Following a survey of residents and businesses along the Scottish Borders part of the 2023 Tour O The Borders route, we have confirmed our support for the 2025 edition of the event on closed roads.
The survey, undertaken by us as part of a post-event evaluation exercise, received almost 600 responses, the vast majority from local residents and businesses, including in Peebles, Innerleithen and Ettrick and Yarrow valley areas.
Positive impact
More than three quarters of respondents said they were supportive of the cycling event and felt it had a positive impact on the Scottish Borders.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Business and Community Development
“The input of local businesses and residents has been key to our decision to continue to support this long standing event and we now look forward to working with the event organisers through the Safety Advisory Group on their event plan for 2025.
“As with any event which requires road closures, some disruption is inevitable and we have strongly encouraged the organisers to proactively engage with communities along the route, mitigate the impacts as much as possible and ensure that communities and local businesses are aware of, and able to take advantage of, the benefits of the event and the visitors it brings to the area.
“With our ambitious South of Scotland Cycling Strategy and as a UCI Bike Region we are committed to supporting existing cycling events in the area and encouraging new events and fully harnessing the power of the bike for the benefit of our residents, businesses, young people and visitors.”
Future closed roads events
Plans for future closed roads events will continue to be assessed by us holistically as and when event organisers indicate this requirement in relation to their event plans.