Monitoring/Policy
Ambitious Cycling Action Plan For Scotland (CAPS) Is Unveiled
1 January 2017
Transport Scotland has launched a refresh of the document that will outline how the Scottish Government, local authorities and all partners can help to achieve the challenging shared vision for cycling, in response to stakeholders’ calls for action.
CAPS 2017 represents six years of partnership working and remains committed to the shared vision that 10% of everyday journeys to be made by bike by 2020.
It outlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to maintaining the record levels of funding for active travel for the remainder of this Parliament, as stated in the Programme for Government.
The refresh features the introduction of the Active Travel Task Force which will tackle the practical barriers to the delivery of ambitious walking and cycling infrastructure projects in Scotland.
It highlights integration with public transport, through partnership working with Scotrail, bus/coach operators and Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs).
Other actions include developing active travel hubs across Scotland by utilising European Regional Development Funding and continued support to educational campaigns aimed at all road users.
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and The Islands said:
The Taskforce will meet next month and will be chaired by Transport Scotland’s Chief Executive Roy Brannen and will include a representative from the third sector active travel organisations, COSLA, the Regional Transport Partnerships and the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland.
Cllr Stephen Hagan, COSLA Development, Economy and Sustainability spokesperson said:
“Local government is a strong supporter of cycling and active transport and we are happy to support the 2017 Cycling Action Plan. Local authorities, whether through education, the management of local paths and roads or working with local partners, have a huge role to play in encouraging the continued growth of cycling. COSLA certainly looks forward to working with Scottish Government and our other partners in the years to come to see the aims of the plan delivered.”
Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland Chief Executive, said:
“Even more people in Scotland are enjoying cycling to work, for fitness or just for fun. One in 10 journeys to some campuses, schools or workplaces are already taken by bike. Our CAPS Progress Report demonstrated both how far we need to go and all the potential benefits from transforming how we travel in Scotland. We will be working with national and local government and key third sector delivery bodies to ensure many more people, of all ages and abilities, can enjoy all the benefits of riding a bike. ”
The following organisations will sit on the Active Travel Task Force:
- Daisy Narayanan, Deputy Director of Built Environment at Sustrans Scotland, representing third sector active travel delivery partners;
- James Fowlie, Director of Integration and Development at COSLA;
- George Eckton, Partnership Director at SESTRANS RTP, representing RTPs; and
- Derick Murray, Director of NESTRANS RTP, and representing the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS)