The Scottish Government has announced plans for a new taskforce to oversee development of cycling infrastructure in the country.
Announced by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf at the Active Travel Summit in Stirling on Wednesday (2 Nov), the aim of the taskforce is to ‘reinvigorate’ the Government’s ‘ambitious’ cycling plans.
Mr Yousaf said: “I have been disappointed with some decisions taken locally about cycling infrastructure which will hinder the achievement of our long term vision – in particular the installation of segregated cycle lanes on the streets of our towns and cities.
“That is why I am establishing this taskforce to look at how we can tackle the practical barriers to delivery of ambitious cycling and walking projects in Scotland.
Chaired by Transport Scotland, the new taskforce will begin its work next month following the publication of the updated Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.
A range of organisations including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland will be invited to join the taskforce.
Mr Yousaf also unveiled details of the latest round of the Community Links PLUS competition which seeks design projects that restore balance in Scotland’s streets in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.
Mr Yousaf added: “Community Links Plus has the potential to be a game changer for active travel In Scotland but too often bold visions get bogged down in the delivery.
“Local authorities can and do deliver bold and visionary improvements, such as the most recent winning Community Links PLUS project in Glasgow – the South City Way.”
Want to know more about cycling and road safety?
Online library of research and reports etc – visit the Road Safety Knowledge Centre
Key facts and summaries of research reports – visit the Road Safety Observatory
Photo: Transport Scotland via Flickr. Use under Creative Commons.
Perhaps the Minister’s disappointment may be linked to some Scottish government aspirations that are more related to cloud cuckoo land than real world practicalities that local governments have to deal with – and possibly funding that lags behind rhetoric?
Guzzi, Newport
0
Power to the people, the cycling people that is. Good to see democracy at work against democracy.
Bob Craven Lancs
0