Transport Scotland 'refreshes’ Cycling Action Plan

Transport Scotland has launched a ‘refresh’ of the document that outlines how the Scottish Government aims to hit its target of 10 per cent of everyday journeys being made by bike by 2020. The report outlines progress to date and future action needed in the coming years.

In September, the government’s 'Transport and Travel in Scotland' report found that only 1.2 per cent of journeys in Scotland were made by bike in 2015, down from 1.4 per cent the previous year. Clearly, there is much to be done.

The latest version of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) features the introduction of an Active Travel Task Force which will, “tackle the practical barriers to the delivery of ambitious walking and cycling infrastructure projects in Scotland.”

Other recommended actions include:

• Transport Scotland to hold an annual Active Travel Summit
• A review and update of the Trunk Roads Cycling Initiative
• Improved integration with public transport
• Development of active travel hubs across Scotland via European Regional Development Funding
• Continued support for educational campaigns aimed at all road users

Scottish Ministers have committed to maintaining the current levels of funding for active travel for the term of this Parliament.

However, just 1.9 per cent of the 2015 transport budget was spent on pedestrian and cycle paths and an alliance of 14 groups, including public health charities, children’s rights organisations and environmental campaigns, have called for that to be increased to 10 per cent.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and The Islands said:

“This revised Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) is the most progressive, representing six years of shared work by partners and an unshakable commitment to the 2020 vision. However, we cannot be complacent and reaching the vision will be challenging which is why we all need to re-double efforts in delivering the actions in this document.

“Over the next four years we look forward to developing more ambitious, innovative approaches underpinned by partnership working, to make Scotland a more active and safe nation.

“We will meet the Programme for Government commitment to maintain the budget for active travel at record levels with planned investment to 2021.”

Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland Chief Executive, said:

“Even more people in Scotland are enjoying cycling to work, for fitness or just for fun. One in 10 journeys to some campuses, schools or workplaces are already taken by bike. Our CAPS Progress Report demonstrated both how far we need to go and all the potential benefits from transforming how we travel in Scotland. We will be working with national and local government and key third sector delivery bodies to ensure many more people, of all ages and abilities, can enjoy all the benefits of riding a bike. ”