GLASGOW is to receive a £2.5million boost to develop new cycle lanes to the East End.

GLASGOW is to receive a £2.5million boost to develop new cycle lanes to the East End.

The cash, which will also be used to improve infrastructure such as pavements and walkways in the city will become part of the legacy left by the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Transport bosses say the investment will make the East End more accessible from the city centre.

The project will involve a major upgrade to cycling and walking corridors along Clyde, London Road and Gallowgate connecting the Dalmarnock/Parkhead Cross area with the Commonwealth Games venue and the city centre.

Additional proposals include a schools' bike loan scheme in seven East End primary schools and a car sharing scheme for motorists in the area.

Glasgow's £2.5m share of an overall £15m pot, shared between seven areas will also be used for community-based bicycle recycling and cycle support schemes.

Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, Kirkintilloch and Lenzie in East Dunbartonshire will get a share of the money on a raft of ideas which include personalised travel planning, more pedestrianised zones, free trial bus and rail passes and better walking and cycling routes.

The plan also includes "park and choose" initiatives, similar to park and ride, but with choices including bus, rail, cycling or car trip-sharing.

Meanwhile, bike rental schemes pioneered in Paris are proposed elsewhere in the country enabling people to pick up a bike at a rail or bus station and use it free for half an hour.

The plan was announced as part of a Scottish Government drive to showcase pollution-busting transport initiatives.

Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We need to look at new ways of persuading people out of their cars and onto more sustainable forms of travel such as trains, walking and cycling.

"The proposals from local authorities and regional transport partnerships have been impressive and the seven communities selected now have the chance to improve travel options for thousands of residents."