Aberdeen Cycle Forum minutes 24th February 2026

Attending: Gavin Clark (Chair), Rachel Martin, Fiona McDonald, Francesco Sani, Deema Aburizik, Alan Irving, Katy Hardacre, Alie Johnson, Peter Leatherbarrow.  Apologies:   Michelle Shortt.

Introductions

Peter was attending for the first time and described his move to cycling from being a public transport user, and the route of his daily commute.  Gavin gave a short history of ACF and a resume of how our meetings operate.

Quick Summary

The group reviewed the Council’s list of proposed cycle infrastructure projects, expressing some concerns about their stage of development and funding dependencies. They discussed two ongoing consultations regarding road schemes and active travel, with plans to submit responses addressing both positive aspects and design concerns. The meeting covered upcoming events and meetings, including Pedal on Parliament planning, school cycling initiatives, and insurance renewal, while also touching on cycle training opportunities and infrastructure improvements.

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Cycle Infrastructure Projects 

The group discussed the Council’s list of 18 km of proposed cycle infrastructure projects, which Gavin had shared after the January meeting. ACC had provided this list following our disappointment at them not applying for ScotGov funding last summer.  While some members had difficulty accessing the document (google docs), Gavin expressed disappointment with the projects, noting that many were still in early development stages or dependent on funding and land acquisition. Katy suggested that having a set of developed projects ready for implementation could be beneficial, as Scottish funding awards typically require projects to be executed within the year. The scheme at Marywell looks promising although we haven’t seen the exact route or any design details

Ashgrove Connects and AWPR Consultations

The group discussed two main consultations: one about ‘Ashgrove Connects’ and another about the AWPR’s impact on active travel. Katy reported on the Ashgrove consultation, highlighting both positive aspects like prioritized active travel and safety features, and concerns about raised table junctions and a proposed Dutch-style roundabout. Gavin had also attended the webinar yesterday. Gavin noted he would draft a response supporting the scheme in principle while raising any design concerns. The group also discussed a recent meeting about the AWPR’s impact on active travel, where Gavin was the only representative present, and we intend to follow up with a written response due to the limited discussion time. 

Council liaison, meetings & contacts

The group discussed several upcoming meetings and events. They agreed to send a list of questions to Councillors Yuill and Radley ahead of their quarterly liaison meeting on March 20th. Gavin will circulate Katy’s list after making some suggestions and reducing it down to something more manageable. Attendance for this meeting to be finalised but Gavin, Rachel, Katy and Francesco are all potentially available.

The next ACTUP meeting is on 10th March (17:30) and Gavin won’t be available so seeking another volunteer to attend.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are launching their next WACI (Walking & Cycling Index) report on 3rd March (17:00).  Gavin and Katy are attending.

Gavin has yet to set up meetings with Nestrans (RATN and map) and with the ACC Events team.

Events, Activities, Campaigns

The group discussed plans for Pedal on Parliament in Aberdeen on May 30th, with a potential circuit from Broad St to Union Terrace, as used last time. Gavin has contacted the main PoP organisers to make them aware, and also Dundee CF who are also planning a satellite ride.  When last discussed, Fraser had offered to help plan this ride however he hasn’t been in touch.

Katy is working on getting more schools involved in the Big Walk & Wheel, which runs 16-27 March. 

The group supported Katy’s idea to promote the “More Than a Cyclist” campaign in Aberdeen, with suggestions to contact ACC.

Katy has also tried to contact Voi with some suggestions over their launch publicity. No response as yet.

Insurance

Gavin confirmed that the current PLI policy will lapse at the end of the month and rather than renewing it we are opting for paid affiliation with Cycling UK, all as previously discussed.

Any other business

Gavin noted that Cycling UK are currently recruiting 2 posts: one in Aberdeen and one for the Aberdeenshire Bike Bothy.  The Aberdeen post is believed to be that of Fraser Govan and it may be that Fraser has left although we have no more information. If that is the case we noted that Fraser had achieved a lot in a short time and we would be sorry to see him go.

Nestrans have also just been recruiting a post to help deliver the People & Places funding.

Gavin had been contacted by Tyred & Cranky who have capacity to deliver cycle training during March.  We could suggest groups or individuals who might benefit, and we could help publicise.

Fiona noted further improvements taking place along the Deeside Way including a path towards the International School.  Fiona also lamented the potholed state of the roads and discussion led onto the cycle lane markings and ASL markings which are badly worn-out in many places.  There was a reminder to make use of ACC’s on-line reporting tool as it is believed that is important in how they prioritise repairs.

Francesco suggested a journey or distance logging tool which could encourage a bit of friendly competition between ACF members.  Gavin noted that Love to Ride does this quite well and invited Francesco to set up an ACF group.

Next meeting 31st March 2026