Ground-breaking cycling and walking projects short-listed for national competition
Issued by Sustrans Scotland
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans Scotland has today announced a list of ten cycling and walking proposals from across Scotland that have been shortlisted for the “Community Links PLUS” design competition.
The search for exemplar projects that can change the face of active travel in Scotland was kicked off with the announcement of the competition by Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, at last month’s Cycling Scotland conference.
Ideas were received from across Scotland and narrowed down to ten ground-breaking proposals, which seek to re-balance Scotland’s streets through a range of measures including road space re-allocation, removal of parking, segregated and protected cycle lanes, and behaviour change interventions.
A multi-disciplinary panel of experts, chaired by Transport Scotland, will judge the short-listed projects and make a recommendation to the Transport Minister in autumn next year. Successful project(s), will receive funding from 2016-17 to 2018-19.
John Lauder, Sustrans Scotland National Director, said:
“We’re delighted to announce a short-list of bold, exciting and innovative cycling and walking projects from across Scotland. We received a wealth of excellent applications, and narrowing them down to a list of ten was no easy task.
“Given the quality of projects short-listed, our panel certainly have their work cut out for them. We look forward to working with the successful project, or projects, that we hope will be game-changers for active travel in Scotland.”
Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport and Islands said:
“It’s great to see this Community Links Plus competition reach the first stage - this is another important step towards delivering our shared vision of 10% of everyday journeys being made by bike by 2020.
“This Scottish Government have demonstrated our commitment to encouraging healthier and greener travel by investing more than £1 billion per annum to encourage people out of their cars. This financial year we have increased investment in active travel to £39.2 million, up from £22.95 million in 2013/14 at a time when our overall capital budget has decreased by 26%. We are also supporting behaviour change and uptake of active and sustainable travel through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme.
“I am delighted with the level of interest as projects like the ones submitted demonstrate real innovation and enthusiasm to deliver improved and innovative cycling infrastructure.”
The Inverness City Active Travel Network (Highland Council): The Inverness City Active Travel Network is a city wide project that aims to double the levels of cycling. Proposed interventions include:
- Enhancing “East to West” active travel corridor to Inverness Campus
- Provision of new links to overcome constraints
- Improving connections to public transport hubs
- Incorporating active travel infrastructure in the West Link route
In addition smarter measures will include; route mapping, travel planning, engagement with schools and further education establishments and improved wayfinding and legibility.
This project will provide wider benefits including, higher quality of public realm, reduction of traffic congestion, air quality improvements, and health benefits.