On the right track with active travel

Delighted The traffic free route is great news

- IAN BUNTING

Improvements to a path now make it possible for people to walk, wheel or cycle on a completely traffic-free route between Bargeddie and Coatbridge.

The transformed woodland path, dubbed the Oakridge Greenway, has been designed and constructed by active travel charity Sustrans.

The National Cycle Network Route 75 from Coatbridge leaves the Monkland Canal and passes through the Oakridge Estate Community Woodlands to reach Bargeddie.

As a traffic-free route, the link through the Community Woodlands is vital in connecting neighbourhoods and boosting local biodiversity.

Despite the path having never been surfaced, a daily average of 174 people used the path in the summer months.

However, in wet weather, usage dropped drastically as the path became extremely muddy.

This made it inaccessible for many people's everyday journeys, particularly for those using wheelchairs, pushing prams, or cycling.