New measures will boost short cycle rides, says Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has unveiled a strategy that aims to make cycling the most popular mode of transport for shorter ‘everyday’ journeys.

The Cycling Framework for Active Travel has been published to complement the 2030 Active Travel Vision, with the aim of shaping how government, councils and active travel organisations deliver improvements.

The framework has six components:

• Safe cycling infrastructure – high quality, suitable and accessible for all.

• Effective resourcing – long-term funding for the delivery of infrastructure and supporting access, training and facilities programmes.

• Fair access – increased equity of access to cycling, ensuring that adapted and non-standard cycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes are supported.

• Training and education – ensuring infrastructure is supported by wrap around promotional programmes, training and complementary initiatives. Providing opportunities for all to learn how to cycle from an early age into adulthood.

• Network planning – prioritise investment based on local active travel strategies, mapping existing and planned networks to improve consistency.

• Monitoring – ensuring robust process are in place to capture insight which will help to inform future network planning, including local and national alignment of routes and facilities.

The strategy has been developed in partnership with Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, local authorities and after public consultation.

Minister for active travel Patrick Harvie said: “Infrastructure is the biggest priority – that means spaces where people can confidently and safely cycle, whether as part of the road network or in separated cycle lane. 

“I recognise that will only happen, however, if government investment is aligned with the ambitious programmes that local authorities are developing through their own local active travel strategies. In doing so, we can advance transformation both at pace and scale – and in a way which works locally, regionally and nationally.”

The Scottish Government will deliver long-term funding solutions to support local authorities, said Harvie.

“We are already investing record amounts in active travel and will continue to do so, with the active travel budget almost £200m this year and rising to £320m or 10% of the overall transport budget by 2024-25. That investment will help us build an active nation – delivering on our vision of helping more people choose walking, wheeling and cycling for journeys than ever before.”