FIFE Council say they are working closely with Aberdour Road residents after concerns were raised over cycle path plans past their homes.

The path is part of plans for a network of cycling and walking routes across the Kingdom to encourage people to have a more active lifestyle.

However the scheme has hit a bump in the road after a group of residents expressed fears over the current cycle path being moved onto the pavement which would be shared with pedestrians.

Among the worries were that cyclists mixing with pedestrians would cause a hazard for those on foot – particularly the elderly or those with young people.

Local councillor James Calder said consultation was ongoing between the local authority and residents with a drop-in session having taken place last week.

"It is part of the bigger project to have a cycle path going through the whole length of Aberdour Road," he explained. "There have been concerns with how it has been done with local residents at that section which is that one section of the road that has houses built on the road itself.

"I think there are some safety concerns with local residents. A number have been in touch with myself and some of the officers at the council who are looking to take on board the concerns of residents.

"The concerns are the stretch of the road is meant to be at the pavement as opposed to it being segregated. That is what people are worried about.

"I am pleased that transportation are taking the time to revise this right now. They are speaking to residents to see if there's a solution that will hopefully work for them but make sure we continue this good piece of cycling infrastructure on that busy road.

"Obviously people are worried about the safety right now and it is important that we take a little pause to see if there's anything that can be done to improve it."

Allan Maclean, Fife Council's lead consultant for sustainable traffic and travel, said the network of cycling and walking routes was being developed throughout Fife, in response to the climate emergency and to help people lead an active lifestyle.

“More than half of Aberdour Road already has a shared use footway and cycle track and the current works are an extension of that, extending the path to Hospital Hill," he said.

"It links to other cycle routes, a primary school and nursery, a church and serves several communities along the way.

“We do understand people's concerns and are working closely with the local community to incorporate some of their ideas. The new path will be off-road, or segregated from traffic lanes and will create a safer route that will benefit young and less experienced cyclists, as well as commuting cyclists.

"Generally, people don’t want to cycle in traffic if it can be avoided. Consequently, our design reflects this.”