Cycle Routes

The distinctions between the two are:

NCN is a linked series of traffic-free paths and traffic-calmed roads being developed right across the UK, linking town centres and the countryside. These routes that have been established and maintained by Sustrans; and   RCR is a series of mixed-use traffic being developed to link most of the remaining towns to the NCN's. These routes are generally local routes that are installed and maintained by Local Authorities.

The sustainable transport charity Sustrans works in conjunction with local authorities, national and local organisations, Department of Transport and is supported by the Millennium Fund of the National Lottery. Sustrans works on practicable projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor vehicle traffic and its adverse affects. One of Sustrans projects is NCN, which currently provides 6,000 miles of routes throughout the UK. They are working to extend this figure to 10,000 miles by 2005.

North Lanarkshire Council, in conjunction with Sustrans has installed a NCN route through the Councils area. This route is called the Edinburgh to Glasgow NCN 75, starting at the Councils boundary at Uddingston; it stretches eastwards to the Councils boundary at Caldercruix, an approximate distance of 18.5 miles of the total route, which is 171 miles long

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Although North Lanarkshire Council does not have any RCR's at the present time, it is intended to introduce a long cycle link between Craigneuk, Motherwell and Holytown via the new Ravenscraig development spine road. This will be in the form of a dedicated cycle lane when completed. This will be the first of several RCR's to be introduced to the Councils area.

North Lanarkshire Council have developed a network of Recommended Routes for use by cyclists.

For further information on cycling issues, please use the links  on the right of your screen to access other useful websites.

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