Patrick Harvie visits Whiteinch to open new bike facility

Patrick Harvie helped launch the new indoor 39-berth semi-vertical bike rack housed in an underused ground floor storage area on the multi-storey block at 64 Curle Street.

Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association (WSHA) worked with Glasgow Eco Trust on the project which secured more than £40,000 of funding from Cycling Scotland and Glasgow City Council.

Mr Harvie cutting the inner tube (Image: Supplied)

The initiative also saw the installation of a covered cycle parking area for visitors, an outdoor bike repair stand and pump and a wheel channel fitted to external stairs to improve access.

Mr Harvie, who cut a bike wheel inner tube rather than a traditional ribbon, said: “I just want to say well done and thank you to everyone that has put the time and energy into making the project happen.

"I have cut ribbons before, but this is the first time I have cut an inner tube, which is very appropriate.

"This community of Whiteinch has access to good quality cycle infrastructure.

"However, this new cycle storage facility helps to address a known barrier to getting more people on bikes - having somewhere safe, dry and accessible to store their bikes.

"There is more money going into infrastructure across the city, Glasgow City Council has a good and ambitious plan for a city-wide cycle network and cycle storage spaces such as this have a key role to play.”

WHSA said they were delighted to recently welcome the well-known MSP and chief executive James Ward thanked his partners for helping make the storage a reality.

He said: “Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association are delighted to continue our working relationship with Glasgow Eco Trust in establishing the new cycle storage facility at Curle Street.

"I would also like to extend our thanks to Cycling Scotland for their support for the project.

"Our priority is to provide great facilities to promote healthier lifestyle choices by our tenants and their families."