THE Scottish Government and sportscotland are calling for clubs and community organisations in Fife to submit proposals for a fund to improve cycling facilities.

The £8million national Cycling Facilities Fund will capitalise on the upsurge of interest in cycling by developing a network of accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities that encourage people of all ages to ride bikes.

It will also deliver a tangible benefit which is part of the wider policy objectives driving the forthcoming 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, which will take place in Glasgow and Scotland.

The fund, which is open to clubs, education establishments, local authorities or leisure trusts, charitable organisations, community sport hubs and community organisations, has been made possible through a £4 million commitment of Capital funding from Scottish Government and £4 million of National Lottery funding from sportscotland.

This significant investment in infrastructure will be delivered over the next two years through a partnership between Scottish Cycling and sportscotland.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The projects backed by this fund will inspire more people to get on their bikes, bringing benefits to people across Scotland as an enjoyable leisure activity and an efficient way to improve their health.

“We want to build on the incredible growth in cycling this year and see even more people choosing to travel to school or work on two wheels.

“Our overall aim is for Scotland to become one of Europe’s top cycling nations. The Scottish Government’s commitment to working with the UCI to host the first ever multi-world championships for cycling at one time in one country is a game-changing opportunity for cycling in Scotland.”

The ambition is for the Cycling Facilities Fund to provide accessible community and club facilities that inspire new and existing cyclists to make cycling a sport for life. The Cycling Facilities Fund aims to support cycling projects from across Scotland and welcomes proposals from all areas.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said:

“Thanks to this new fund we have a unique opportunity to harness the growing interest in cycling and to promote health and wellbeing, taking a significant step towards our vision of an active Scotland where everyone sees sport as a way of life.

“Accessible community facilities across Scotland will help us achieve this vision and are only possible thanks to the continued support of a range of partners including the Scottish Government, Scottish Cycling, the National Lottery and of course National Lottery players.”

Working closely with Scottish Cycling, sportscotland has developed clear guidance to identify priorities to ensure projects can make a lasting impact. Projects can bid for awards up to £100,000 for smaller ‘inspire’ projects and up to £500,000 for Club and Hub projects.