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Cycling Scotland and Sustrans’ have both welcomed a £3.9 million investment plan, set out by transport minister Stewart Stevenson, to boost cycling numbers in Scotland.
As part of the Cycling Action Plan, the long-term goal is to have ten per cent of journeys in Scotland undetaken by bike.
The plan will deliver:
· £2.5 million investment in cycling infrastructure, such as new paths;
· £150,000 loan support scheme to help business improve workplace cycling facilities;
· £500,000 to Glasgow City Council for it’s Connect2 project, allowing cyclists to travel between the city centre, the Clyde riverside promenades, Kelvingrove Park and the West End free of traffic;
· £300,000 on child cycle training.
Sustrans’ national director for Scotland John Lauder said: "We welcome the launch of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) The CAPS’ ambitious vision of ten per cent of journeys in Scotland to be made by bike, by 2020, is completely achievable provided we see good leadership from all levels of government in Scotland, local and national."
Ian Aitken, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland has issued the following statement in support of the plan: "We are particularly pleased to see the prioritisation of cycle training in schools across Scotland. Cycling can help children learn valuable life skills, including confidence, self reliance critical judgment and risk assessment of situations and this year alone, Cycling Scotland has trained an additional 216 Cycle Trainers to the National Standard for Cycling Training. We hope this announcement will help us continue this work and get more children on their bikes.
"The publication of CAPS is the first part of the process in making our cities, towns and villages more cycle friendly and our nation healthier and fitter.”
