The council’s efforts to promote the region’s cycling potential and work to create new routes has been praised in a new study.
Cycling Scotland assessed all 32 local authorities on various aspects of their work to promote cycling, make it safer and give children the necessary cycling skills.
The study gave Scottish Borders Council 3.5 stars out of five, putting it amongst the highest performing councils.
A spokesman said: “SBC is pleased with the results of Cycling Scotland’s national assessment, which acknowledges the work that has been undertaken to help develop cycling in the Borders.
“This includes the delivery of a new cycling website (www.cyclescottishborders.com) and the provision of new paths, such as the £1million Tweed Valley Railway Path, between Peebles and Innerleithen, which opened in August and has been a great success.”
He added: “We are keen to continue to develop off-road routes in all parts of the Borders as it encourages more tourists to the region and can help people to achieve a healthier lifestyle.”
Responding to the report, John Lamont MSP said: “When statistics suggest that 59 per cent of journeys taken in the Borders are under 5km it is imperative that we encourage as many of these journeys as possible to be taken by bike.
“This wouldn’t only be for the good of our environment but also for the health of Borderers.”