Pictured: Cllr Paul Garner, a keen cyclist, and Falkirk Council Transport Planning Officer, Lynn Slavin, on a section of the proposed route.

Residents are being asked to provide further feedback on the proposed traffic-free shared path that will connect Denny, Bonnybridge and Falkirk.

The second consultation to be undertaken on the much-anticipated Falkirk to Denny pathway project aims to help Falkirk Council's Transport Planning team better understand:

• how people currently travel between the three areas
• what would help people travel in a more active and sustainable way
• how important people feel features such as signage, lighting and resting areas will be to future users

The first consultation in February 2021 highlighted 95% of respondents agreed the historic railway line would be the best route for the shared path. Additionally, 61% of respondents stated they liked the proposed additional link to Bonnybridge High Street.

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, said:

It’s important that we hear from as many local people as possible, as this is an exciting project that will add to the area’s extensive path network. By completing the survey your views will further shape the project and ensure the proposed features are the ones most important to you."

The survey is open until 5 May 2023.

The great outdoors

Once complete, the path will be suitable for walking, wheeling, and cycling, and will provide users with stunning views across the Forth Valley area.

Three new bridges, including one over the M876, will be built along the route which will offer onward connections to the John Muir Way, National Cycle Network 754, Union Canal path, Falkirk Wheel, and the Kelpies and Helix Park.

The path's creation will help residents reduce carbon emissions and support the Council's ambitious goal of reaching net-zero and help it deliver on its priority of 'Supporting stronger and healthier communities’.

Funding for the design stage of the shared path comes from Sustrans Scotland's Places for Everyone program.