Volunteers make a big impact on the National Cycle Network, and although more help is needed, only a matter of minutes makes a lot of difference.
Laura White the Network Engagement Coordinator with charity Sustrans in Scotland explained: āThroughout the pandemic, I’ve seen our amazing volunteers prove that many people taking small actions can have a huge combined impact.
“In May 2021, Sustrans Scotland partnered withĀ Keep Scotland BeautifulĀ for their Summer Clean pledge.
āPeople pledged just 20 minutes of their time to litter pick a mile of localĀ National Cycle Network.
āOur target was to clean up 500 miles during the three-week campaign. In the end, nearly 100 people pledged their time and they cleaned 600 miles of Network routes across Scotland.
āVolunteers told me that the motivation which the Summer Clean gave them to get out on the Network, even for a short time, really helped their mental health.
āOne volunteer who originally pledged 20 minutes during the summer went on to join our autumn barrier audit.
āThis project trained 40 volunteers across Scotland to survey, assess and record barriers along the Network.
āAcross a two month period, volunteers surveyed 267 miles of Scotlandās traffic-free routes and recorded information on over 1,600 barriers.
āThe information these volunteers gathered is now helping our Network Development Team and their partners to remove or redesign barriers which are preventing many people from walking, wheeling and cycling on the paths.
āVolunteers are enabling us to create paths which are for everyone. And this vital work simply wouldnāt be possible without them.ā
Take a look at Quick ways to volunteer in Scotland.
Sustrans is the charity which aims to make it easier for people to cycle, walk or wheel for more of their everyday journeys.