ACRE is hell bent on forcing a major cycle event off the country roads in Highland Perthshire and they are good at using the local press to push their point. But, there is a growing number of local people who wish to raise their voices in support of the unique and popular event.
What is ACRE? It is a group of concerned local folk who take exception to having some local roads closed for a few hours one Sunday morning, each May. Why are the roads being closed? It is to allow some 1700 cyclist from all over Britain and some from further afield, to hold time trials over a circuit, taking in Pitlochry, Tummel, Rannoch, and, past Schiehallion to Fortingall. Then by Bridge of Lyon, past Duneaves, the Comrie Bridge, Dull, by-passing Aberfeldy by quiet back roads to Pitlochry. It is a gruelling 81 mile route encompassing some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland and it breaks new ground for it is the first major closed road event in Britain— not counting the likes of the London Marathon. Each section of the route is closed to traffic for around three hours —- for obvious safety reasons and, as the cyclists go past, the roads are opened. The event starts at 7.30am from Pitlochry. Now, how many citizens are up and about early on Sunday mornings? How many have been inconvenienced by these brief closures? Would you say as many 500? I doubt it!
This is what ACRE complains about. Citing the right of our citizenry to have open road access at all times. ACRE claims to have gathered, some two years ago, 500 signatures objecting to the event, even before it had been held and their recent headline in Comment was, “ACRE Vows to Stop 5 More Years of Road Closures” The article is scathing about Perth and Kinross Council and about its part funding of the event and supposed lack of consultation.

We tend to under value our “politicians”. But, I don’t see any ACRE folk attending our moribund Community Councils or indeed putting their heads above the parapet and standing for P&K council election. People are already asking, “how many of the original ACRE signatories have in any way been inconvenienced or have lost income during one Sunday morning road closure in May. How many have made any attempt to capitalise on the huge influx of tourists”? One businessman, however, has suggested that he had lost £6000. What business you may ask, was he running for a few hours on one Sunday morning, not in a village, but by a quiet rural road in Perthshire? Was he being disingenuous or was it just exaggeration?
Now for another view. Around 3000 visitors crowded hotels and B&B’s around Highland Perthshire last May and the year before. They were cyclists and their camp followers and those of us who marshalled, manned feeding stations, and got up early to help the organisation, were delighted to find the competitors and the spectators had a good day, a very good day! There was unfailing courtesy shown by the 1700 cyclists and the feel good factor was high. A study has been made to find public and business reaction and the overwhelming result was positive. If this unique event continues to grow in popularity, as it will, our tourist industry will benefit.
Not everyone was so positive, some did lose out and may have been inconvenienced briefly. But, to threaten to close down a growing national sporting event is negative. Better to balance the advantages against the negatives and work to improve the event. Today, cycling is the fastest growing outdoor activity in this country. Etape organises many such events across Europe and, a London to Paris cycle event is starting next year. For ACRE, to attempt to stop the event in Perthshire, is negative in the extreme! Yes!, we must monitor the funding being given by P&K to the organisers, but indications are, that benefits to small businesses are growing.
There are dozens of Perthshire volunteers who already give of their time to organise triathlons and marathons and now Etape Caledonia, in our area. Junior cycling events are already being planned for Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. That surely must be the way forward.
ACRE may well lodge a formal complaint with the Scottish local government ombudsman as they threaten. When they do, they will find a growing body of opinion, which will oppose them at every step. Acre has been described by one Member of Parliament as, “ a vociferous minority”. NUFF SAID !

Alex Peake