Tweedlove events boss calls for world’s first national park for cycling
Following Scottish Borders Council’s announcement of the £740,000 economic benefit brought by TweedLove’s cycling events in 2018, event company director Neil Dalgleish says it’s time for the area to step up and make the most of its assets and resources.
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He proposes that the Tweed Valley and surrounding area should declare itself the world’s first national park for cycling. “It was a Scot – John Muir - who invented the concept of national parks, and another Scot - Kirkpatrick Macmillan – who invented the pedal bicycle, so it seems fitting that we should invent the first National Park for Cycling.”
There’s common sense behind the suggestion, says Neil. “We have something internationally unique and extremely valuable right here in the Scottish Borders, and it’s the envy of many places around the planet – not least just over the border in England. Not only do we have a world class collection of mountain bike trails and off-road tracks, we also have access legislation in Scotland which gives everyone the right to roam on them. It’s also extremely significant that we have a huge network of quiet tarmac roads through stunning countryside – it’s an undiscovered road cycling heaven.”
Dalgleish’s company Hillside Outside Ltd, based in Peebles has promoted hundreds of cycling events over the last decade, which in turn have brought tens of thousands of visitors and millions of pounds to the area. The Borders cycling boom has brought particular benefits to the Tweed Valley area and towns of Peebles and Innerleithen in particular. “There’s a chance to spread that benefit and give recognition to a wider area”, says Dalgleish. “The areas surrounding the ‘cycling honey pots’ are usually overlooked, but have amazing scenery, beautiful hill tracks and most importantly some fantastic road cycling to offer.
“We need to be proud of these assets and let the world know what we have to offer,” he says. “Declaring ourselves a national park for cycling would be big news for cyclists all over the world, but it wouldn’t need millions of pounds of investment to deliver.” The tourism sector is already starting to step up its cycling-market offer in the area, so marketing, signage and facilities in key areas would top the to-do list to make it possible, according to Neil.
“The Tweed Valley and surrounding areas are already much loved by cyclists, and count a high proportion of cyclists amongst the resident population – many of whom have migrated to the area for that reason. We have so much that’s good going on here”, says Dalgleish, who grew up locally and has watched the area’s evolution since the 1970s.
“No-one is going to do it for us, but let’s not miss the opportunity,” he continues. “TweedLove is launching what we hope will become one of the UK’s biggest bike festival weekends this year,” says Neil. “Traditionally, public funding is scarce or non-existent so what we’ve achieved has been made possible by a lot of hard work and the support of a real ‘can-do’ community. It’s largely people power and a lot of motivation – not local or national government policy – which has recently got this area to where we are as a bike destination. As a result there’s real scope for some joined up action to take us forward – the potential is huge.”
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3 comments
Neil Dalgleish would like to see his events company thrive. However there are many other people who live and visit the Borders who aren't interested in his events and don't routinely cycle in the hills. Runners, walkers, and horse riders; locals, visitors and land owners: all have been using the Borders hills for centuries before Neil came along. That's why the Scottish Access Code and our right to roam considers ALL users of the countryside - not just one. There's a good argument - better put by people with less self interest - that a National Park should be established in the Borders. But a Park that is inclusive, not exclusive.
Brilliant! Can we have one in England too ? I nominate the New Forest and Cranborne Chase.
Whats the difference between a national park for cycling and a normal national park where cycling is allowed, like all the ones in Scotland? Seems like 10% good idea and 90% self promotion on this guys part but fair play for geting the area to where it is now I suppose