UCI: 'I can see the streets in Peebles, Cardrona and Innerleithen being clogged!'
Concerns raised over Park and Ride closures as world's biggest cycling event descends on Tweed Valley
Last updated 5th Aug 2023
Excitement's building in the Tweed Valley as the area gears up to stage the first of two major events at this year's World Cycling Championships.
The Mountain Bike Marathon sets off from Traquair House, near Innerleithen, on Sunday; and follows a 100 kilometre route over the Southern Upland Way to the Three Brethren before finishing at Glentress.
Many of the teams have already checked in and a ten-day programme of Fringe events was launched on Friday.
But concerns are being raised over whether the Borders can cope with the huge influx of visitors after it was announced two of the three Park and Ride facilities would not open as planned due to the wet weather.
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There is no public parking at Glentress, where much of the action is focussed, or Traquair House - except for those accredited - and there are restrictions on neighbouring roads.
Free shuttle buses will run around every 20 minutes from the cemetery field in Innerleithen, which has a capacity for 1,500 cars (except on August 6th when there will be a £5 charge).
But the Park and Rides at Hay Lodge and Chapel Hill, both in Peebles and which can accommodate a total of 2,700 vehicles between them, are out of action - at least for now.
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Scottish Borders Council has announced they may re-open at a later date, "pending an assessment of the site conditions and weather forecast".
Anyone intending to attend any of the events over the coming days is being urged to plan ahead.
Taking to the local authority's Facebook page to voice their frustration, one poster said: "As a retailer in Peebles, am very disappointed with this. We have invested a lot of time and effort in preparing for this week.
"Stock, payroll, rotas, holidays have all been affected for this event. There has been no joined up thinking or even a Plan B for the inevitable weather that we have been experiencing.
"The UCI was promoted to us as a chance to highlight our high street businesses, be it retail or hospitality, and be part of a unique event. Which would lead to a potential increase in visitor numbers over the next few years. Instead Peebles will be largely now by-passed."
Another said: "It’s always wet in Scotland in the summer. This is a huge event and at this late stage you need to come up with a solution for parking in Peebles as there’s no way Innerleithen is going to cope."
Others suggested alternative sites - such as land at Peebles High School. While some fear the lack of transport options could put some spectators off visiting altogether.
"Massive problem", another remarked. "I can see the streets in Peebles, Cardrona and Innerleithen being clogged! Peebles Show has coped in very wet years, including when they used Hay Lodge. Get some matting down on the main routes and hire a few tractors to tow out anyone that gets stuck. The show must go on."
But some were more sympathetic; at least one was. He said: "I think you have made the right decision and saved Hay Lodge from turning into a mud bath. Peebles RFC need to train here all year round, as well as the Highland Games the beginning of September."
Scottish Borders Council has defended its decision. It comes as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for parts of Tweeddale today - with up to 25mm of rain due to fall in just an hour.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The decision to postpone the opening of the Park and Ride sites at Chapel Hill and Hay Lodge Park was taken following an assessment of the sites and with due consideration to forecasted rainfall. It is important to note that the Hay Lodge site was not due to open until Wednesday.
“We are confident that the Innerleithen site has sufficient capacity to meet all demand for the opening days of the events at Glentress, and it is crucial that we protect the other sites to ensure that they are able to operate fully later in the week when spectator numbers are significantly higher.
“We anticipate that all three Park and Ride sites will be in operation from Thursday, at the latest. Until then, all spectators travelling by car are being directed to the Innerleithen Park and Ride, from where shuttle buses will operate, therefore the impact on residential streets will be negligible.”
We've asked Scottish Borders Council for a response. For more details on what's going on, click here.
Have you been listening to Greatest Hits Radio this week? We've heard from Anna McGorum and Corran Carrick-Anderson, who are among ten local riders taking part in the massive cycling showcase; Nick Tanner, who runs Bspoke Cycles in Peebles, also told us he's been recruited by Team Mauritius after the East African athletes apparently arrived without a support team; we caught up with former Tweeddale Citizen of the Year John Falla, from local floral group Bonnie Peebles Plus, as he spruced up the entrances to town with some bike-themed displays, to help our visitors feel at home; and Tom Hamilton from Tweed Valley Camping told us about a pop-up camp site he has set-up on the family farm between Innerleithen and Walkerburn to help accommodate everyone.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “It is no surprise that having some of the world’s best off-road trails has helped this region produce some incredibly talented riders, but it is crucial that the support is available to help them reach their full potential.
“As the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships get underway, I’d like to wish all those local riders competing the very best of luck and encourage everyone to get along to the events to give them as much support as possible and hopefully cheer home a Borders World Champion.
“I also want to pay tribute to the local cycling clubs, coaches and organisations, such as Live Borders and ClubSport Borders, that continue to help young people to take up cycling, to race and to progress through the sport, up to the very highest level.
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“As a region, cycling is a huge opportunity for us, from the visitor economy to inward business investment and health and wellbeing. Alongside a range of partners we’re committed to grasping that opportunity and hosting the World Championships are one small part of that.”
There are both free and ticketed events at Glentress, where a Hollywood-type sign has been installed at the finish. To find out more, visit www.cyclingworldchamps.com/tickets
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/