Alison Johnstone MSP, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, says new research by transport charity Sustrans shows how out of step Scottish ministers are with the public desire for investment in cycling and walking infrastructure.
The survey of 11,000 people across UK cities including Edinburgh shows 75 per cent want more money invested.
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian and co-convener of Holyrood’s cross-party group on cycling, said: “Public demand for investment in cycling and walking infrastructure in Scotland is clear, with massive events such as Pedal on Parliament.
Actions speak louder than words and despite plentiful evidence of the huge benefits for our health, Scottish ministers still spend less than 2 per cent of their £2billion transport budget on cycling and walking.
“The Scottish Government clearly doesn’t see transport as a social justice issue and simply isn’t investing meaningfully to support those who either can’t afford to drive or prefer not to. By giving priority to cycling and walking we can improve our health, our air quality, boost local businesses and support tourism.
“I led Holyrood’s first debate on this issue, with the parliament agreeing that every child in Scotland should have the opportunity of on-road cycle training by 2015, yet to date only a third of schools have delivered such training. Parliament also reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s target of 10 per cent of journeys by bike by 2020, yet we’re still at only 1 per cent. We need a transformation.”
In Edinburgh the council devotes 8% of its transport budget to cycling projects, and most recently unveiled the Meadows to Innocent Tunnel cycle path.
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