Olympic champion Jack Carlin hopes that the Renfrewshire routes that made him fall in love with cycling will inspire future athletes. 

The Paisley born star won silver and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics but his journey started along his local cycle routes. 

Now he is hoping that Renfrewshire Council's #YouDecide campaign will encourage more residents to get on their bikes and enjoy the many routes located across the area just like he did.

Jack said: “I’ve been using the cycle routes around Renfrewshire since I was young and it’s on them that my love of cycling really started to develop and I believe it’s so important that all cyclists have the opportunity to get out on their bikes.

“Obviously in my case, it has led to a career and ultimately competing at the Olympics, but it’s so important that people of all ages have the chance to cycle safely around where they live ad enjoy cycling for what it brings to their physical and mental health.”

The campaign will ensure that the public have their say in what part of the council's budget is spent on. £1.2million has already been allocated to new cycling and walking routes, as well as the district's road safety initiatives, park upgrades and outdoor gym equipment.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “It was incredible to see Jack’s success at this summer’s Olympics, especially knowing that he’d started his journey here in Renfrewshire.

“We’re want to ensure people are able to cycle safely throughout Renfrewshire and it just goes to show the importance of providing safe cycle routes as we may be inspiring the next Olympic athlete for Team GB.

“A new cycle route is just one possible idea though that you can submit as part of the #YouDecide campaign and we want as many and as wide a range of ideas as possible so, if there’s an infrastructure improvement that you would like completed in your area then submit it to us now.”

Ideas for the #YouDecide campaign can be submitted via post boxes in libraries, leisure centres and Morrisons supermarkets across Renfrewshire, or online HERE. Submission closes on November 14.