13 June 2018

Deveron Road 'shared-use' path launched to help people make the most of the great outdoors

An upgraded path along Huntly’s Deveron Road has been launched to encourage walkers and cyclists to make more use of the route, with added safety.

This three-metre-wide ‘shared-use’ path has been created on the north side of the road, having been identified as a core route by the local community.

The project forms part of Aberdeenshire Council’s upcoming Integrated Travel Town project, whose plans to invest in walking and cycling provision in some of Aberdeenshire’s main towns are due to published later this year. 

The Deveron Road path was part-funded through Sustrans Community Links scheme, whose aim is to make towns and cities friendlier and safer places for people to walk and cycle.

The path has been developed along the existing route, which is already well used by the community. Beginning at the north end of Deveron Road, the path runs alongside the road before crossing Riverside Drive, where it moves away from the road and links into Meadow Street. 

It is hoped the upgraded path will encourage people to reduce the number of short car journeys in the town – to and from The Gordon Schools in particular –  as well as generating the physical and mental health benefits associated with exercise.

Aberdeenshire Council has developed a range of resources to help support schools in encouraging and educating young people about the benefits and importance of active travel, including a resource pack.