THE latest addition to Strathclyde's network of bicycle tracks was

officially opened yesterday.

The section, which extends the existing Irvine-Paisley route into

Glasgow, was opened by Councillor Charlie Gordon, vice-chair of the

regional council's roads and transportation committee, at a ceremony in

Paisley.

Councillor Gordon said the track would allow people wishing to avoid

busy roads to cycle to many areas of south-west Glasgow, Paisley, and

beyond. He hoped it would boost the tourist industry by providing

improved bicycle access to historical and recreational attractions.

In future, the track will be extended from the south of Glasgow to

connect with the north of the city. This will give cyclists direct

access to other long-distance routes such as Glasgow-Loch Lomond and the

planned Glasgow-Edinburgh route.

Councillor Gordon said: ''Strathclyde Regional Council recognises the

value of cycling and Strathclyde Roads has a number of initiatives under

way to improve provision for cyclists and to develop a complementary

network of 'safer signed cycle routes' in urban areas, which feed into

the proposed long-distance network.''

The safer signed cycle routes will provide alternatives to, or

provision on, arterial routes into urban areas. The routes will include

cycle lanes and tracks, signing to routes along quieter roads, and

shared pedestrian/cycle surfaces.

The track opened yesterday was jointly funded by the region, Renfrew

District Council, Glasgow District Council, Renfrewshire Enterprise,

Glasgow Development Agency, and Sustrans, a charitable organisation

which supports sustainable transport.