Scotland: £1.8m boost for walking and cycling

07.54 | 3 September 2019 | |

An estimated 90,000 people across Scotland will benefit from newly-announced funding for active travel, according to the Scottish Government.

Announced on 1 September, 149 community groups, employers and social housing providers will benefit from £1.8m to improve facilities for walking and cycling.

Elderbank Housing Association, based, Glasgow, will receive £25,000 to install cycle parking for the 2,700 residents living across their properties, where currently there is no cycle parking.

Jim Fraser, estate management inspector, said: “Lack of storage has been a key issue for residents, especially those in older tenement buildings, so installing bike parking will remove a significant barrier to the uptake in bike ownership and cycling as a healthy activity.

“Govan is well established as an area of high deprivation and residents can often be found to have low household income and higher levels of household debt. 

“This can impact greatly on people’s ability to access public transport beyond a limited geographical area and frequency due to a lack of sufficient finance.”

Others that will benefit include BME communities, people living with mental health issues, rural locations, young people, members of the homeless community and former members of the Armed Forces.

The funding has been allocated from the Scottish Government’s active travel budget, and delivered through Cycling Scotland’s Cycling Friendly programme and the Social Housing Fund.

Transport Scotland says the three funding streams aim to support communities and workplaces through improved facilities – and encourage more people to choose walking and cycling as their preferred mode of sustainable transport for everyday journeys.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, said: “Alongside the development of quality infrastructure, high-impact behavioural change initiatives and funding are critical to encouraging greater participation in sustainable walking and cycling in our communities.

“Walking and cycling is key to improving our air quality, protecting our climate and improving our health. 

“Encouraging active travel options for an estimated 90,000 people across Scotland is an incredible achievement and I look forward to seeing improved facilities in workplaces and communities.”


 

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