Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has announced plans for a cycling taskforce.
The main aim of the taskforce will be to drive forward ambitious cycling infrastructure such as segregated cycle paths.
The Minister also unveiled details of the latest round of the multi-million pound Community Links PLUS competition which seeks ambitious design projects that restore balance in Scotland’s streets in favour of people walking and cycling.
Speaking at the Active Travel Summit in Stirling, Mr Yousaf said: “I cannot emphasise enough the Scottish government’s absolute commitment to increasing active travel rates. Since 2010, £100m has been invested in the Community Links programme providing grant funding for over 700 cycling and walking projects; all of which are helping to increase the number of people choosing to travel actively on a daily basis.
“While the Scottish Government is investing record amounts, I want to be certain that public money is invested wisely and any barriers to effective delivery are understood and overcome.
“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. 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.
“I am determined to make this taskforce work through local democracy and in doing so ensure better community consultation, better communication and ultimately better active travel infrastructure that is good for local economies and communities.”
The new taskforce, chaired by Transport Scotland, will begin its work following the publication of the updated Cycling Action Plan for Scotland in December. Key organisations such as COSLA, the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland and other delivery partners will be invited to take an active part in the group.
