Scotland invests in ‘active travel’ schemes
The Scottish government has provided £22m for three ‘active travel’ projects designed to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.
The money for the schemes in Ayr, Hawick and Broughty Ferry is being allocated through the Sustrans Places for Everyone initiative. They will target active modes for everyday journeys by reallocating road space in favour of sustainable active travel modes.
The Scottish government has committed to investing over £500m in active travel across the next five years. More permanent projects, including smaller schemes, will be progressed through the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme.
Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson said: “It’s been really encouraging to see the strength of ambition, demonstrated by local authorities, in their applications to the Sustrans Places for Everyone scheme. With the support received by local communities, these three large scale active travel projects will transform opportunities to walk, wheel and cycle across Ayr, Hawick and Broughty Ferry.
“Encouraging more sustainable active travel journeys is vital to our health, wellbeing and in our response to the climate emergency. Our recently published Climate Change Plan update puts active travel at the heart of our actions to secure our world leading net-zero ambitions. That’s why we’re investing over £500 million over the next five years, in addition to a further £50 million to support new ‘Active Freeways’ to some of Scotland’s major destinations.”