Council leaders in Scotland have pledged to play a ‘huge role’ to encourage the growth of cycling, following the devolved Government’s promise of a more ‘ambitious and innovative’ approach, underpinned by partnership working.
Transport Scotland has launched a ‘refresh’ of its Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS), which outlines how the Scottish Government, local authorities and partners can help to achieve a ‘challenging shared vision for cycling’.
Glasgow's cycle hire scheme
It said the revised document outlines the devolved Government’s commitment to maintaining ‘record levels’ of funding for active travel.
The document also features the new Active Travel Task Force, to tackle practical barriers to the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure projects, and highlights integration with public transport, through partnership working with Scotrail, bus and coach operators, and Regional Transport Partnerships.
Cllr Stephen Hagan, spokesperson for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), said: ‘Local government is a strong supporter of cycling and active transport and we are happy to support the 2017 Cycling Action Plan.
‘Local authorities, whether through education, the management of local paths and roads or working with local partners, have a huge role to play in encouraging the continued growth of cycling.'
Transport Scotland acknowledged that the ‘refresh’ came in response to stakeholders’ calls for action.
Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland chief executive, said: ‘Our [2016] 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.’
Other actions in the revised plan include developing active travel hubs across Scotland by utilising European Regional Development Funding.
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