New transport statistics for Scotland reveal jump in cycling

By Victoria Heywood
Thursday, 01 March 2018
Cycling UK is heralding the start of a cycling revolution, as national statistics released today by Transport Scotland that show pedal cycle traffic increased by 3% in 2016 to 352 million vehicle kilometres. Over the past five years, air, rail and ferry passengers, car traffic and cycle traffic have all increased, but bus use has seen a decrease.

Cycling UK believes this trend for cycling in Scotland will continue, as more people recognise it as a convenient, low-cost everyday transport. There will also be a likely boost from the Scottish Government’s recent financial commitment to increase cycling and walking; in September 2017, the government announced it was going to double the annual level of funding for ‘active travel’ to £80m. This works out as £13.50 per head, compared to £6.50 per head in England, and between £3 and £5 per head in Wales.

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s Head of Development for Scotland says of today’s new statistics: “We hope that this increase is just the start of a cycling revolution in Scotland; it’s a result of many years of work from campaigners, cycling organisations and Transport Scotland to make cycling a safe and attractive mode of transport for everyday journeys.

“Cycling UK looks forward to working with partners, as well as communities across Scotland to support more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling.”

Notes to editors

1. Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org

2. Figures were published in the publication Scottish Transport Statistics. This publication provides a comprehensive statistical picture of transport activity in Scotland, bringing together statistics that have been published throughout the last year by organisations including Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport. See the report in full here: https://transportscotland-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/524-million-public-t…

3. All editions of Scottish Transport Statistics can be found here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/statistics/#42763

4. Cycling UK’s release on the Scottish Government’s ‘active travel’ funding announcement can be found here: https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release/2017-09-05/scotland-doubles-ann…-£80m

Press contact information

For more information contact the national Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315, 07786 320 713 or email publicity@cyclinguk.org

Scotland

Popular content

Further reading