Five Scottish walking and cycling projects awarded funding

Projects to encourage walking and cycling in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness have been awarded funding as part of a scheme backed by the Scottish Government.

The Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf MSP, announced on Monday that the five schemes had successfully applied for a share in the £22 million Sustrans Community Links PLUS project.

Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf and Sustrans Scotland Deputy Director for Built Environment Daisy Narayanan with winning designs

According to the Scottish Government, the Community Links project will deliver “pioneering and game-changing projects” which inspire public bodies in Scotland to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle in for everyday journeys.

Projects to have been awarded funding include Glasgow city council’s Woodside Mini-Holland scheme, which will improve cycling infrastructure in the Woodside community in the west end of the city.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh city council has been awarded funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network which it is claimed will “transform the west of Edinburgh into a high quality Dutch-inspired cycle and pedestrian friendly neighbourhood.” The route will connect popular locations within a cycleable distance of 1-5km.

Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said: “Our ambitious Active Nation initiative is designed to encourage many more of us to make everyday and leisure journeys sustainably – on foot and by bike. To achieve this vision, we are doubling our investment in active travel, from £40 to £80 million each year, demonstrating our commitment to make our towns and cities more walking and cycling friendly.

“Through the Community Links PLUS award, people will be able to enjoy new active travel routes and whether it is for commuting or leisure, more people across Scotland will be able to enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.”

Sustrans Scotland Deputy Director for Built Environment Daisy Narayanan said: “Funding all five final projects is a bold step towards a healthier, more sustainable and vibrant Scotland which designs places around the needs of people over vehicular access.”