There is currently no safe way to walk or cycle between Connel and Dunbeg. The 2.3-mile stretch of the A85 which links the two villages is not only heavily trafficked but also extremely dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, which was highlighted after a fatal accident involving a pedestrian earlier this year. Unfortunately, no action has been taken to improve the safety of this road for the local community and visitors to the area, and we believe that it’s only a matter of time before another accident occurs. Additionally, this small stretch of road is the only missing piece of a cycle path intended to link Oban and Ballachulish in the Route 78 initiative.

There has been huge investment made recently in developing Dunbeg both for housing and for business, yet there has been no corresponding investment in improving transport infrastructure to support people living and working there. The lack of an active travel route along this stretch means that commuting by bike or on foot is impossible to do safely, and people without a car in Dunbeg are unable to walk or cycle anywhere other than Oban. 

Statistics show that areas with dedicated cycle routes experience a substantial decrease in road accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. In building this path, we would not only improve the safety of the local community but also align with the broader objectives of reducing carbon emissions and promoting health and wellbeing through active travel.

Therefore, we urge Transport Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council to deliver on plans to build a dedicated pedestrian/cycle route between Connel and Dunbeg. Stage three of the five-stage process was completed several years ago, and it’s time for the hard work and investment put into this to come to fruition. Please lend your support and help make Argyll and Bute a safer and more accessible place for everyone by signing this petition.