Scotland Review 2018

Photo: Tony Marsh Welcome

The doubling of the active travel budget as set out in the Scottish Government’s 2017-18 Programme for Government was an ambitious statement of intent towards encouraging more people to walk and cycle. Sustrans has been a key delivery partner of for active travel in Scotland’s cities and towns. Transport Scotland for 15 years. Our role is to 2017-18 has also been a year of recognition of our deliver programmes that encourage active travel achievements. The neighbourhood group DG1 - through behaviour change activities and by Neighbours, established as a result of our distributing funding to partners through a series of Dumfries Street Design project, won the Civic challenge funds. In that time we have learned that Trust’s Civic Champion Award, whilst our Scottish deeper engagement with communities and setting Workplace Journey Challenge won the Best out best practice in a range of comprehensive Practice in Travel to School and Work Scheme prize programmes is key to ensuring the delivery of high at the 2018 Scottish Transport awards. quality projects. Involving local communities in the development of walking and cycling projects means However, the path isn’t always smooth. Cycling is far they are more likely to buy into them, adopt and from mainstream, hovering around 3% for journeys value the infrastructure. to work in Scotland, whilst walking as a way to get to work has been in decline over the past 40 years. Through our Community Links PLUS 2017 competition, a record-breaking £22,540,360 was We know from the Scottish Government’s split between five projects in Scotland to create Growing Up in Scotland report that nine out of ten bold, innovative and safe walking and cycling routes Scottish children are not meeting the recommended in cities across the country. daily hour of exercise, whilst more than 2,500 early deaths are caused by air pollution in This, alongside the funding and support we provide Scotland alone. Meanwhile, our annual Hands Up through our Community Links programme and Scotland Survey of how children get to school, our National Cycle Network Development Fund, is tells us that whilst almost half of children walk, helping to set the standard for well designed, safe cycle or scooter to school, a quarter are still and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure driven to school each day. with partners and local authorities. Our funding has supported the creation of bridges and We know that change will require engaged segregated cycle routes, the repurposing of communities and grassroots support as well as streets and parking spaces into public areas and strong political leadership. meeting spaces. It has also enabled us to support “ Streets that are better for walking and cycling are local community groups and development trusts to My encouragement is therefore for you and your better for cities’ livability, safety and economies. help them realise their vision of new walking and teams to make sure you are taking advantage of cycling links for their local areas. all the support and funding Sustrans offers and For 40 years, Sustrans has been a leading voice in the manages. We are here to work in partnership and Photo: Tony Marsh Tony Photo: urban revolution about how we get around, and today, We’ve also published ground-breaking research, we look forward to hearing from you. which is already starting to have resonance and set the world is starting to catch up with them.” the policy agenda in areas beyond transport – in John Lauder, National Director, Scotland health, gender equality and social justice. Through Janette Sadik-Khan, Bloomberg Associates, our partnership work with local authorities, regional former New York City Transport Commissioner transport partnerships and transport planners, we have helped to build the economic and social case

1 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 2 3 Case study:Case Transforming neighbourhoods through street design Transforming street through neighbourhoods project. to the Award Champion forCivic support their TrustDG1 Civic won the also Neighbours 2018 group, DG1 community Neighbours. even and local createdneighbours aconstituted have their with residents new forged bonds local of traffic, volume speed and the well reducing as As destination. inclusive and sociable a more into neighbourhood the changed completely has councils and community local the our work with 2017, inJune was completed project The and to travelpeople foot by on and bike. to make streets safer for the attractive more and pavements street furniture. and helped has This wider tables, of raised addition the including road layout inthe change neighbourhood, of the a importantly,planters. been has there Most form of inthe and trees of greenery an injection street gateways lights, Victorian traditional and of innovative installation the seen has This artwork, construction process. to the through ideas design streets, from initial their on out carried changes the guide to closely area inthe working and living people we enabled Galloway at and Dumfries Council, Department regeneration work by the Strategic Housing As well as ensuring our complemented designs isolated neighbourhood. and aneglected and empowerment community and connections social environment, poor dominated acar included These Street area of Dumfries. to Queen the challenges of team anumber set to out Design address Council, residents and businesses, our Street Galloway and Dumfries with Working inpartnership to live. place attractive and vibrant into asafer, neighbourhood Dumfries more improvementsinfrastructure to a transform and behaviour change design, community-led award-winningThis four-year combined project Creating liveable neighbourhoods liveable Creating

neighbourhoods Creating liveable - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Review Scotland -Sustrans

and design of their area.” design and project and actively participated in the look who were involved at every level of the community local of the backing the without which wouldn’t have been as successful Neighbours. This was an ambitious project legacy that now exists in the shape of DG1 not only the physical work delivered but the Street Design project should be proud of “All those involved in the Neighbourhood Elaine Murray: Elaine Galloway and Council, ofDumfries Leader

Photo: Allan Devlin Photography

Photo: John Linton Supporting Kilmarnock to travel actively Case study:Case Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk of aseries through to employees students and to promote active travel helping Crosshouse, Hospital, University Ayrshire and College including 4,861 181with and people businesses, local Over year, past the have at Hub the staff engaged area. walks local and the around rides led bike workshops, maintenance including activities group inregular take and part road skills, cycle bikes,to how learn to develop off- and ride on people for local chance the offers also Hub The hire links and bikes. transport public routes, walking local about more out find and in to pop passers-by and for commuters placed ideally is Hub the station, at Kilmarnock Based to make travel healthier communities decisions. local to encourage help and region, in the inequality levels rising the of health toAlliance, address Ayrshire and Ayrshire East with Road Council the Kilmarnock Active Travel Hub in partnership Smarter Choices Smarter Places, we established Government through funding toThanks Scottish journeys by car. of short numbers large making residents with inScotland, ownership AyrshireEast lowest of the one level has of bike

offering me this opportunity!” Travel Hub, Ican’t thank you enough for life was when Ilearned to ride abicycle. of“One the most important days of my Hanane, Learn to Learn Hanane, Cycle participant: to lead healthier,communities active more lives. we and haverides, residents empowered local cycle walks of health led weekly and impact life changing to often new the groups By introducing groups. minority and for vulnerable support that have to Hub, the avisit to made provide community, of the those not just toout allparts we have Addaction, and reached also Scotland withpartnership The Princes Trust, Alzheimer in behaviour And, change. lasting long ensuring of what key is motivates them, influences and to developing anunderstanding and people local with we experience, that know engaging Through walks. lunchtime and active travel challenges, cycling and breakfasts walking bespoke events including promotions and 4 5 planting of trees has breathed of new has trees planting life into streets. the through of greenery introduction the and paving havefurniture damaged and replaced, been travel. forhotspot sustainable street Cluttered a becoming gradually Glasgow’son side south 2017,December Road Victoria seen since has and in place took for project the Ground-breaking areas. green and spaces community by creating accessible help transform the environment the route along will project pound multi-million the lanes, cycle segregated Danish-inspired celebrated much of introduction from the wellAs benefiting as inGlasgow. kind of first its the be will it district, from Queen’sRunning Park City to Merchant the centre. city of the to heart the of Glasgow side south populated densely from the route spanning pedestrian and cycle segregated PLUS to aims create and a3km competition, Links Community Government funded Scottish Way.City of winner our was first the project This South the on Council City Glasgow with closely years,Over we two past have the working been intocycle city. of centre the the that to make will walk for easier and it people innovative and toby deliver bold helping big, ideas We of Glasgow side south are the transforming Making adifference through sustainable infrastructure study:Case Creating liveable neighbourhoods liveable Creating

- Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Review Scotland -Sustrans safe, enjoyable sustainable.” and is key in ensuring these options are walking, and the right infrastructure want to see more people cycling and continue throughout the project. We business from day one and this will and groups communities, local with “There’s extensive been engagement for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction: Convener City Richardson, Anna Councillor neighbourhood’s generation. next healthy active travel and encourage inthe habits to develop helping and schools, of local number to work ina IBike Officer adedicated placed we’ve project, of the also completion on cycle To even to walk encourage and people help more inor movetime through. to vibrant spend and attractive more spaces public to walk cycle, and make people or help encourage will which projects for for small, funding local apply have to residents given chance the been local Way City our South Fund, Grants Through Small

Photo: Lenny Warren

Photo: Julie Howden Photography Council between 2016-2018Council between to create higherquality A total of£605,000hasbeenawarded to Stirling and cycle for everyday journeys. infrastructure thatmakes itsafer andeasierto walk the programme provides fundingfor thecreation of uplifting area. Funded by theScottish Government, transform Cowie’s mainstreet into asafer, more programme, we were able to Council helpStirling Thanks to fundingfrom ourCommunity Links visiting thearea. andwellbeingof community for thoselivinginand wanted to live inavillagewhichfostered asense roundabouts andbus lay-bys, residents also aboutsafetyaddition to atroad concerns crossings, consultation revealed withthecommunity thatin Margaret’s schools. andCowie primary Further done to make children feel safer getting to St wantedThe localcommunity somethingto be foot orbike. parents andtheirchildren felt unsafe travelling by about thesafety ofroutes around theschoolsand village neededachange. were Concerns raised the community, itbecameclearresidents felt Cowie school.primary However, through discussionwith install acrossing for thenewly built StMargaret’s Initially, thisproject outasasimpleplanto started Creating safer school routes with community support Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk study:Case

legacy oftheproject longinto thefuture. to encourageownership community andensure the schools. willhelp Oncecompleted, theseartworks be co-designedwithlocalpupilsfrom bothprimary whichwill the creation ofstunningpublic artworks, Lastly, new life willbebreathed into Cowie through a fully accessible alternative to asetofsteps. endofthevillage, whichwould provideat thenorth andpotentiallyto acycle thewidernetwork, ramp include additionalcrossings, traffic calming, linking complete thefinal elementsoftheproject. This will 2018-19 to continue to to withthecommunity work CouncilStirling willbeapplying fundingin for further forand stride oneoftheschools. which allows parents to asapark useitscarpark ofthevillageaswell asto thelocalchurchnorth High Street, andadditionallinkswere madeto the zebra crossing, were created ateitherendofthe and cycling links, whichincludeazebra andacycle community-built skate park. New shared walking to walk andcycle schoolsand to thelocalprimary widened, makingiteasierandsafer for children The existing footpaths through were thelocalpark vibrant placeto spendtimeinandtravel through. routes around Cowie andcreate amore connected, 6 Connecting people Case study: and places Inverness City Active Travel Network

Our Community Links PLUS design competition, We are acutely aware that collaborative design Case study: which is funded by the Scottish Government, guarantees the success of a project and its provides multi-million pound grants for big, bold legacy, and our work in Inverness ties in with other Future-proofing healthy travel in Midlothian and innovative projects which will restore the regeneration projects taking place within the city, balance of Scotland’s streets in favour of people including the Townscape Heritage Project and Abellio Over the past year we have turned our focus towards Danderhall Primary School. walking and cycling. Scotrail’s refurbishment to the local station. the improvement of a disused railway line on the The lesson included a led-ride with pupils along outskirts of Edinburgh, linking the communities of The Inverness City Active Travel Network was one Construction for the Inverness City Active Travel the route, helping to raise local awareness of the Shawfair and Danderhall with Loanhead and Roslin. of the winners of the 2017 competition and will find Network is expected to start later this year, a crucial link and promoting its benefits as a safe, traffic-free the city transformed into an active travel hub. step in making a long lasting impact on the local The area is a site for continuous development routes to residents and visitors to the area. community. Businesses will benefit from enhanced Currently, the historic city centre lacks reliable over the next 20 years, with plans for new housing public spaces and increased footfall, whilst The creation of the Loanhead Path Extension was cycling routes and is suffering from major congestion developments on land bordering the railway line. improved connections to local tourist attractions made possible by funding provided through our along busy roads, causing tension between cyclists This means that the number of residents living in and leisure facilities will help to boost the number National Cycle Network Development Programme, and car drivers. Additionally in some parts of the the area is set to rise significantly over the next few of visitors travelling actively to key destinations. We which is funded by the Scottish Government to city there are areas with narrow, or non-existent years. hope our support through our Community Links develop and maintain the National Cycle Network pavements, street clutter and little or no greenery, PLUS competition will help make Inverness a city To help future-proof the needs of the local across Scotland. All parties are delighted with the creating an environment that is hard for people to synonymous with healthy journeys. communities, we worked with the City of Edinburgh Loanhead path extension, and talks to extend it to navigate by foot or bike. Council, Midlothian Council and contractors RJ link to Gilmerton are already underway. Provost of Inverness, Councillor Helen Awarding Community Links PLUS funding to The McLeod to deliver the Loanhead Railway Path Carmichael: Midlothian I Bike Officer, Roslynn Newman: Extension. This 3km traffic-free route has created a Highland Council will change this. We’re working link between residents and local amenities including with the council and stakeholders to help design “The Inverness City Active Travel “The Loanhead Path Extension is a and build high-quality Dutch-inspired walking and shops, schools, the train station and park and ride. Network is a great step towards creating fantastic new asset to schools and cycling routes along with new signage and greener a connected city fit for the future.” The first phase of the route has now been residents in the area. The local, traffic- spaces across Inverness, ensuring a number of completed and has made it easier for local people long term benefits for the area. to choose to make more active journeys. It has also free route is a safe and attractive place raised the profile of some of the fantastic commuter to take children out for led-rides and routes to Edinburgh City Centre that residents can walks as well as vital link to access key now take advantage of. local facilities such as the health centre A key part of the project was also securing local and station. Led-rides and outdoor community engagement, and our Midlothian Photo: Colin Hattersley Photo: I Bike Officer joined forces with our Engineering learning sessions are a vital part of a team and Ecologist to deliver a curriculum based pupils everyday learning.” STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) lesson on the route for P6 pupils from

7 Connecting people and places - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 8 Case study: Case study: Connecting communities across the River Carron, Falkirk Kirkwall Harbour, Orkney

For years, the Helix Path Network in Falkirk was The Abbotshaugh Bridge is the second project Kirkwall Harbour Front in Orkney is a key focal point These changes have helped to transform the missing a vital link which would join the communities Sustrans has supported from the CATCA of the town both for residents and the thousands of harbour from a car-dominated area into a safer, living in Bainsford, Carronshore, Carron and Langlees. consultation process - in 2015, in a partnership tourists who visit the North Isles each year. more pleasant destination where people want to Now, following Scottish Government funding through between Sustrans, Falkirk Council, CATCA, and the spend time and enjoy. The increased number of As a result, the local authority was keen to make Sustrans’ Community Links programme in 2017, these Central Scotland Green Network Trust, the Dorrator people visiting the harbour on foot and by bike has changes to the area to help it realise its full potential villages are finally connected. Bridge was installed to replace a 121 year old swing also boosted footfall for local shops and cafes, and as a contributor to the local economy. bridge further up the river. created a new ‘gateway’ into Kirkwall and the rest of Thanks to the work of Falkirk Council and other Over the past year, thanks to Scottish Government the island. partners, the Abbotshaugh Bridge has created a Opened to the public in June 2018, the funding through our Community Links programme, safe, off-road path for people walking and cycling Abbotshaugh Bridge allows cyclists, horses, Councillor John Ross Scott, Kirkwall: we have worked in partnership with Orkney Council over the River Carron. Before it was installed, the pedestrians and those with mobility impairments to breathe new life into the historic harbour front. nearest option for crossing the river was the road to make the most of the wider path network and “The improvements have transformed bridge on Carron Road, which was a significant the amenities that the local communities have A new cycle and walking route was created from the harbour front from a dull, drab and detour for many residents. The bridge also connects to offer. The scale of the new bridge is matched the North Isles ferry terminal to the town centre tired looking area of town, choked with two previous Community Links funded projects. by the size of the impact it will have on the local and key tourist destinations such as the historic St cars, to a thriving, people oriented area. Not only has it brought the communities of Magnus Cathedral. Delivering such an ambitious and complex project Carron, Carronshore, Bainsford and Langlees place, modern and at one with the world has taken time, and community support has been closer together by helping them share employment, The old harbour entrance was closed to traffic vital in ensuring the success of the project and around it. education and leisure opportunities, but it is also and redesigned to create a new public meeting securing a lasting legacy for the area. expected to benefit the local economies. point. Car parking areas were reduced and The changes have made many locals repurposed into open spaces which are used From as early as 2009, the community group As well as providing a connection to National Cycle by local businesses. and tourists think of the importance of Communities Along the Carron (CATCA) has worked Network Route 76, the Kelpies and the Falkirk to engage 16 communities along the River Carron in time and space in their day to day lives.” Wheel, the bridge has created the final link in the Additionally, road space was reallocated to provide consultation, identifying the needs and aspirations Helix Path Network – a key walking and cycling more space for people walking, which in turn has for these communities. The Abbotshaugh Bridge attraction to visitors to the area. It is anticipated helped to reduce traffic speeds and volume, making crossing was one such need, and Falkirk Council that annual visitor figures for the network may now Sustrans Photo: the waterfront a more pleasant place to cycle. immediately began feasibility studies for the crossing

reach 700,000 in 2018-19. Photography Stewart James Photo: following the 2009 consultation.

9 Connecting people and places - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 10 Transforming the school run in Glasgow Case study:Case 11 bike ownership, andmany pupilshave never Many oftheIBike schoolsinGlasgow have low South City Way withinthelocalcommunity. community, but alsoincrease engagement withthe with pupils, schoolstaff andthewiderschool to raise awareness ofthebenefits ofcycling Through thisproject we have notonly beenable PLUS designcompetition. is beingfundedthrough ourCommunity Links South City Way, a3kmsegregated cycleway which communitiesschools serve whichsitalongsidethe schools inthesouthsideofcity.primary These our Glasgow IBike officer nine hasbeensupporting withourInfrastructureWorking team, inpartnership together.wider schoolcommunity cycling pupils, -itbrings staff, parents andthe However, thanjustpromoting IBike goesfurther for thewholeschool. structured programme ofcycling-related activities to school. We dothisthrough atailored and gap thatseesfar fewer thanboys girls cycling school,andthegender to secondary from primary the drop incycling levels whenchildren move Scotland, delivering practical solutionsto address Our IBike project withschoolsacross works - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Review Scotland -Sustrans commute and run Transforming school the

run and commute and run Transforming school the and wellbeing allthechildren involved.” made apositive impactonthehealth raising awareness ofsafety andhas increased confidence ontheirbikes, develop theircycling skills; leadingto to“Our children hadtheopportunity Francis Primary School, Glasgow: Kelly Johnson, Depute Head Teacher atSt 10,000 attendances. participant activitieshavecurriculum-led seenmore than on how to reduce theircarbonemissions, the breakfasts to engaging classroom discussions our officer. From inactive travel taking part more than350activitieshave beenloggedby Since theproject inGlasgow started in2017, existing cycles. Dr Bike sessionsto helprepair andmaintain fleets ofbikes andscooters, alongsideproviding supplying helmetsandhelpingthempurchase our officer theschoolsby hasalsosupported to teachsupport children how to abike, ride to cycle.learned As well as providing additional

Photo: John Linton

Photo: Paul Reid Photography Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk in Dundee alonehave clocked upanincredible The numbers speakfor themselves -ourvolunteers bike-related andafter activitiesduring theschoolday. experience localledrides,cycle skillssessionsand in ourIBike programme andthatthey are able to crucial. Itensures thatpupilsare able to participate Volunteer for theseDrBike support sessionsis are able to to apply real-life theirlearning situations. also offer DrBike ‘Mentor’ days where volunteers training schemesand Velotech qualifications, we In additionto providing one-day bike maintenance be able to confidently assessandmaintain bikes. have skills, theright knowledge andexperience to wide range oftraining to ourvolunteers sothey To helpthemdeliver thesesessions, we offer a each day. children are able to travel to andfrom schoolsafely checks andfixes are madeto bikes to ensure that They DrBike alsohelprun sessions, where safety training andactive travel breakfasts. programme, includingled rides,Bikeabilitycycle ahugerange ofactivitiesdeliveredsupport by the Our five active IBike volunteers inDundee health andwellbeing ofothers intheirlocalarea. isvitaltheir work incontributing to theimproved makes ahugedifference to localcommunities and they provideThe timeandsupport across Scotland Sustrans volunteers are thekey to oursuccess. I Bike volunteering in Dundee study:Case

integral to ofIBike.” delivery has madethevolunteer team feel offeredsupport by Sustrans, which enjoyed therange oftraining and enthusiasm for cycling. I’ve really their bike thatthey have arenewed basic maintenance hastransformed they’re soexcited to seethatour When children take theirbikes home, presented withatDrBike isrewarding. neglect many ofthebikes we are “Tackling therange offaults and Jeremy, IBike Volunteer, Dundee: out inschools. the level and engagement we cancarry ofsupport sessions andotheractivities, helpingto increase so thatvolunteers canindependently deliver DrBike We planto develop ourmodelthroughout Scotland Bikeability events. skills sessionsand630children in take part bikes, more incycle than1,000pupilsparticipate have helpedaround 250children accesssafe 66 activitiesinthepastyear. Additionally, they helpingto500 hoursfacilitate ofsupport, atotal of

12 Case study: Case study: Changing the way workplaces travel in Scotland Creating safer routes to school in Fife

Everyone loves a challenge - especially at work, Now in its third year, we’ve found that by the Capshard Primary School in Kirkcaldy was struggling number of pupils travelling actively to and from the if it’s fun and for a good cause. So when we ran time the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge with increasing congestion at its school gates. school had significantly increased since the new the 2018 Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge, is completed, people start to form positive travel route was built. Only 1% of pupils were now driven This had caused a growing concern amongst we weren’t surprised that nearly 4,000 employees habits. each day. staff and parents about the effects on pupils. The from over 300 Scottish organisations signed-up. Not only do many continue to leave the school was looking for ways to address issues The improvements have also inspired the primary The Challenge is all about getting people to car at home for shorter, unnecessary journeys, with congestion, improve pupil and staff health and to take part in more walking and cycling initiatives. re-think the way they travel, whilst encouraging but participants carry on commuting to work by wellbeing, and improve road safety whilst reducing The school took part in The Big Pedal 2017 - more sustainable travel choices and reducing foot, bike or even running. Past competitors have harmful emissions at the school gates. Sustrans’ UK wide cycling and walking competition the number of car journeys they take. Whichever often gone on to champion active and sustainable for schools - and logged 1,238 journeys by bike or As part of a whole school community approach individual or workplace clocks the most walking, travel in their workspace, promoting it to their scooter during the two week challenge. to addressing these issues, the school applied in cycling, public transport and car-sharing journeys friends and colleagues. partnership with Fife Council for our Safer Routes Ashley Hunter, Depute Head Teacher at is crowned the winner. The Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge won the to School Fund, which is funded by the Scottish Capshard Primary School: Things got competitive in March when participants Best Practice in Travel to School and Work Scheme Government. They received £25,000 which they started logging their journeys. This year’s teams prize at the 2018 Scottish Transport Awards. used to build a path for active travel that linked the “We have an ambitious school travel logged over 55,000 journeys, saving workplaces school to a new housing estate in the area. Joy M, West College Scotland competitor: plan and have enjoyed participating across Scotland nearly £70,000 and preventing Through our School Cycle and Scooter Parking in a range of activities such as Walk close to 60,000 kg in damaging CO2 emissions “It’s been fun taking part in the Grant, funding was also provided to help increase being released into the environment. Once a Week and The Big Pedal, as challenge. I’ve enjoyed logging my the numbers of bike parking spaces at the school, well as accessing funding for cycle The challenge even inspired teams to become journeys and it has inspired me to Colin Hattersley Photo: with the creation of 40 more cycle parking spaces creative in the way they travelled. Alongside to meet the growing demand from pupils. parking and local infrastructure. It’s cycling, walking and car sharing, competitors keep walking more.” created a real buzz in the school and Our support has had a huge impact on the school e-cycled and even kayaked to their places of work! and the local area, and the improvements have we have seen a significant increase made it easier and safer for pupils to cycle and in active travel and a reduction in scooter to school each day. congestion at the school gates.” A travel survey, carried out by the school one year

Photo: Colin Hattersley Photo: after the work had completed, revealed that the

13 Transforming the school run and commute - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 14 The National Cycle Case study: Network Bringing life to traffic-free greenways of the National Cycle Network

Case study: Across Scotland, our Greener Greenways A local expert taught the participants new skills Increasing cycle tourism along the Caledonia Way programme works with local communities to protect such as tree planting and pruning, and provided biodiversity and encourage wildlife to flourish on insight into the biodiversity benefits associated Across Europe, cycle tourism is booming and we The guide now forms the basis of our Business traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network. with orchards. want Scotland to lead the charge. Routes, such Engagement Programme and has been accessed With support from Scottish Natural Heritage, Not only has the project created a new learning as the Lake Constance Cycle Path and the Rhone by more than 2,300 businesses across Scotland. Greener Greenways provides volunteers resource for our volunteers and local schools along Valley Cycle Path, are being developed across the To raise awareness and further encourage locals and members of the public with the skills and with new sources of fruit for route users and local continent that attract large visitor numbers and yield to use the Caledonia Way we created a short film, experience to manage wildlife habitats and residents, but the orchards will provide new habitat big economic benefits. following adventure cyclist Lee Craigie as she enhance biodiversity in local areas, encouraging for pollinating insects and local wildlife. We want to put Scotland on the world map for cycled a section of the iconic route. The film has greater use of the National Cycle Network. As well as providing a safe, attractive and cycle tourism. That’s why we’re working with local been hugely successful, featuring at both UK and Additionally, through its Citizen Science programme convenient cycle path for users, our work has businesses and community groups along National international film festivals and has been viewed it has also trained people to identify and record brought together local residents and helped to Cycle Network routes such as the Caledonia Way more than 100,000 times online. wildlife and plants on National Cycle Network routes enhance biodiversity and create a diverse habitat (National Cycle Network route 78) to make them By working with local businesses and community across the country, to feed into national biological for wildlife that call the National Cycle Network world famous for cycle tourists. groups to improve cycle tourism along the records databases. home. Our research has shown that recreational cycling Caledonia Way, the route is becoming as Over the past few years the team has been John Hancox, Director of Scottish Fruit Trees: on a 40-mile section of the Caledonia Way between well-known as popular walking routes such as the working along National Cycle Network route 7 Oban and Fort William contributed £361,000 to West Highland Way and Pennine Way – helping to between Paisley and Kilbirnie in Renfrewshire and “Planting the orchard will create fruit the local economy in 2014. We know that if we place Scotland on the global cycle tourism map. North Ayrshire to test a new approach to habitat can make it easier for people to enjoy routes like trees which will blossom and fruit for Lee Craigie, adventure cyclist: management. The team placed a greater focus on the Caledonia Way, we will not only help Scotland years to come, and bring enjoyment to attracting a wider range of wildlife to the area, whilst fulfil its potential as a world-renowned, leisure “I’m reminded daily of the positive, also ensuring the path was safe and accessible for many people, for many years to come. cycling destination, but make a real impact on local people to use. economies along the route. emotion-regulating effects that cycling It’s hard to think of a more satisfying can have on the mind. It’s so easy to With the help of our volunteers, local residents To help local businesses attract cycling visitors, we day’s work for both staff and volunteers, and nursery school pupils, we have transformed worked closely with the Scottish Enterprise and a forget that the simple act of riding a two previously undeveloped areas into mixed fruit and I think that was reflected in how range of stakeholders to create the Leisure Cycling bike in the fresh air can make you feel orchards of apple, pear and plum trees. much people enjoyed the day.” Tourism Guide. The free ‘toolkit’ offers practical better about almost anything – at least advice and best practise case studies, providing an accessible introduction to leisure cycling and how temporarily – and that’s something I they could get involved. want for everyone.”

6,136 1,559 862 Volunteer hours spent on Bags of litter collected by Number of National Cycle the National Cycle Network volunteers in Scotland Network wildlife records in Scotland in 2017 in 2017 created in Scotland in 2017

15 The National Cycle Network - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 16 Case study: Case study: Empowering community creativity with ArtRoots Loch Earn Railway Path, Perth and Kinross

Attractive and engaging public art such as MacLean, drew the whole community to the village Over the past year we been working hard to deliver The Loch Earn Railway Path will also connect to sculptures and murals can help bring communities centre, along with local councillors and members a large part of the multi-phase development of National Cycle Network route 7, a 250 mile route together and breathe new life into overlooked and of Sustrans and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs the Loch Earn Railway Path (LERP) in Perth and connecting Dumfries and Galloway with Inverness. forgotten spaces. National Park. Kinross. Sitting on the disused Caledonian Railway, It will help to unlock the economic benefits of long the line links the villages of Comrie, St Fillans and distance cycling and cycle tourism more generally Our ArtRoots fund is funded by the Scottish Carrbridge is just one example of the 16 Lochearnhead and forms part of our long-term goal for the local communities. Government and helps communities across successful art projects funded by ArtRoots in of creating a link to Perth via Comrie and Crieff. Scotland create artistic improvements to enhance the past 16 months including seven sculptures, The new 3.6km link will also form part of the their local National Cycle Network routes, to eleven benches, three interpretation panels, three Our support for the project has brought together Scotland Pilgrims Way on the National Walking and encourage more people to travel by foot and by bike landscaped gardens and two murals. local communities and provided both residents and Cycling Network, providing walkers and cyclists in their area. visitors to the area with an alternative active travel with unrivalled views over Loch Tay and takes in a These striking and individual artworks help path to the busy nearby A85 trunk road. number of fantastic waterfalls on its way. One such community-led project marked the 300th to create a sense of ownership for sections of anniversary of Carrbridge’s old packhorse bridge, the National Cycle Network and contribute to a In partnership with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs We’re proud that we’re opening up Scotland to long the oldest surviving stone bridge in the Highlands. welcoming and attractive environment for residents National Park and the St Fillans Community Trust, distance cycling, with all the benefits that brings to We awarded the Carrbridge Tourism and Business and visitors to an area. They can also help to and thanks to £240,000 Scottish Government local economies. Association with ArtRoots funding to help them create a strong identity for a local community and funding through our Network Development fund, we create a stunning two meter high sculpture that mark significant historical events or capture local provided support to help create a safe, traffic-free merged the anniversary of the bridge with the landmarks, encouraging even more people to visit walking and cycling route for local residents and

area’s annual chainsaw carving competition. the area by foot and bike. Linton John Photo: visitors.

The group received dozens of design entries, all Kim Proven, Loch Earn Tourism initiative created for free by local artists. The winning design (LETi): re-imagined the bridge as seating, with intricate carvings depicting the local village and wildlife. “The ArtRoots Fund is a fantastic idea.

It was truly a labour of love by the community, for It helps to get the community behind the community, and saw two local chainsaw carvers the art, aware of it and to take some work tirelessly over two months to create the pride in looking after it. Our locals inspiring and unique artwork. helped to dig, build the dyke and The unveiling of the bench on National Cycle plant heathers. We even got Strathyre Network route 7, by local Olympic hero Craig Primary School involved.”

17 The National Cycle Network - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 18 Evidencing our work Supporting Scotland’s vision for an active nation

Research is key to building the case for active travel benefits of everyday walking and cycling, and outline The year ahead promises to be incredibly exciting Our Community Links PLUS design competition and shaping policy that will lead to a healthier, the challenges faced by those who walk and cycle in for delivering high quality cycling and walking encourages the creation of bold, innovative projects happier Scotland. Scotland. infrastructure in Scotland. which aim to restore the balance of Scotland’s Through our Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU), streets in favour of people walking and cycling. Bike Life Edinburgh In light of the Scottish Government doubling the we evidence the quality of our work. We also seek to examine the challenges facing people travelling In November 2017, we published our second Bike Life budget for active travel, we have never had a better on foot or by bike, research the underlying issues, Edinburgh report. Still the biggest survey on attitudes opportunity to raise the standards and ambition of Transform the school and work with our policy and communications team to cycling in the UK, Bike Life is a collaboration walking and cycling in Scotland. This increase in to publicise our findings in a way that makes a with seven local authorities to report and share funding is an opportunity to demonstrate what we run and commute constructive contribution to policy. progress towards making cycling and attractive can do for our communities when we design places everyday means of travel. It’s an important part of our and spaces that work for people, not just vehicles. From our curriculum based I Bike programme to In 2017/18, Sustrans Scotland had considerable evidence-based approach. resources, travel plans and funding, we support success, publicising key research findings from our How do we help? schools to make it easier for pupils to walk, cycle or research programmes, pushing key issues further Inspired by the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, Bike scoot to school. By working together with partners, we help fund and up the policy agenda. Some examples of research Life is an assessment of city cycling development deliver solutions that transform Scotland for the better. include: including infrastructure, travel behaviour, attitudes, We also closely work with workplaces, universities the impact of cycling and reviews new initiatives. and colleges to promote active travel and enable Cycling Collision Hotspots Our experienced, professional and committed team Bike Life is designed to encourage the long-term provide support, services and funding to help make more people to travel by foot or bike for everyday Safety is often cited as the main reason why people development of cycling and “more liveable” UK cities Scotland an active nation. From delivering Scottish journeys. don’t walk or cycle for more journeys. Our Cycling by encouraging the long-term planning of provision for Government funding, along with our expert guidance, Collision Hotspots research highlighted the need for people on bikes and the benefits this brings to cities. support and best practice to partners through our The National having high quality infrastructure in place at junctions. Community Links, Community Links PLUS, National In 2017 Transport Scotland committed funding to It found that, out of the top 20 ranked locations for Cycle Network, Street Design, School Cycle and Cycle Network offer Bike Life to all Scottish cities. Since then Perth, cycle collisions in Scotland, 19 of them involved a Scooter Parking Grant and Safer Routes to Schools Glasgow and Stirling have all committed and are well There are more than 2,000 miles of National junction or are located within 20 meters of one. funds, to delivering behaviour changes in schools, underway with the initial stages of the project. They Cycle Network in Scotland and the routes are workplaces and communities we make it easier and Transport Poverty in Scotland are aiming to report the initial findings in autumn a key attraction to tourists and vital to local safer for people to walk and cycle. 2018. Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness will be economic growth. More than 1 million Scots live in areas of high risk of invited to take part again this year with the aim of We: transport poverty. This is when a lack of affordable reporting in 2019. In Scotland, the network is promoted and transport options make it difficult to access vital developed by us, in partnership with other bodies. services such as the GP, shops, schools or traps people into running an unaffordable car. 15.3m trips made by bike in Create liveable Edinburgh in the past year When we analysed the high risk areas of transport neighbourhoods Moving poverty, we found that 61% were places where vital Our Street Design team collaborate with forward services could be reached within a 10-minute bike Saving the NHS £739,000 annually, communities and local authorities to redesign ride. More needs to be done to make cycling a safe Our recent ‘Transport Poverty in Scotland’ report equivalent to the average salary of their streets and help them create liveable spaces and accessible choice for everyone. 31 nurses highlighted that more than one million people in outside their front doors. this country are at risk of transport poverty – where Gender and cycling a lack of affordable and accessible transport is a Bicycles take up to 11,762 cars off Our Active Travel Hubs in Ayr and Kilmarnock barrier to accessing essential services and work. Our active travel and gender report “Are we nearly Edinburgh’s roads each day, equal engage with residents and visitors to make it easier there yet?” showed that there are a number of to walk and cycle for short, daily trips. We can’t take our eye off the ball, and we must women-specific barriers such as lack of time, to a 35-mile tailback focus on delivering high quality projects that will complex schedules and fears of personal safety, lead to Scotland becoming an Active Nation. which stop them from travelling actively more often. £24m total annual benefit to Connect People The report also found that there is a lack of evidence £ Edinburgh from people riding and Places And, working together with partners and the to show how women participate in creating transport bikes for transport and leisure Scottish Government, we will continue to deliver policy and planning in the UK. We help people of all ages and abilities make more ambitious, high quality projects to time and budget These examples, along with the rest of our research, journeys by foot or bike. Through our Community Links which will achieve greater impact by combining are available to support ongoing discussions on the programme, we fund the design and construction of infrastructure improvements with community walking and cycling infrastructure improvements. engagement and behavior change, whilst providing excellent value for money.

19 Evidencing our work - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 20 Financial Information A big thank you from all of us

We’re pleased to have worked with a huge number of people and partners again in 2017/18. Together, we Sustrans Scotland made £20.6m available to to 2021. This will enable Sustrans to increase the are making it easier for people to walk and cycle. We’re connecting people and places, creating liveable partners during the 2017-18 financial year to invest funding allocated to partners to around £42m. It will neighbourhoods and transforming the school run and commute. in active travel infrastructure. In addition, we also enable investment in upgrading the National delivered £2.1m of behaviour change projects Cycle Network to increase to £6.9m with a focus on Aberdeen City Council Loch Earn Tourism Information across Scotland (such as our I Bike project in completing the two key missing links on the iconic Aberdeenshire Council Lomond And Trossachs National Park schools) and invested £3.1m in improving and Caledonia Way (National Cycle Network route 78). promoting the National Cycle Network. Angus Council Mark Beaumont Match-funding from partners is expected to bring the Argyll & Bute Council Markus Stitz The Scottish Government’s 2017-18 Programme for total investment in active travel infrastructure in 2018- Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative Midlothian Council Government doubled the funding being invested by 19 to around £87m, a record level. We intend to build Ayrshire Roads Alliance Moray Council central government in Active Travel from 2018-19 on this figure in subsequent years. Borgue Community Council Muthill Village Trust Cairngorms National Park Authority NHS Dumfries and Galloway Council Capshard Primary School NHS Highland Sustrans Scotland Funding Causey Development Trust NHS Meridan Court Key Central Scotland Green Network Trust National Libraries Scotland 2017-2018 (%) Changeworks Nestrans City of Edinburgh Council North Ayrshire Council Transport Scotland 1.7 Clackmannanshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Orkney Islands Council Other Funders Cycling Scotland Paths for All Cycling UK Penicuik Cycling Group Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland Perth and Kinross Council DG1 Neighbours Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust Dumfries and Galloway Council Pittenweem Community Trust Dunblane Development Trust Renfrewshire Council Dundee City Council RJ Mcleod £ East Ayrshire Council Royal Bank of Scotland East Dunbartonshire Council RSPB Scotland East Haven Together Rural Dimensions East Lothian Council Scotland’s Rural College 98.3 East Renfrewshire Council Scotstoun Community Council Edinburgh Leisure Scott Avenue Community Garden Edinburgh Napier University Scottish Borders Council Edinburgh University Scottish Canals Key Sustrans Scotland Grant Funding Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust Scottish Natural Heritage Allocation from Transport Scotland Falkirk Council SEStran Workplaces 2017-2018 (%) Fife Council Shetland Islands Council Forward Coupar Angus South Ayrshire Council Forth Environment Link South Lanarkshire Council Education and Young People 0.77 1.21 Forestry Commission Scotland St Vincent’s Hospice 2.60 Friends Of Dock Park Stirling Council Smarter Choices Garden And Ecological Trail Sandwick Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 5.12 Glasgow City Council Sustainable Cupar I Bike Glasgow High School Tactran 15.70 Herriot Watt University TRACKS Highland Cycle Campaign The Adventure Syndicate National Cycle Network Development Highlands and Islands Enterprise The Highland Council 1.02 £ Hillhead Housing Association The Mull & Iona Community Trust Street Design 3.64 Hitrans The Scottish Government Jacobs Transport Scotland Community Links PLUS Lairg And District Community Initiatives University Of Glasgow Lambhill Stables Visit Scotland 69.94 Lennoxtown Project Group Visit Inverness Loch Ness Community Links Leuchars Community Council West Dunbartonshire Council Living Streets West Lothian Council

21 Financial information - Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 Sustrans Scotland Review 2018 - www.sustrans.org.uk 22 Get in touch

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. If you’d like to know more about our work, we’d love to hear from you.

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