« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Ministerial Foreword
"By 2020, 10% of all journeys taken in Scotland will be by bike."
The above statement is my overall vision for cycling in Scotland. Currently 2% of people cycle to work and only 1% of children cycle to school. However, 88% of respondents to the consultation exercise said they would like to cycle more often. The actions in this draft Cycling Action Plan for Scotland ( CAPS) can aid this aspiration, deliver the vision and bring benefits for all. Public opinion is fundamental to good government and the actions described here are a direct response to what you told us during the consultation exercise last summer. You now have a further opportunity to comment and tell us if we have the right actions and agencies in place, working for you in delivering and promoting cycling as a realistic travel choice.
Improved journey times and connections is a key issue in the National Transport Strategy ( NTS) which was published in 2006. As part of the NTS commitments, this Scottish Government will promote SMART measures such as travel plans, and high quality travel information to encourage more sustainable travel. As part of this commitment we will promote cycling and walking as sustainable forms of transport especially for short journeys.
In addition, this Action Plan, if endorsed by you, can help achieve sustainable economic growth for the whole country and reduce harmful carbon emissions in protecting our environment. It can contribute to the Scottish Government's longer term climate change goal of 80% reduction in emissions by 2050. We can live longer healthy lives if we are active and we can enjoy our built and natural environment. I believe Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and we should encourage people to make the most of it.
CAPS is about everyone in Scotland who is able to, having the choice to cycle in their everyday life by creating safe, welcoming and inclusive communities. With the correct measures in place to meet the public's demand for cycling infrastructure and road safety improvements and by working in partnership, we can emulate our European neighbours in The Netherlands and Denmark, who enjoy 27% and 13% share for cycle journeys respectively. My vision of 10% for Scotland is ambitious, but achievable.
Our consultations showed that Scotland aspires to be a cycling nation, not only in sport as Sir Chris Hoy has so ably demonstrated, but in everyday life. The Commonwealth Games in 2014 can be a springboard to a healthier and more sustainable Scotland. With your help and determination we can achieve that goal.
Stewart Stevenson MSP
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Board Foreword
The Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Board is proud to have been involved with Scotland's first Action Plan for Cycling. The Board consists of representatives from the fields of transport, health, recreation, education and sport and believes cycling is an essential component in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly country, with a healthier population.
The Board fully supports the actions in this Plan. CAPS seeks to make cycling an easy and practical choice for people making short trips to work, to school, for leisure purposes and for longer journeys through integration with public transport.
Working in partnership with the people of Scotland and the many stakeholder groups over the last year, has seen the development of a truly ground-breaking Plan. The actions here will take cycling to the forefront of everyday activity, which will contribute significantly towards tackling climate change and increasing levels of physical activity.
As the Plan commences, it will be essential that everyone is fully engaged and supportive of the role cycling can play in the sustainable development of Scotland. We look forward to working together with all stakeholders to ensure that Scotland develops a vibrant and diverse cycling culture.
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Board
« Previous | Contents | Next »