Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon has pledged an “ambition to see 10% of all everyday journeys made by bicycle by 2020” in a response sent to British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling network.
The #ChooseCycling network – a group of major British businesses that believe more cycling would be good for their employees and customers – wrote to party leaders in March asking for four key commitments on cycling to be included in manifestos.
Sharing the belief that investing in cycling will help business thrive, encourage people to live healthier lives and to make Britain a more pleasant place to live, the network asked parties to commit to allocate 5% of Britain’s transport budget to cycling, and to set a target for cycling to account for up 10% of all trips.
As well as committing to a 10% target, in its response the SNP also talks about how it has “developed guidance for local authorities on 20mph limits and zones” and pledges to “continue to support the development of a National Cycle Network.”
British Cycling’s policy adviser, Chris Boardman, said: “It’s encouraging to see the SNP commit to our 10% target of everyday trips being made by bicycle. They pledge to do this by 2020 – five years earlier than our ask of 2025.
"Nicola Sturgeon cites funding that is already going towards cycling in Scotland but it would be even better to see an annual transport funding commitment towards cycling, as active travel, that is more in line with achieving the target of 10% of journeys by bike.”
Scottish Cycling’s corporate services manager, Jim Riach, said: “We are encouraged by the SNP position and targets in relation to everyday trips by bicycle.
"Recreational cycling and cycle sport also make significant contributions in inspiring the nation, delivering an economic impact and contributing to the health and social well-being of the nation, so it would be good to see cycling referred to in an “over-arching” strategy - not just in transport terms.”
The #ChooseCycling network is still waiting for responses from the Labour Party, Plaid Cymru and UKIP.
