Graham Simpson MSP has blasted plans by South Lanarkshire Council to axe its successful cycling partnership this week.
Conservative Central Scotland member Graham Simpson chaired the body since it started in 2014, while he was a councillor.
But the council, set to be run by the SNP, plans to axe the body at its first meeting this Thursday.
Mr Simpson said: “This is a crazy move. The partnership brought together people involved in cycling across South Lanarkshire and nationally.
“We were able to secure investment in the cycling network which will go some way towards meeting the ambitious target of having 10 per cent of journeys done by bike.
“Crucially, local people were involved in the decision-making process.
“It was never popular with some council officials who quite frankly just didn’t get why it was important.
“This move is a slap in the face to cyclists and sends out a powerful message that South Lanarkshire Council doesn’t give a damn about them.”
Mr Simpson, who is deputy convenor of the Cross Party Group of Cycling, Walking and Buses, has a lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament condemning the move.
And he has launched an online petition.
He said: “One my proudest moments was winning investment to complete the NCN74 route between Glasgow and Carlisle, with a section just south of Lesmahagow.
“I’m convinced that if we hadn’t had the partnership we would not have got the money.
“Transport Minister Humza Yousaf performed the opening with me and I am sure he will be very concerned about this move. In fact, I am writing to inform him.”
The partnership included members from Sustrans, SPT, Cycling Scotland, East Kilbride Road Club, Cambuslang Bike Town and others.
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Motion Number: S5M-05616
Lodged By: Graham Simpson
Date Lodged: 16/05/2017
Title: South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership
Motion Text:
That the Parliament recognises the fantastic work carried out by South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership in securing investment and opening new cycle routes for the public across the local authority area; notes that one of the organisation’s key aims is to encourage people to cycle to work, and in turn, reduce congestion on the roads, lower CO2 admissions and help people to develop a healthy hobby to tackle health-risk factors such as obesity; understands with concern that South Lanarkshire Council wants to scrap the partnership on 18 May 2017 at is first full meeting since the recent election, and, given what it sees as the innumerable benefits that the partnership brings to everyone in the area, urges the councillors to reconsider this.