"The news of a 3% increase in cycle traffic is hugely welcome, and a vindication of the Scottish Government's investment in active travel"
Sustrans Scotland welcomes increase in cycle traffic.
Responding to the release of Scottish Transport Statistics today, which estimates a 3% increase in cycle traffic in 2016, Sustrans Scotland's National Director John Lauder said:
"The news of a 3% increase in cycle traffic is hugely welcome and a vindication of the Scottish Government's investment in active travel. It is the first increase in a number of years but follows concerted and targeted efforts by a wide group of partners, including local authorities and Transport Scotland to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.
"The statistics reflect what we have seen in local areas where we work with partners to deliver cycling infrastructure and behaviour change programmes funded by Transport Scotland. We also welcome the increase in mode share for travel by bicycle to work from 2% in 2006 to 3% in 2016.
"Much, however, remains to be done. Cars remain the dominant means of travel to work and the percentage of children cycling to school is much lower than in comparable Northern European cities. In the context of Scotland and the UK being in midst of an obesity crisis, it is clear from medical and public health evidence that walking and cycling are key to building a healthier, happier and more active nation.
"With the doubling of the budget for active travel as announced in the Programme for Government, Sustrans Scotland looks forward to working with partners in the Scottish Government and local authorities to make this ambition a reality."