Kilmarnock FC gear up for UCI championship with new bike shelters
Club bosses hope the new bike shelters will encourage fans to cycle to Rugby Park on matchdays.
Kilmarnock FC are getting into the spirits of the UCI Cycling World Championships by introducing a new shelter rack outside the ground to encourage match-day travel by bike.
Two shelters have been developed outside Rugby Park as the club put the wheels in motion to increase the number of fans cycling to the ground on matchdays.
Driven by the Killie Trust, funding for the instillations was secured via Cycling Scotland.
Club partners including sponsor Hamilton Tarmac subsequently also joined the club in saddling up for the Summer by laying groundwork for both instillations.
They are now situated outside of the Frank Beattie and Chadwick stands.
Raymond Montgomerie, Kilmarnock Football Club Ambassador, said: “We’re proud to play our part in supporting a legacy that will be built upon Scotland’s hosting of one of this year’s major sporting events.
“Football and cycling are both very close to my heart and I hope that this project will encourage locals to consider alternative methods of travel to games. There are so many benefits of sports working together to promote active lifestyles.”
Bosses at the clubs trust say the new installation will align with the UCI’s sustainability goals as they set out to support the reduction of carbon emissions and enhancement of air quality
Cathy Jamieson, Trust Board Director, added: “As a club, we’re continually upgrading our physical infrastructure, with several Killie Trust backed projects helping to evolve the stadium in recent years.
“The new bike shelters will not only improve the matchday experience for supporters and local residents, but also increase engagement opportunities with the wider community.
Encouraging local fans to travel by bike also significantly reduces the flows of traffic to and from games, providing potential to improve accessibility of the stadium.
“We’re hoping that the upcoming UCI Cycling Championships will inspire supporters of all ages to race to Rugby Park.”
Moving forward, the Killie Trust will now work in partnership with the Travel Hub in Kilmarnock to organise cycling events and activities to engage the community, encourage physical activity and help to reduce their carbon footprint.