21 June 2010
Civilising the Streets
Scots must look to the continent for inspiring sustainable transport - Bold, visionary leadership needed to deliver better quality of life in Scottish towns and cities
- Government urged to invest in active travel
Sustainable transport groups Sustrans Scotland and the Transform Scotland Trust today (21 June) announced findings from their ‘Civilising the Street’ report revealing that Scots must look to their European counterparts for sustainable transport solutions.
With Bike Week in full swing, the groups are urging more Scots to get on their bikes for a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle. Not only does active travel have huge potential to benefit Scots’ health but also contributes to meeting Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets.
The report, which investigated sustainable transport in 13 continental cities similar to the size and geographies of Scotland, looks at how social, political, geographical and cultural conditions have led to 'best practice' and have brought about high rates of walking and cycling. With cities such as Copenhagen having 35% of all trips made by bike, this report highlights key insights for Scots on how to make big steps forward over the next decade.
The groups believe that in order to emulate the best cities across the continent, Scots need to see bold, visionary leadership from the Government coupled with programmes of active transport investment spanning several years. Investment needs to be integrated into Scotland’s overall transport strategy focusing on pedestrian and cycle-friendly zones taking priority over motorised transport schemes. With meaningful investment, public attitudes and practices are more likely to change quickly. The report can be found at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/GetFile.aspx?ItemId=277>.
In March 2010, the Scottish Parliament called for "ambitious increases in resources [and] stronger, more effective and sustained leadership [from the Scottish Government]". As a result.the Scottish Government has committed to 10% of all journeys to be made by bike, Scotland-wide, by 2020. The percentage currently stands at 1%. This is evidence that more has to be done soon to get people on their bikes.
Report author, Jolin Warren, of Transform Scotland, commenting on the report, said ”This report clearly shows that to achieve the high levels of active travel that Scotland needs, strong, visionary leadership is required at a local level. Local politicians must focus on improving the daily experience of pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing the quality of life for the general population. In Stockholm, cycling went from being seen as "nerdy" to a "trendy", convenient way to travel in 10 years through straightforward, effective, and consistent investment.”
John Lauder, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: "Scotland has an opportunity to emulate other devolved regions and small nations across Europe by transforming the transport culture of our cities, towns and villages. Moving away from dependence on the private motor car towards better public transport, walking and cycling will help us to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health and cut congestion. At a time when public funding is being reduced, the cost benefits of sustainable transport are being enjoyed elsewhere in Europe, only lack of vision and leadership is stopping us from doing the same. This is the time for bold leadership and determined delivery at all levels of government."
Ian Aitken, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, added “The findings of this report come at the right time. In order for Scotland to achieve the ‘10% of all journeys made by bike’ target set by the Government, we need to encourage more people to get on their bikes now. One way of doing this is to encourage people to take part in events such as Bike Week, to show individuals that cycling is for everyone, regardless of age or ability. People can take part on one of over 200 events taking place in Scotland in Bike Week (19-27 June) and contribute towards sustainable transport in Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Our vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Every day we are working on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all. See <http://www.sustrans.org.uk> for details.
[2] The Transform Scotland Trust was established to carry out research and educate the public about transport's impact on the economy, environment, and society as a whole. The Trust is chaired by Stephen Stradling, Professor of Transport Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University's Transport Research Institute. See <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/trust.aspx> for details.
[3] To find out more about Bike Week, please visit www.bikeweek.org.uk
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