Graeme Cross is passionate about cyclo cross and road racing, the 2015 Scottish Veterans Road Champion explains why he wants the to see the cycle circuit built.

I’ve always been a bike rider. From a young age, it’s what I loved the most. The freedom it gave me to go anywhere I wanted, when I wanted, as fast as I wanted was so empowering, it still does this for me even at age 45.  

I enjoy racing, It’s my passion and I regularly take part in Road and Cyclo Cross events.

Many of my skills were developed at a young age; we had quiet streets in our estate, so had the run of the place. I picked up much confidence on the bike from riding as a youngster.

In my early teens, I dabbled with some MTB racing but lost my interest as I neared my legal driving age. I got back into mountain biking in my mid-twenties for social riding and camping trips away with friends. 

When my first daughter was born I bought a road bike so I could continue cycling but not spend so long away from home.

I entered various sportives as my fitness grew. In early 2013 a friend of mine said I should enter a road race, I thought why not? Sounds fun!

My first race was a massive shock to the system I hung on for an hour before getting dropped but I was hooked! 

I took part in a few crit races and with improving fitness and race craft, I won the support race at the Scottish Champs.  

I then started doing some track cycling at the now demolished Meadowbank Velodrome and latterly in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. I loved the short and fast style of racing as well as the development of new friendships.

These same friends persuaded me to try another discipline – cyclocross. My bike’s mech hanger broke in my first race and I didn’t finish but I was now hooked on another style of cycle racing.

Why is this all relevant? Well, I didn’t have access to a cycle circuit when I was young, and despite that, I was able to find a way to enjoy my bike riding and work to a decent competitive standard. 

Imagine what benefit a cycle circuit would give to cyclists (of any age)? People wanting to get on a bike for the first time or those that haven’t touched a bike for a while could get on two wheels in a safe environment and build their confidence. 

A purpose-built tarmac track would also provide an accessible entry into racing from beginner to elite standard. And, like all cycling does, it will provide the connection to other like-minded people and friendship of all ages. What’s not to love about this?

How would I personally make use of this circuit? Beyond actually racing crits at the circuit, there is definitely scope to hold cyclocross races, even a league held in the summer or winter, or both hopefully. 

The opportunity to train away from the busy roads e.g. solo efforts or arranged group training sessions that would improve fitness and bike handling would be fantastic. 

I think bikes are simply ace. I want as many people to feel like this too! Let’s build it!

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Photo by StefMac Photography and Thomas Haywood Aerial Photography

Nicola Fell is the Bikeability Coordinator at West Lothian Leisure, here she explains why the West Lothian Cycle Circuit will break down the barriers to cycling and get more kids on bikes.

As the Bikeability Coordinator I have been delivering Bikeability and speaking to West Lothian primary schools about getting Bikeability in their school for the last year and a half.

Bikeability Scotland, the modern day form of cycling proficiency, is a national scheme designed for delivery within the school setting. It comprises of 3 main levels, aimed at giving children the skills and confidence they need, both to cycle safely on the roads, and to encourage them to carry on cycling into adulthood.

Level 1 is designed to be delivered in the playground. Level 2 is the core of the programme and is intended for delivery on a quiet on road venue focusing on signalling and observation. The main objective of Level 2 is to allow trainees to develop the skills which will allow them to cycle safely on our roads.

Through speaking with schools one of the main barriers to delivering Bikeability Level 2 is the reluctance to take the pupils out onto real roads.

The West Lothian Cycle Circuit will be within walking distance for 3 local schools and with its painted road markings this should really help to break down these barriers giving local primary schools the opportunity to practice the Level 2 outcomes in a traffic free environment.

The Circuit will also give children who are not yet comfortable to ride on the roads the chance to build their confidence and practice their on-road manoeuvres in a safe environment, developing the next generation of safe cyclists.

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We didn’t spend £millions on our slogan but we think it’s effectve.

James McCallum introduces our slogan: “Letsbuildit”

We want to help people of all ages and abilities improve their physical and mental health, providing a safe environment to increase cycling confidence and creating a more sustainable, healthier, happier and better connected community.

Please make a donation at our Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/letsbuildit

Nicola Hogan from West Lothian Clarion dipped her toe into cycle racing in 2019, here she explains how she got on.

Last year I decided to get myself a British Cycling Race Licence for the first time and sign up to some races!  It seemed daunting at first, but it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve learnt new skills, made new friends and got fitter.

I’ve loved the range of competitive and well organised events in beautiful Scottish countryside. My first road race was the Women’s Lake of Menteith Australian Pursuit Race (APR) (handicapped start waves), put on by the Glasgow Nightingales which was a lot of fun.

Towards the end of 2018 a friend invited me to her cycling club’s training session at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and shortly after that my husband and I did our velodrome accreditation. We began going to training sessions at the velodrome and it was there that it was suggested to me I give road and crit racing a go.

I raced one circuit race (aka criterium or “crit”) in March and finished towards the back of the group. I realised that this discipline takes a bit of practice. It’s high paced, close racing with lots of tight bends and corners.

The Linlithgow Cycle Circuit would be a very popular central Scotland venue for road cycling crit races. Many cyclists like me would come to train on the circuit to improve their crit racing skills. Summer evening race series could be held here and would be popular for all ages and stages.

It would be somewhere cycling enthusiasts like me could try racing for the first time and discover a new passion.

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Photos by 5311 Media