£15 million in funding awarded for cycling infra in Scotland

More than £15 million in grant funding has been awarded by active travel charity Sustrans Scotland for the creation of walking and cycling infrastructure in Scotland over the next year.

A total of 44 organisations including local authorities, housing associations, national parks and community trusts are to be awarded grants from the Sustrans Scotland administered Community Links programme, which is funded by Transport Scotland.

The 225 successful applications include initiatives to overcome significant barriers to pedestrians and cyclists, such as dangerous junctions and busy roads. Once completed, they will make it easier for people to walk and cycle for more of their everyday journeys.

As all projects are required to be match funded against the allocation from Sustrans – a further £15 million will also be invested into active travel projects through the programme.

Minister for transport and the islands Humza Yousaf MSP said: “The Scottish Government is committed to increasing active travel rates.

“Since 2010, more than £100m has been invested in the Community Links programme providing grant funding for over 700 cycling and walking projects.

“The applications demonstrate real innovation and enthusiasm to deliver improved and innovative environments for walking and cycling to take place in Scotland.”

One of the projects receiving Sustrans Scotland Community Links funding is a segregated cycle path that will connect Speirs Warf, the Forth and Clyde Glasgow National Cycle Network Route and the cycle routes at the east-end of Glasgow, through the Sighthill regeneration master plan.

The traffic-free path will improve the route from the future Mini Holland, Cowcaddens and the Metal Petals underpass to Port Dundas ultimately to the east of the City Centre over the proposed new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the M8.

Sustrans has awarded the council a provisional grant of £25,145 for the project with up to £251,455 being granted upon provision of a programme of works and detailed designs.