Scottish climate change plan criticised for 'largely ignoring' need to promote cycling

Environmental groups have expressed disappointment with the Scottish Government's latest climate change strategy, arguing that it "largely ignores" the need to promote walking, cycling or public transport.

Herald Scotland reports that Transform Scotland has criticised the draft climate change plan in its evidence to the two parliamentary committees tasked with scrutinising it.

Cycling can contribute more to global warming than driving, argues Harvard researcher

Director Colin Howden said: "Once again, the proposals have largely ignored the need to get people out of cars and start walking, cycling or taking public transport. The focus on vehicle technology means that few if any benefits will be felt for equalities, public health, congestion or the economy.”

He added: "The Scottish Government has many other policies in place for promoting these healthiest modes of transport, so it is strange that they are largely ignored in the climate change plan."

Scotland currently has a target of 10 per cent of journeys being made by bike by 2020 and while the Scottish Government has committed to record levels of active travel investment, this is set to remain at £39m a year until 2021.

Last month Cycling UK said that this level of funding was insufficient for the government to hit its target.