin Braes

provides a graded trail network capable of staging international events with the addition of

temporary ancillary structures. Within the Glasgow hub area the existing BMX regional track in

Clydebank is soon to be supplemented by a national standard facility at Knightswood. A second

national BMX track is nearing completion in Cumbernauld, replacing the regional track currently

used by the local club. Priority actions within the West therefore focus on improving current

provision and extending provision of dedicated closed-road circuits.

The road-track hub at Emirates arena has unquestionably benefited a growth of

participation in track cycling across the region. However, while track programming has

maximised community access and secured regular access for clubs within the West of

Scotland centre (WOSCA), clubs outside of the West have little opportunity to access the

national facility. Concerns over the technical and maintenance standard of the closed-

road circuit (including tight corners, bollards and debris on the track) leaves it largely

unsuitable for competitive standard training or racing. Actions and initiatives that would

16

assist in overcoming both these barriers to access are welcomed. However, it is likely

these shortcomings will need to be addressed by facilities provision outside of the arena.

Development of race standard closed-road circuits, both in- and outside of Glasgow

are, therefore, encouraged. Opportunities currently being explored at Linwood and

Sighthill would satisfy this priority.

To improve the utilisation of Cathkin Braes for coaching and competition, provision of

skills areas and permanent ancillary facilities such as toilets and covered areas for

programme delivery is recommended. Discussions with Glasgow Buildings and

Preservation Trust, and Ardenglen Housing are currently underway in this regard. These

facilities would greatly improve accessibility of the site for regional and local cycle-sport

use and are therefore a short-term priority. Longer term needs of the site should

consider aspirations for the facility to be able to host international standard MTB events

(see section 6.2).

The development of national standard BMX tracks at Cumbernauld and Knightswood are

supported by this strategy. It is understood that the intended provision of a 9m start

ramp at the Cumbernauld facility (satisfying technical standards for an international

facility) has now been reduced to a 4m (national) standard. Identification of

opportunities to extend provision to international facility in due course is recommended.

The region currently has no provision for downhill MTB. However, opportunities for trail

development in either South-West (Ayrshire) or Central (Trossachs) regions would more

effectively meet the combined demand projections of these areas.

4.5 South-West of Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire)

The South-West region benefits from excellent MTB cross-country and downhill facilities

provision, including five trail centres that are part of the world class 7Stanes trail network.

Facilities provision for other disciplines is limited with only 3 non-dedicated closed-road circuits,

each with only limited access, and a single local standard BMX track. Ideally a hub would exist in

Dumfries and in Ayr, being the main centres of population and both supporting established

cycling communities.

The Dumfries hub would be centred around one of the local 7Stanes, the centre at Ae

would be ideal since it currently offers both cross-country and downhill. Road cycling

would be supported by links to routes currently being established between Dumfries

and the 7Stanes; a closed-road circuit development in the locale would be encouraged

to supplement provision for road cycling in the area. At the moment no specific

opportunities for a circuit have been identified and this strategy encourages

investigation in this regard.

While Ayr currently has no established cycling facilities on which to establish a hub,

there are two prominent clubs in the area demonstrating demand for provision through

increasing membership and extensive youth coaching provision. A closed-road circuit in

the area would, therefore, be encouraged. South Ayrshire Council is supportive of

cycling development and has invited discussion on opportunities to extend planned

17

developments to be competitive standard facilities. One such opportunity may exist in

the redevelopment of a pump track to become regional standard BMX track. This would

complement a closed-road circuit in providing the backbone of a hub in Ayr. There is

additionally potential for MTB facilities provision in the region, albeit dependant on local

club and events demand.

A further recommendation for closed-road circuit would be in the third main population

centre of Kilmarnock. Investigations are encouraged to identify an appropriate

opportunity.

4.6 East and Central Scotland

The East and Central region is currently experiencing a surge of interest in developing facilities

centres supporting multiple cycling disciplines. Developments in Edinburgh (Hunters Hall) and

Linlithgow are already engaged in planning, while opportunities in Tweedbank and Stirling are in

consultation phase. While the development at Tweedbank is associated with an extension of the

current sports complex facilities, the proximity of this development to the MTB centres at

Glentress and Innerleithen provides a wider opportunity to have a primary Borders hub in the

Tweed Valley. Existing closed-road circuit provision makes use of non-dedicated race tracks and

the region would benefit from dedicate facilities linked to established hubs. These identified

hubs would adequately support the strategic priorities of facilities developments in the region.

The Hunters Hall development is at an advanced stage of planning with final details of

which facilities are to be provided expected shortly. Predominant consideration in this

regard is the ability to provide a replacement for the Meadowbank velodrome which is

nearing the end of its lifespan. Financial constraints dictate that this would take the form

of an outdoor velodrome, and the need for a competitive track facility in the East

supports the recommendation for this structure to be included in the plans if possible.

Secondary facilities recommended in this hub would be closed-road circuit and regional

or national standard BMX track.

It is noted that the National Performance Centre, opening within the next few years at

Heriot Watt, does not at this time include plans for any cycling facility. While provisional

consideration has been given to the possibility of a closed-road circuit in later phases of

development, this is yet to be confirmed. The establishment of a circuit at Hunters Hall,

therefore, remains a priority for the Edinburgh region.

Edinburgh also hosts several local mountain biking trails and has the potential to join

these together to create a good network of local trails. Development of the Pentland

Hill trails would be welcomed in further augmenting this local network. East Lothian is

the start of the John Muir Way and consideration should be given to development of a

local trail network supporting links to cycle-sport in this area.

The Linlithgow development is currently seeking planning permission for a closed-road

circuit, pump track and cyclo-cross course. Opportunities for links to MTB trails at

Beecraigs Country Park, Callendar Estate, Falkirk and Larbert High School are also

supported by the establishment of this hub.

18

The hub in the Tweed Valley would encompass the development of a MTB centre of

excellence at Glentress and any potential developments from Forestry Commission

Scotland’s masterplanning process. Although there is currently International standard

downhill provision at Innerleithen, the area would benefit from a world class bike park,

as well as intended closed-road circuit and pump track provision at the Tweedbank

Sports Complex. These developments are supported as the primary hub for the Borders.

Stirling represents the ideal strategic location for a hub in the central region. A number

of sites are currently being investigated but identification of specific opportunities is yet

to be established. Ideally a development in this locale would include a closed-road

circuit and BMX track. Consideration should also be given to MTB developments in the

Trossachs which would provide the opportunity for growth through the strategically

important link to MTB tourism.

Two regional BMX tracks are currently being explored for redevelopment. Tracks at

Musselburgh and Bathgate would ideally be improved to ensure they accommodate

regional standard competition.

5. Summary of Feedback from Consultations and Survey

Consistent feedback from the community supports a number of key priorities for the strategy:

One of the most significant findings was the concern for safety in road cycling and the

relative lack of accessibility to dedicated road cycling facilities; there was a strong

agreement that closed loop circuit provision should be at the top of the agenda.

While it was acknowledged that in most areas of the country there is relatively easy

access to MTB trails, the need for improvement of current locations to accommodate

competitive riding was strongly indicated. The need for provision of ancillary facilities, in

particular toilets, changing/showers and bike wash facilities at trail sites was additionally

highlighted.

There have been continuing discussions about the need for velodrome provision out

with the international facility in Glasgow. In particular, at this time, Edinburgh and

Inverness present opportunities for new developments and are exploring the possibility

of both indoor and outdoor structures. Community feedback suggests an additional

indoor facility would be preferred. It is noted, however, that the capital and revenue

requirements of velodromes present primary constraints on the options available.

Outdoor facilities represent a substantially cheaper construction and, while feedback

suggested concern over weather limiting access, evidence from British Cycling suggests

that this does not post as significant a barrier as may be perceived. There is an

identified need to explore operational models and usage figures to inform decisions in

this regard. A particular caveat worth noting is that design of outdoor velodromes

should ensure length and bank angle provide for a competitive standard facility.

Programming of facilities and the ability for clubs and community to readily access

facilities was a common topic of feedback. It is evident that there is need for

consultation and discussion with end users in order to maximise support for local club,

19

competition and training structures. In additional operational management should

consider whether it is possible or appropriate to have club involvement in the regular

operation of the facility.

There was a consistent lack of awareness about BMX facilities across the country with

most responders unable to contribute meaningful input to discussion in this regard.

While it is evident that there is minimal current engagement with the discipline, this

should not be taken as indicating no principal requirement for BMX track developments.

Evidence supports the positive impact of BMX on cycle-sport pathways and on

community participation in cycling. Further, the consultation process stimulated interest

in growing the sport, and the need for a focussed development forum was indicated.

There was widespread agreement on the need for permanent toilet and

changing/shower facilities at all facilities. In addition the opportunity for bike storage

and/or bike hire services was highlighted as assisting improved access and long-term

utilisation of facilities.

All regional consultation forums identified the need for improved relations between

stakeholders involved in facilities developments. A number of regions proposed the

concept of ‘working-groups’ to ensure SC, Local Authorities, Forestry Commission

Scotland (FCS), clubs and community have regular engagement. Scottish Cycling has

recently been through a governance review and is in the process of establishing Regional

Groups as an outcome of that process. These groups present the ideal opportunity to

satisfy the need for closer working relationships and it is intended that representation

from partner organisations be included.

6. Vision and Strategic Priorities

The overall vision of this strategy is a nationwide network of facilities supporting provision of a

performance and participation pathway of development for riders. In satisfying that vision the

facilities structures should be aligned to the needs of riders at local, regional, national and

international standards of competition. This document has provided a hierarchical

categorisation and gap analysis to this end. At the heart of this network would be the

development of multi-discipline facilities hubs providing a community centre within each

Regional Sporting Partnership area.

Delivery of the vision requires the development of strong partnerships; in particular closer links

between Scottish Cycling and Local Authorities is needed. On-going communication and

engagement with the club and competitive community is, similarly, critically important during

the consultation, development and programming stages of facilities projects to ensure long-term

success of the developments. The role of Scottish Cycling is to support the growth and

establishment of these relationships, while providing the pathway framework and sport-

structures which will drive facilities demands and hence inform decision-making on investments.

20

6.1 Overall Strategic Priorities

Overall priorities represent both national interests and consistent regional requirements, and

are as follows:

I. Establish cycling as a facilities-based sport.

II. Align facility developments to support the growth of the performance and

participation pathway for cycle-sport.

III. Explore opportunities and support the development of at least one facilities

hub in each Regional Sports Partnership area.

IV. Prioritise the development of closed-loop circuits in key population centres

and linked to the creation of facilities hubs.

V. Consult and engage with the local club and competitive cycling community

as a part of all projects and developments.

VI. Identify and support opportunities to improve or introduce ancillary support

structures, in particular toilets, showers/changing, and bike storage, at

existing facilities in-line with the hierarchy of technical standards.

VII. Identify and support the opportunity to improve the standard of existing

MTB trails and facilities to accommodate competitive riding and events.

VIII. Identify and support opportunities to develop regional-standard BMX

facilities.

IX. Improve communication and relationships with local authority, Forestry

Commission and private land owners where facilities or development

opportunities exist.

X. Identify and acknowledge commonly used road competition and training

routes as key facilities such that decisions with respect to event access,

surfacing, maintenance, road closures, traffic-calming and signage, may be

made with cycling in mind.

XI. Establish and share best practice of design, maintenance and operation of

facilities with potential developers, and ensure that developments satisfy

minimum technical requirements for training and competition.

XII. Maximise clubs and community access at existing facilities.

6.2 International Facilities

As a nation with a proud history of world medal-winning cyclists, the strategic ideal would see

Scotland host at least one international standard facility in each discipline. Summary of status

and actions to support this are as follows:

The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome meets full international standards and track facilities

provision therefore satisfies that recommendation.

Major international events have previously utilised a number of road racing and time

trial routes and, while Scotland is able to satisfy appropriate route provision, the

21

aforementioned priority to acknowledge these routes as competitive facilities would

help advocate for actions improving race experience for riders and spectators at these

events.

No national or international standard facility is currently identified for closed road

circuits. The priority for circuit development should extend, therefore, to ensuring

provision of at least one circuit to the highest possible standards. This would ideally be

located near a primary centre of population with good access and transport links.

The Nevis Range at Fort William has one of the best MTB downhill courses in the world,

hosting an annual World Cup race. It is important that the track remains at the cutting

edge of mountain biking development and may need annual or biennial changes to the

track. It is also used as a training base for Scottish elite riders and the facilities may need

upgrading to ensure the training facilities are world class this is likely to include a jump

line, pump track and skills area.

Innerleithen DH trail is of also of International standard, although below World Cup

standard. However, the Tweed Valley would benefit from a world class bike park to help

develop riders and this development should take cognisance of the potential to develop

mountain bike tourism in this area. Glentress trail centre is the busiest recreational

mountain bike facility in the world and should be prioritised as an International centre to

develop riders, coaches and leaders, and a host venue for events. Developments in this

regard should be influenced by the masterplan currently being created by Forestry

Commission Scotland and Centre of Excellence proposals.

Cathkin Braes MTB park will host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, but is limited in its

ability to meet capacity demands of 200-400 rider field sizes of International events such

as World Cups. The provision of permanent ancillary facilities has been identified as a

priority that would ultimately pay significant dividends in both competitive and

community use of the site, but more substantial developments would be required in

space provision for car parking and event infrastructure to secure its permanent

classification as an International standard venue. The strategic importance of an

international XC facility may be appropriately satisfied by developments at either

Cathkin Braes or the Tweed Valley and this strategy welcomes opportunities to progress

either centre.

No national or international facilities currently exist in Scotland for BMX. Developments

in progress at Cumbernauld and Knightswood (Glasgow) will most likely satisfy

specifications for national standard tracks only; this is adequate for current demands.

However, this strategy would welcome an extension to international standard provision

within the 10 year timeframe of this document.

It should be noted that, as regards high-performance provision, the National

Performance Centre (due to open in Edinburgh in 2016) will not offer cycling facilities in

the first phase of development. It has been requested by Scottish Cycling that closed-

road circuit provision be considered as part of future plans to extend the centre. At this

time it is too early to have confirmation of outcomes in this regard.

22

6.3 Region Specific Actions and Priorities

Scottish Cycling is currently establishing Regional Groups aligned to the geographical areas

covered by their 5 Regional Development Officers – North-East (Grampian, Tayside, Fife),

Highlands and Islands (including Moray), West, South-West (Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire),

East and Central (including Borders). These groups, consisting of representation from the

region’s clubs and key stakeholders, will agree and oversee delivery of a development plan

specific to the needs of the region but aligned to the national pathway. In support of this

objective, the following sections summarises the specific actions recommended in each of the 5

regions.

6.3.1 North-East Region

Facilities Hubs

Strategic Priorities:

I. Support the development of a facilities hub at Caird Park in Dundee. II. Support the development of a facilities hub at Lochore Meadows in Fife.

III. Identify and support the development of a facilities hub in Grampian.

Additional regional opportunities: IV. Assist in the development of opportunities in Huntly and Kockburn.

Road


I. Support the development of closed-road circuits linked to each primary and

satellite facilities hub.

Additional regional opportunities:

II. Development of closed-road circuits in Alford, Banff, Ellon, Knockburn, and Banchory.

MTB


I. Identify key opportunities for development in the Aberdeenshire area including extension of trail provision at Kirkhill .

23

II. Upgrade the current trails at Lochore Meadows to support development of a Fife primary hub.


III. Work with FCS, Local Authority, Clubs and community in developing an MTB area at Scolty Hill, Banchory.

IV. Identify opportunities for trail developments in North Fife.

Track Strategic Priorities:

I. Support increased coaching and competition opportunities at Caird Park velodrome.

II. Support the development of a new Velodrome in Aberdeen.

BMX Strategic Priorities:

I. Support the development of a regional standard track at Caird Park in Dundee. II. Support the development of a regional standard track at Aberdeen Transition,

Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen. III. Support the development of a regional standard track at Lochore Meadows, Fife.

6.3.2 Highlands and Islands Region (including Moray)

Facilities Hubs


I. Support development of a primary facilities hub in Inverness linked to UHI campus including velodrome (dependant on feasibility study outcomes), closed-road circuit, BMX track, MTB trails and skills areas.

II. Support creation of a satellite hub in the Spey Valley through development of the centre, trails, skills areas and circuit provision at Glenmore Lodge supplemented by links to additional tracks and trails in the Aviemore area.

III. Support Nevis Range in the improvement and development of their XC and DH bike trails, strengthening Nevis Range as a satellite hub.

IV. Identify an appropriate opportunity and support the development of a facilities hub in Moray.

24

Road Strategic Priorities:

I. Identify and support the development of closed-road facilities in the Spey Valley,

Inverness and Moray.


II. Support and facilitate the utilisation of the Highland Cycle Ability Centre as a

training and racing venue through consideration of key safety concerns and

provision of transport/access solutions.

III. Explore and support access to existing non-cycling facilities as potential road

cycling circuits (including Kinloss Base, Golspie Kart Track and the Black Isle

Show Ground).

IV. Explore and support the opportunity to develop a closed-road circuit at Milltown Airfield.

V. Identify and develop further opportunities for closed road circuits in key

population centres.

MTB Strategic Priorities:

I. Align priorities identified by DMBinS Highland 2012 report and on-going work

with the Highland Cluster including developments in Inverness, Aviemore and

Nevis Range.

II. Engage with FCS towards any new developments and/or extensions to existing provision in Moray.


III. Support opportunities to extend, improve and develop existing facilities where

these developments are critical to meeting local growth and demand, and where these satisfy objectives outlined in section 1.4.3 of this strategy (such as Quarrelwood, Laggan Wolftrax, Abriachan and Glenlivet)


I. Engage with the Hi Velo Project towards a feasibility study for a velodrome in

Inverness.

25


I. Support the Highland Skate Park Authority in redeveloping the existing BMX

track in Inverness to regional standard.


II. Work with local communities & councils to re-establish BMX facilities currently

in disrepair.

III. Investigate opportunities to develop pump tracks in local communities (including Quarrel Wood, Elgin High School, Burghead, Cullen, and areas identified by CNPA).

IV. Promote successful models such as the Carrbridge pump track.

6.3.3 West Region

Facilities Hubs


I. Maximise access to existing facilities at Emirates Arena. II. Extend provision at Cathkin Braes by developing additional cycling facilities such

as pump track, skills loop and jump park, and improving links to road cycling networks; build permanent ancillary structures such as toilets, changing and coaching areas and extend space provision for car parking and event infrastructure .

Road Strategic Priorities:

I. Develop a closed-road circuit at Sighthill and/or Linwood and create

opportunities for multi-sport usage of the facility. II. Increase the potential for the Emirates Arena circuit to be used as a training and

competition venue, in particular improving safety.


III. Identify opportunities for a closed-road circuit within Loch Lomond National Park.

26

MTB


I. Improve the standards of facilities provision at Cathkin Braes to maximise use and coaching opportunities, and to support international aspirations for the facility.


II. Support opportunities to extend, improve and develop existing facilities where these developments are critical to meeting local growth and demand, and where these satisfy objectives outlined in section 1.4.3 of this strategy (such as Glennifer Braes and Linwood)

III. Develop mountain bike trails within Glasgow City parks to provide accessible opportunities for biking within the metropolitan area.


I. Improve access and club utilisation of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

II. Improve facility standards, provide an on-going maintenance programme and improve relationship between user groups at Bellahouston track.


III. Explore the potential for a track development at Linwood. IV. Develop an identified opportunity for a local standard (grass) track at Loch

Lomond.


I. Development of a national standard track at Broadwood Stadium; support

future aspirations for the track to be extended to meet international standards. II. Development of a regional standard track at Knightswood Park.


III. Provision of ancillary facilities at Clydebank BMX track. IV. Explore development opportunities for pump tracks at Pollok Park, Cunningar

Loop and Linwood.

27

6.3.4 South-West Region

Facilities Hubs


I. Develop a facilities hub in the Dumfries area linked to of one of the 7Stanes

including XC, DH and a closed-road circuit.

II. Identify and develop a further hub in Ayr including closed-road circuit and BMX

track.

Road


I. Identify and develop closed-road circuits linked to facilities hubs in Dumfries

(7Stanes) and Ayr.

II. Identify and develop an opportunity for a closed-road circuit in Kilmarnock.


III. Develop relationship with Kames motorsport circuit as a potential cycling

venue.

Track

Regional opportunities:

I. Identify and develop the opportunity for an outdoor training track – explore

potential site in Galson.

MTB


I. Support the development of existing sites to improve the quality of facilities

available and use of venues for events and competition.


II. Support opportunities to extend, improve and develop existing facilities where these developments are critical to meeting local growth and demand, and where these satisfy objectives outlined in section 1.4.3 of this strategy (such as Craufurdland, Dumfries House, Newmilns Snow and Sport Complex, Kyle Academy, Ayr and St Joseph’s Academy Kilmarnock).

28

BMX


I. Support the re-development of existing track at Stevenson to regional standard.

II. Support the development of a regional standard track in Ayr.


III. Identify further opportunities for pump tracks close to primary population

centres.

6.3.5 East and Central Region

Facilities Hubs


I. Support the development of a facilities hub at Hunters Hall to include a closed-road circuit, outdoor velodrome and BMX track.

II. Support the development of a facilities hub in the Tweed Valley, encompassing support for the development of facilities at Tweedbank Sports Complex and the MTB trail centres at Glentress and Innerleithen.

III. Support the development of a facilities hub in Linlithgow including the development of MTB trails at Beescraig Park.

IV. Progress the exploration and support the development of opportunities for a facilities hub in Stirling.

Road


I. Support closed-road circuit developments at Hunters Hall, Tweedbank,

Linithgow and Stirling.

MTB Strategic Priorities:

I. Ensure that any potential developments of Glentress through the current

master planning process take into account the demands of cycle sport, including

racing.

29

II. Support the improvements of Innerleithin MTB/DH MTB facility through the

Innerleithin Project Aim up; develop ancillary facilities onsite.

III. Work with West Lothian Council to develop trails at Beecraig’s Country Park.

IV. Development of the Callander - Coilhallan Woods MTB Trails, augmenting

planned developments of an Aberfolye skills loop, as a catalyst for developing a

wider network of MTB trails in the Aberfoyle and Callander area.


V. Work with Local authorities to develop MTB facilities near to centres of

population. (Potential facility developments include The Hermitage, The skelf,

Swanson Farm, the Pentlands, Dalkeith Country park, Aberfoyle Bike Park,

Beecraig’s Country Park, Liberton High School, Kelso high School, Larbert High

School and Boness).


I. Support a Velodrome development in Edinburgh to replace the Meadowbank

track (recommending Hunters Hall).


I. Development a national standard BMX Facility in Edinburgh (recommending

Hunters Hall).

II. Support the improvement and renovation of BMX tracks at Bathgate and

Musselburgh to regional competitive standard.

III. Identify an opportunity to develop a regional standard BMX track, preferably as

part of a facilities hub, in Stirling.


IV. Work with Local authorities to create pump tracks close to primary centres of

population.

30

Appendix 1 – Scottish Cycling Performance and Participation Pathway

EXPLORE

• 0 years

•Learn to ride

•Freeform participation

PARTICPATE

• 1+ years

•Riding essentials

•Technical foundations

DEVELOP

• 1+ years

•Skills aquisition

•Training foundations

COMPETE

• 2+ years

•Physical & mental development

•Competative foundations

PROGRESS

•3+ years

•Advance skills base

•Performance benchmarks

PERFORM

• 4-+ years

•Specialisation

•Technical/tactical ability

EXCEL

• 7+ years

•Peak performance

•Marginal gains

Instructor

Ride Leader

Freeform

participation Marshall

Ride Leader

UKCC Level 1

UKCC

Level 2

UKCC

Level 2+DSU

UKCC L2/DSU/Core

Modules

UKCC L3

Inspire,Aspire

UKCC L3 ECAP

Sportive/

Challenge/Go-

Ride Racing

CLUB

/LOCAL

REGIONAL

NATIONAL

(Scottish)

NATIONAL

(British)

International

Chief Marshall /Assistant

Commissaire

Regional

Commisssaire

Regional

Commisssaire

National

Commissaire

National /UCI Commissaire

UCI Commissaire

Local

Local

Local -

Regional

Regional

National

National

International

Community

Community

/BMX Club

CLUB

CLUB/

REGION

RSR

Talent Team

SC

BC

B

C

S

C P

ERFO

RM

AN

CE

S

C D

EVEL

OP

MEN

T

P

AR

TNER

S

STAGE OUTCOMES LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME COACHES EVENTS OFFICIALS FACILITIES

FACILITIES

31

Appendix 2 - Facilities Standards and Technical Specifications

Table A1 - Technical Standards for Track

TRACK INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL REGIONAL LOCAL

Description Permanent indoor velodrome

UCI category 1, 2 or 3

Outdoor or indoor to at least

UCI Category 4

Outdoor to National

Federation standards

Outdoor non-UCI standard,

appropriate for grass track or cycle speedway racing

Length 250m 200-400m 133-500m 64-92m

Width/Angle Width 7-8m, bends 19-25m Width 5m Proportional to length 4.25-7m; 1:8 max banking

@bends, 1:12 on straight

Spectators Seating provision, 1500+,

access/safety barriers

1500+, access/safety barriers 100-200, access/safety

barriers

50, temporary safety

measures Race Venue International National Regional/Club Community/Speedway

Training Venue National/lRegional National/Club Club Club/Community

Warm up area Yes Yes Yes Not essential

Bike Hire Yes (outside of comps) Prefered Not essential Prefered

Clubs Multiple Multiple Multiple Single/none

Café Yes Preferred Not essential No

Bike Shop Not essential Not essential No No

Toilets, changing and

showers

Permanent structures Yes but may be temporary Access close by Access close by

Car parking Yes Yes Yes Yes

Coaching Professional staff on site Provided as required Club coaches Club coaches

Proximity to local

population

Within short travel Within short travel Yes Yes

Accessibility to public

transport

Yes Yes Yes Desirable

Entry level access for

beginners

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Support Services Sport Science, Strength &

Conditioning, Physio

Not essential No No

Materials/design

essentials

Detailed by UCI

categorisation

Detailed by UCI

categorisation

Tarmac Speedway: Hardcore

base-layer, top-layer

graded shale or similar

32

Table A2 - Technical Standards for Closed Road Circuits

CLOSED ROAD CIRCUIT INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL REGIONAL LOCAL

Description Dedicate high performance

training/racing facility

adjacent/linked to other national cycling facilities

Dedicated training/racing facility

adjacent/linked to cycling and/or

sports facilities

Preferable dedicated,

training/racing facility

Training facility

Length 1.5-2km, with multiple shorter

loop options, start/finish access

for road races desirable

1.5-2km, with shorter loop

option

800m-2km, shorter loop

option desirable

At least 800m

Width/bends 6m 4-6m 4-6m At least 4m

Race Venue International National Regional/Club Community


Lighting Yes: 150-300 lux Yes: 150-300 lux Desirable No

Bike Hire Yes (outside of comps) Prefered Not essential Prefered


Café Yes Preferred Not essential No

Bike Shop Not essential Not essential No No


showers


Car parking Yes Yes Yes Yes


Proximity to local

population



transport

Yes Yes Yes Desirable

Entry level access for

beginners

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Support Services Access to Sport Science,

Strength & Conditioning, Physio Not essential No No

Materials/design High quality tarmac – current UK

building standards High quality tarmac – current UK

building standards High quality tarmac – current UK

building standards Tarmac

33

Table A3 - Technical Standards for MTB XC

MTB XC INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL REGIONAL LOCAL

Description Venue appropriate for

international category A/B events

Venue appropriate for National

A/B or Enduro events

Dedicated trail centre with

capacity for regional and club

events

Graded trail network

Grades/lengths Technical/fast with multiple line options for different levels of rider. Ideally clover-leaf design. Class 1: 4-6km

lap length, class 2: 4-10km

Technical/fast with multiple

line options for different

levels of rider. Lap

approximately 4km/15mins

Multiple line options for

different levels of rider. Lap

approximately 4km/15mins

Multiple line options for

different levels of rider.

Width Start: 8m/150m straight Start: 6m/150m straight Start area provision Start area provision



Event facilities Space for full service provision,

adequate hard standing for all

event services,water supply,

electricity.

Adequate hard standing for

all event services,water

supply, electricity.


all event services.

Adequate space for event

provision.

Skills area Yes Yes Yes Prefered

Warm up area Yes Yes Yes Prefered

Clubs Multiple clubs Multiple clubs Multiple clubs Single/none

Cafe Yes but may be

mobile catering

Yes but may be

mobile catering

Not essential Not essential

Bike Shop Not essential Not essential Not essential Not essential


showers

Permanent service provision Toilet provision

essential, others desirable

Access close by Access close by

Car parking Adequate for scale of event

100 – 200 vehicles

Adequate for scale of event Adequate for scale of event Adequate for scale of event


Bike Wash Yes Yes Desirable Desirable

Proximity to local

population

Within short travel Within short travel Links to transport routes Links to transport routes


transport

Desirable Desirable Desirable Desirable

Entry level access Yes Yes Yes Yes

Support Services Access to Sport Science,

Strength & Conditioning, Physio Not essential No No

34

Table A4 - Technical Standards for MTB DH

MTB DH INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL REGIONAL LOCAL

Description Venue appropriate for

National and International

Venue appropriate for

National and International

Competition

Dedicated trail centre with

capacity for club events

Graded trail network

Grades/lengths A mix of orange/black/red trails,

multiple options for different

abilities. Emphasis on technical

skills. Length/duration 1.5-

3.5Km/2-5mins.

A mix of orange/black/red trails,

multiple options for different

abilities. Emphasis on technical

skills. Length/duration 1.5-3.5Km/2-

5mins.

A mix of

orange/blac

k/red trails,

multiple

options for

different

abilities.

Emphasis

on

technical

skills.

Length/dura

tion 1.5-

3.5Km/2-

5mins.

A mix of red/blue/green

trails. Multiple options

desirable Approx 1-3mins

long

Event facilities Space for full service provision,

adequate hard standing for all


electricity.

Adequate hard standing for all


electricity.


all event services.

Adequate space for event

provision.

Skills area Desirable Desirable Desirable Desirable

Warm up area Yes Yes Yes Prefered

Clubs Multiple clubs Multiple clubs Multiple clubs Single/none

Cafe Yes but may be

mobile catering

Yes but may be mobile

catering

Not essential Not essential


Toilets, changing

and showers

Permanent service provision Toilet provision essential,

others desirable

Access close by Access close by

Car parking Adequate for scale of event

100 – 200 vehicles

Adequate for scale of event Adequate for scale of event Adequate for scale of event


Uplift Mechanical uplift desirable,

suitable vehicle access

essential

Mechanical uplift desirable,

suitable vehicle access

essential

Mechanical uplift desirable

or suitable vehicle access

available

Vehicle access

Bike Wash Yes Yes Desirable Desirable

Proximity to

local population

Within short travel Within short travel Links to transport routes Links to transport routes

Accessibility to

public transport

Desirable Desirable Desirable Desirable


Support Services Access to Sport Science, Strength

& Conditioning, Physio Not essential No No

35

Table A5 - Technical Standards for BMX

BMX

INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL REGIONAL LOCAL

Description Indoor or Outdoor to UCI

event standards

Outdoor to UCI event standards Regional racing/training venue Non-race standard track, or

pump track

Start Ramp 8m height, 9m wide 5m height, 8m wide 1.5m+, 8m wide Approp to start gate width,

approx. 1m/rider

Length 300-400m 300-400m 200-400m any

Width First straight/turn: 8m +

Others: 6m

First straight/turn: 6m +

Others: 5m

First straight/turn: 5m +

Others: 4m approx. 1m/rider

Spectators Seating provision, 2000+ 1000+ 100-200 50



Lighting Yes: 150-300 lux Yes: 150-300 lux Desirable, may be temporary No

Bike Hire Desirable Desirable Desirable No


Cafe Yes Preferred Not essential No


Toilets, changing

and showers


Car Parking Yes Yes Yes Desirable


Proximity to

local population


Accessibility to

public transport

Yes Yes Yes Yes


Support Services Access to Sport Science, Strength

& Conditioning, Physio Not essential No No

Materials/design UCI and BC technical

regulations layout, 150x100m

land, tarmac berms, drainage

UCI and BC technical


land, tarmac berms, drainage

UCI and BC technical


land, preferably tarmac berms,

drainage

40x30m land, drainage if

possible

36

Guidelines and regulations on facilities and event course design are provided in the following documents:

Sport England: Cycle Sports Facilities – Design Guide, 2003

UCI Technical Regulations:

BMX

http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=NzU4Nzg&LangId=1

http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=ODI4ODQ&LangId=1

Cyclocross

http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34593&LangId=1

MTB


MTB Trials


Track

http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=NDk3OTg&LangId=1

Road


http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=NzU4Nzg&LangId=1

http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=ODI4ODQ&LangId=1




http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTY2NjU&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=NDk3OTg&LangId=1


37

British Cycling Regulations

MTB

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_06-MTB.pdf

BMX

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_07-BMX.pdf

Cyclocross

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_09-CYCLO-CROSS.pdf

Track

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_05-GENERAL_ROAD_TRACK.pdf

Road


http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_06-MTB.pdf

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_07-BMX.pdf

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/bc_files/rulebook/2014__Rulebook_-_09-CYCLO-CROSS.pdf



38

Appendix 3 – Facilities Audit

North-East Scotland (Grampian, Tayside and Fife)

Table A6 – Opportunities for Facilities Hubs

Table A7 – Hierarchy of Provision, Track

Facility Current Provision Development Opportunities Status/Actions Required

Caird park Velodrome, MTB skills, Pump track Closed road circuit, improve MTB skills area Member of the Caird Park Community Hub and

awaiting decision re Caird park/Camperdown

Dundee Sport and Leisure committed to building

closed road circuit

Knockburn Closed road circuit, MTB trails Planning permission being sought

Lochore

Meadows

MTB skills area Closed road circuit, improve MTB skills area Awaiting final approval for work to start

Aberdeen BMX track (not-race standard) Velodrome, race-standard BMX track, MTB

trails

Discussions in progress

Facility Type Current Provision Development Opportunities Status/Actions Required

International

National

Regional Caird Park, Dundee Improve access and programme/competition

provision

Local

39

Table A8 – Hierarchy of Provision, Closed Road

Table A9 – Hierarchy of Provision, MTB XC


International

National

Regional Boyndie Race Track Alford Race Track Knockhill race track Lochore Meadows

Knockburn Sports Hub Ellon Academy Banff Academy Loriston/Cove Lochore Meadows Caird Park

Knockburn: Support planning application Ellon: Support/advice re build Banff: Initial planning and design Lochore: Provide previous closed road circuit plans Caird Park: Awaiting decision from Dundee City Council

Local


International

National

Regional Knockburn Banchory Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeen Scolty Hill, Banchory Pitfichie Forest, Kemnay Lochore Meadows Middleden Woods, Kirkaldy

Knockburn: Planning permission being sought Working with FCS re dedicated MTB area adjacent to Scolty Hill, local community group being set-up to progress this

Local

40

Table A10 – Hierarchy of Provision, MTB DH

Table A11 – Hierarchy of Provision, BMX


International

National

Regional

Local


International

National

Regional Aberdeen and Dundee BMX parks Existing sites in need of upgrade and promotion Development opportunities consist of pump

track and trails being constructed

Local

41

Highlands and Islands (including Moray)




Glenmore Lodge,

Aviemore

Trails, skills area, pump track, link to external

road/trail network

Bike hub building, trails upgrades, pump track

redevelopment

Nevis Range Trails extensions Pilot lease with FCS underway


International

National HI Velo project, UHI Beachwood Campus Feasibility study required

Regional

Local Forres

Drumnadrochit

Grass track venues during Highland Games

42




International

National UHI Campus Currently being investigated

Regional, Local Golspie Kart Track & Black Isle Show Ground

Kinloss Army base (trial period with local club)

Highland Cycle Ability Centre

Improve access

Cycle Ability Centre: redevelopment required to

support racing


International Nevis Range

National Nevis Range

Abriachan

Laggan Wolftrax

Badaguish trails

Existing trail maintenance plan required

Nevis Range: trail extensions

Abriachan: trails resurfacing, skills area

development

Laggan: bike hub building

Badaguish: additional facilities underway at the

nearby outdoor centre, new trail developments

need community consultation

Regional Golspie

Contin/Torachilty wood

Glenlivet

Cairngorm MTB park Golspie: Skills area and pump track

Glenlivet: skills area development

Cairngorm: development currently on hold

Local Grantown

Glenmore Lodge

Moray Monster trails

Learnie

Carbisdale

Balblair

Sanquhar Woods, Forres

Castle grounds, Stornaway

Evanton Wood Glenmore Lodge: skills area needing revamped

Moray Monster trails: being

reduced/redeveloped

43




International Nevis Range

National Nevis Range Trail extensions and pilot vehicle uplift

Regional Nevis Range

Laggan

Golspie

Glencoe

Lecht

Laggan: Red grade options being developed into

black grade trail features

Lecht: New trail features being developed in

2014

Local


International

National

Regional Inverness BMX park New track and skills area in planning phase

Local Glenmore Lodge

Carrbridge

Lagganlia

Ballachullish

Badaguish

Elgin

Kingussie

Glenlivet

Cullen BMX track

Burghead BMX track

Forres dirt jump park

Aviemore dirt jumps

Existing sites in need of upgrade and promotion

Development opportunities consist of pump

track and trails being constructed

Cullen: in need of repair

44

West of Scotland





Emirates Arena Velodrome, closed-road circuit Improve closed-road circuit

Cathkin Braes MTB trail park Pump track, jump park

Links to road network

Toilets, café, bike shop

Build skills and coaching area

Improve ancillary facilities provision

Provision of bike hire shop


International Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome

National

Regional Bellahouston

Local


International

National Linwood

Sighthill

Opportunities need explored

Regional, Local Emirates Arena Improve standard of circuit to support use for

training and racing

45




International Cathkin Braes Skills loop and ancillary facilities provision

National Cathkin Braes

Glennifer Braes

Permanent ancillary facilities provision

Regional Glennifer Braes

Mugdock Park

Carron Valley

Fire Tower Trail, Lochgilphead

Local Pollok Park

Whitelee

Mill Run

Linwood

Loch Winnoch

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Alexandra Park

Fearnoch

Barcladine

Inverawe

Glencruitten Woods

Extension of trails at Whitelee

Upgrade of trails at Alexandra park and Pollok

park

Glencruitten Woods: skills area and trail centre


International

National DH at Cathkin

Regional DH trails near Oban (regional action) Opportunities need explored

Local DH trails within existing networks at Loch

Lomond (regional action)

Opportunities need explored

46


South-West of Scotland




International

National Cumbernauld BMX track Expected completion June 2014

Regional Cumbernauld (current) track

Clydebank BMX track

Knightswood BMX Track

Knightswood: project being finalised

Local


7 Stanes MTB XC trails DH trails, skills areas, links to road network Opportunities need explored


International

National

Regional

Local Galston Old Greyhound Track Opportunities need explored

47





International

National

Regional, Local Carlingwark Park, Castle Douglas

Crichton Estate, Dumfries,

Kames Motorsport, Muirkirk

Improve access


International

National Dalbeattie

Kirroughtree

Drumlanrig

Regional Ae

Mabie

Glentrool

Craufurdland

Dumfries House

Existing sites require trail marking and ancillary

facilities provision

Dumfries House: feasibility study underway

Local Newmilns

Kyle Academy

St. Josephs (in discussion)

Eglinton Country Park


International

National Ae

Regional DH runs at 7 Stanes Opportunities need explored

Local Nemilns

48


Central and East of Scotland



International

National

Regional

Local Evolution Skate Park, Stevenson Redevelopment to regional standard


Hunters Hall New development proposed at Jack Kane

Centre – potential to support closed-road

circuit, BMX track, tarmac velodome,

speedway track, skills area

Planning underway

Tweed Valley

(incl.

Tweedbank

Complex)

Opportunity to extend current sports facilities

provision to add a closed-road circuit and MTB

pump track; links to Glentress and Innerleithen

MTB centres

Tweedbank: currently in consultation

Glentress: masterplan being developed

Linlithgow Hub Multi-purpose sports facility being planned

with inclusion of cyclo-cross, closed-road

circuit, and links to MTB trails at Beescraig

Planning permission being sought

Stirling Hub Sites being investigated and facilities tbc but

likely to include closed-road circuit.

Currently in consultation

49




International

National Meadowbank

Regional Possible development at Hunters Hall

Local Redbraes Park, Edinburgh (speedway) New drainage system required – on hold til

outcomes of Hunters Hall project determined


International

National

Regional, Local Ingliston Show Ground, Edinburgh

East Fortune Race Circuit, East Lothian

Tweedbank

Hunters Hall

Linlithgow Hub

Development opportunities part of facilities hub

projects

50



International Glentress Improve accessibility

National Glentress

Regional Glentress

Innerleithen

Beescraig Country Park

Carron Valley, Stirling

Callender Estate, Falkirk

Coilhallan Woods, Sitrling Pentland: trails needing developed

Beescraig: trail developments and pump/jump

park underway

Coilhallan Woods: feasibility study planned

Local Glentress

Mains Farms, Thornhill

Cardrona Pump and Jump Park, Borders

VAT RUN, South Queensferry

Cyclone, Gypse Brae, Edinburgh

Hailes Quarry Park, Edinburgh

Aberfoyle Bike Park

Kelso High School

Low Port Centre, Linlithgow

Liberton High School

The Skelf, Braidwoods, Edinburgh

Hermitage, Edinburgh

Aberfoyle park: in build phase

Kelso: dirt crit track in development

Low Port: skills areas opportunities need

explored

Liberton: project current supported by Council

The Skelf: currently in development

Hermitage: project for multi-use site currently

seeking funding

51




International Innerleithen Installation of uplift and permanent ancillary

facilities

National Innerleithen

Regional Innerleithen

Glentress

Local Innerleithen

Glentress


International

National Hunters Hall Project underway, planning of track tbc

Regional Bathgate BMX track Musselburgh BMX track Bathgate: needing repaired and improved

Musselburgh: needing redevelopment of existing

track (in disrepair)

Local Froggy Park, Livingstone Beescraig Pump track, West Lothian Beescraig: repeatedly built and demolished,

needs permanent site

52

Appendix 4 – On-line Survey Outcomes

A detailed survey was mounted on the Scottish Cycling website and promoted by development staff to a wide range of individuals and clubs. The

full questionnaire covered detail well beyond the scope of this strategy so in this section we have attempted to highlight the key conclusions of the

survey which impact directly on facilities. The survey attracted some 631 respondents split 78% male and 22% female. The split between members

of Scottish Cycling and non-members was approximately 50/50. It is important, in the context of the facilities strategy to understand the type of

involvement in the sport the respondents have and this is identified in Table Three below. Note multiple responses were possible to reflect the

range of roles undertaken.

Table A36 – Roles of Survey Respondents

Role in Cycling %

Recreational cyclist 79

Competitive cyclist 41

Club cyclist 43

Commuter 43

Coach 16

Official 10

Event volunteer 27

Club volunteer 29

Table A37 – Main Disciplines of Survey Respondents

Role in Cycling %

Road or Time Trials 52

Mountain Biking 58

Track 22

BMX 3

Cyclo-Cross 10

Cycle Speedway Nil

Cycle Touring 25

53

Respondents were asked about the accessibility of present facilities. To an extent, these results, especially for the large built facilities reflect the

distribution of the Scottish population. Table A38 shows the results.

Table A38 – Accessibility of Current Facilities Provision

Facility < 1

Hour

1-2

Hours

2

hours

+

No

Reasonable

Access

Do

not

know

Indoor Track 39.0% 23.7% 23.9% 7.4% 8.7%

Outdoor

Track

38.8% 21.9% 11.5% 7.9% 22.5%

Closed Road

Circuit

17.5% 8.3% 4.2% 24.6% 46.4%

BMX

Competition

5.2% 3.4% 6.4% 14.1% 71.8%

BMX

Recreational

26.2% 4.5% 3.7% 9.3% 56.9%

MTB

Competition

49.2% 22.1% 10.3% 3.9% 19.4%

MTB

Recreational

78.1% 13.7% 4.6% 1.1% 7.6%

MTB

Downhill

36.2% 28.9% 14.5% 2.3% 20.9%

Cyclo-Cross 28.7% 7.3% 3.0% 7.3% 55.5%

Cycle

Speedway

8.8% 1.6% 2.8% 9.8% 77.2%

The most significant finding shown in is the relative lack of accessibility to closed road loops and given that road cycling is a major discipline,

this confirms that the provision of closed road loops should be a significant priority. Apart from the relative strength of access to MTB

provision, the only other significant issue to emerge from this question is the lack of knowledge of respondents about facilities in the minor

disciplines.

54

Table A39 shows the response when questioned about the condition of current facilities provision.

Table A39 – Condition of Current Facilities Provision

Facility Great Condition

Good but needs

improvement

Needs repaired or

resurfaced

Not Fit for Use

Do not

know

Not Available

Indoor

Track

53.7% 0.8% 0.8% 0.4% 19.9% 24.3%

Outdoor

Track

9.8% 12.0% 16.2% 3.2% 38.2% 20.5%

Closed Road

Circuit

3.9% 7.4% 6.6% 1.3% 47.5% 33.3%

BMX Competition 1.6% 2.4% 1.8% 0.4% 66.1% 27.6%

BMX Recreational 2.9% 5.5% 8.6% 2.4% 60.4% 20.1%

MTB

Competition

30.9% 23.5% 30.0% 0.8% 32.1% 9.7%

MTB Recreational 38.6% 31.5% 4.3% 0.8% 18.6% 5.0%

MTB Downhill 23.9% 19.8% 4.3% 0% 40.1% 11.9%

Cyclo- Cross 6.8% 8.8% 0.9% 0.2% 59.4% 23.8%

Cycle Speedway 0.4% 3.1% 0.2% 0.4% 66.7% 29.0%

In reality, this question reflects the availability of facilities or respondents’ knowledge of facilities. However, the responses for Competition Mountain

Biking facilities would indicate the need for improvement to a significant number of locations.

55

Table A40 depicts responses when asked what they wanted to be available at dedicated cycling facilities.

Table A40 – Ancillary Facilities Requirements

Provision Must

Have

Nice to

Have

Not

Needed

Free access to toilets 58.3% 34.3% 7.8%

Cafe 16.5% 70.5% 13.2%

Bike Shop 13.7%% 60.4% 26.9%

Bike hire 19.9% 58.4% 21.9%

Meeting room 7.6% 49.2% 43.7%

Club room 7.2% 50.8% 42.3%

Gym 7.6% 36.6% 60.5%

Showers

and changing

33.6% 51.4% 15.4%

Sauna 2.6% 26.6% 71.3%

Bike Storage 26.7% 54.1% 19.7%

Built in timing 11.7% 58.7% 29.8%

Physio services 7.6% 53.8% 39.1%

The key responses to this question are, unsurprisingly, the priority given to toilet and changing.

56

The survey asked about what the development priorities should be for facilities in the view of respondents. Table A41 shows the results.

Table A41 – Development Priorities

Facility Needed Now

Needed Soon

Nice to Have

No Demand

No View

IndoorTrack 16.5% 9.1% 31.0% 18.5% 25.0%

OutdoorTrack 9.3% 14.6% 31.2% 18.5% 26.4%

Closed Road Circtuit 30.6%

21.2% 24.5% 4.3% 19.4%

BMX Competition 8.8% 16.0% 26.2% 7.4% 41.6%

MTB Competition 20.7% 21.7% 29.3% 4.6% 23.6%

MTB Recreational 32.0% 25.7% 18.5% 3.4% 20.4%

MTB Downhill 20.5% 19.4% 24.7% 4.2% 31.3%

Cyclo-Cross 9.2% 19.5% 25.4% 5.9% 40.0%

CycleSpeedway 2.2% 4.8% 17.1% 16.0% 59.8%

The table shows firstly continuing demand for further indoor tracks despite the provision of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. There have been

continuing discussions about the need for covered provision in both Inverness and Edinburgh and while, the capital and revenue requirements of

indoor provision make the prospects for development difficult, it is important to note the demand. Closed-road circuits and all types of MTB

provision have been identified as priorities.

The final area from the questionnaire that needs referenced relates to the views on the creation of development hubs. 69.2% of respondents

thought that the list of the proposed locations for the hubs was a good start. Additional suggestions included, Grantown on Spey, Argyll, West

Lothian, Kinross, Kilmarnock and Golspie plus additional locations in Fife. As might have been expected, these suggestions reflect specific club

interests but broadly, the proposed list of locations would seem to deliver for the majority of the country. Key priorities for the hubs were seen as

being the introduction of new participants, especially young people, to the sport and the ability of the hubs to be dedicated and visible facilities

where the sport can be easily accessed. Additionally, they should be places for club development, venues for competition and for coach and

official training. When asked about what provision was expected at hub type facilities, the responses were similar to those in Table A40 but with

an even stronger identification of the need for toilet provision (86.9%) and for changing and showers (58.6%)

Overall, the views of the respondents would seem broadly to confirm the direction of travel identified in this strategy.

57

Appendix 5 – Summary of Organisations Consulted

NOSCA

Hi-Velo

Ross-shire Roads

Cromarty Firth CC

Ben Wyvis CC

Inverness CC

Forres CC

Black Isle MTB club.

East Sutherland Wheelers

West Highland Wheelers

Forres Cycling Club

Moray Cycle Race team

Spean Speedy Bikers.

FCS manager Lochaber.

FCS manager Moray & Aberdeen.

FCS Manager Inverness, Ross& Skye.

58

High Life Highland – active schools manager, sports development manager and facilities manager.

The Moray Council – active schools manager and sports development officer

Cairngorm National Park Authority

Cairngorm Mountain

Nevis Range

Abriachan Forest Trust

Glenlivet Estate

Glenmore Lodge

Speyside Trust – Badaguish

sportScotland – Highlands and Islands

Highland Skate Park Association

Musselburgh Road Club

Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh Road Club

East of Scotland Cycling Association

Peebles Cycling Club

Edinburgh Falcons Cycle Speedway club

Borders Cycle Development Group

59

Borders sport and Leisure Trust

West Lothian Clarion

West Lothian Council

Sport Scotland – East and Central

Musselburgh Monarchs

Loudoun Road Club

Walkers CC

Classic RT

Ayr Road CC

Stewartry Wheelers

Annan Youth CC

Glen Afton MTB Club

Ayrodynamics Triathlon Club

Dumfries and Galloway Council

Ayrshire Council

North Lanarkshire Council

Glasgow Wheelers

Sportscotland - West

60

East Renfrewshire Council

Glasgow Riderz

Glasgow Life

Glasgow City Council

Johnstone Jets/ Wheelers

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

WOSCA and representation from clubs in West of Scotland (including a region-specific survey sent to all clubs in the region)

Principal Sports Development Officer, Aberdeenshire Council

Sport Strategy partnership Manager, Aberdeen City Council

Physical Activity and Legacy Manager, Fife Local Authority.

Sports Development Manager, Fife Local Authority

Cycling Strategy/Facilities officer, Fife Local Authority

Sport Scotland, Tayside and Fife

Sport Scotland, Aberdeen

Leisure Services Manager, Angus Council

Policy and Strategy Manager, Leisure and Culture Dundee

Caird Park Community Sports Hub Committee

Discovery Juniors CC

61

DTCC

Secretary ADCA and DTCC

Vice Chairman ADCA and Ythan CC

Forestery Commission at Huntly

Aberdeen Wheelers CC

Spokes Cycling RT

Deveron CC

Insch CC

North-East regional cluster representation including members from FCA, DDCA and ADCA

Relevant Reports

DMBinS - Highland Cluster Study UHI (2012)

CNPA – Cycling Action plan for the Cairngorms National Park. (draft 2013)

EKOS – Mountain Biking in Speyside – report for Highlands & Islands Enterprise. (2011)

Scottish Cycling – Whole Sport Plan 2013-2018.

62

Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy...2013/11/27 · in Glasgow, and hosts world-renowned MTB trail centres at Fort William, Innerleithen and Glentress. Such facilities have far-reaching

Documents