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The new West Lothian Cycle Map, produced by Spokes, has just been published. Centred on West Lothian, but now expanded west to include parts of Falkirk, the fully revised and updated map shows new cycle infrastructure and other developments across the area. It is invaluable for cyclists and walkers seeking safe routes to shops, work or school and planning running and leisure routes. The back of the map shows large-scale street maps of Livingston, Armadale, Whitburn, Bathgate, Blackburn and Linlithgow, together with information on places of interest in the area. The map is printed on tear and water-resistant synthetic paper (fully recyclable). It is available through bike shops, selected bookshops and direct from Spokes. Local Spokes volunteers surveyed all of West Lothian, plus Bo’ness and parts of Falkirk and Grangemouth, while West Lothian Council provided information on new and planned active travel improvements. Major revisions to the map include adding contours and hill-colouring and shading so users can see the hilly areas at a glance, and all the new housing developments are now shown. On October 11, members of Spokes gathered at the West Lothian Bike Library in Livingston for the official launch of the new map by Kirsteen Sullivan, Labour MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, and Peter Heggie, Deputy Provost of West Lothian. Graeme Burton, Design Engineering Manager West Lothian Council, updated attendees on planned active travel projects in the local authority area, including Whitburn, Bathgate and Fauldhouse. Printing of the map has been supported by West Lothian Council. Katharine Taylor of Spokes praised the volunteers involved. She said: “This has been a great voluntary effort by local Spokes members and by our skilled cartographer. The new map will help residents and visitors find their way around the area in active and healthy ways, as well as showing new quiet routes and short cuts they didn’t know existed!” Kirsteen Sullivan, Labour MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, continued: “It’s always a pleasure to support Spokes in its work to promote the best routes for active travel. “The new West Lothian Cycle Map is a fantastic resource for residents across West Lothian and Falkirk, helping cyclists and walkers find safer and greener routes to work, school and for leisure activities. “This kind of voluntary effort in active travel plays a vital role in working towards healthier communities and a cleaner environment. A huge well done to all volunteers involved in delivering the updated map.” Peter Heggie, Deputy Provost of West Lothian, added: “I was delighted to attend this launch event and hope that people from West Lothian and beyond enjoy using this new map to explore our county.” The new West Lothian Cycle Map is available from local bike shops for £7.50. There is a special introductory offer for orders direct to Spokes on office@spokes.org.uk before the end of October. Buy a single map for £7 (post-free) or 6 copies for £25. More information on all Spokes maps and sales outlets is at www.spokes.org.uk/spokes-maps Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
