Cycling Infrastructure

Improve cycling infrastructure, people would then feel safer cycling and therefore more likely to cycle than drive as they strive to avoid public transport due to perceived risks of Covid 19 spread. Tax incentives for those who cycle to work.

Why the contribution is important

Encourages people to get back to work.

Risk of carbon emissions rocketing as people return to work and try to avoid public transport so drive instead.

Health benefits of cycling =benefits the NHS in the longer term.

Reduces traffic and polution.

by jenj on May 06, 2020 at 06:58PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 45 votes

Comments

  • Posted by theresasheldon May 06, 2020 at 19:34

    Less traffic more cycle paths would lead to healthier society and safe for all ages to enjoy biking. Reduce traffic and restrict many road to cycle only

  • Posted by CyclingNurse May 06, 2020 at 19:36

    We need more space to cycle in. I have been commuting on the National Cycle Route 7 for the last 5 years, rains, snow and shine. During the last few weeks the number of people using the route to cycle and walk on has massively increased. This is fantastic but I am concerned that there is not enough space to keep a safe distance.

    Please encourage people to continue cycling by creating more cycle routes so the distancing is possible

  • Posted by Jules101 May 06, 2020 at 19:39

    Excellent suggestions, and real justification on shorter term and long term benefits.

  • Posted by davymeikle May 06, 2020 at 19:40

    I am a pedestrian and don't need any more inconsiderate cyclists weaving in and out of people out taking their daily exercise and putting elderly people at risk of an accident.

  • Posted by tacituskillgoree May 06, 2020 at 19:47

    ban cyclists. let that be the one positive from this crisis.

  • Posted by TINET May 06, 2020 at 19:48

    I am cycling in Edinburgh since 2006 when was rare to see cyclists then slowly came more and more. Sadly, Edinburgh is a very unsafe city for cyclist and of course in all Scotland. This have to change, also most roads are in really bad conditions.

  • Posted by Juliet96 May 06, 2020 at 20:05

    Edinburgh roads are horrific. So many potholes within cycle lanes and uneven and patchy roads, im often scared cycling at times. During the lockdown, while less cars are on the road, cycle paths should definitely be upgraded. If we were to look to the style of cycle paths that are in Amsterdam, people would feel a lot safer and have a much more enjoyable ride. However, this would not be possible in all places, so upgrading the current cycles would be a great start. This would also help push people to be a lot more environmental which is needed with the state of the current climate.

  • Posted by lmg1612 May 06, 2020 at 20:35

    Cyclists need their own lanes on roads or separate paths. I support cycling but they need their own space.

  • Posted by timk May 06, 2020 at 22:33

    Totally agree - we need to reduce public transport use and cycling is the right way to do this

  • Posted by Abdnshiremum May 07, 2020 at 07:55

    Supporting cycling will help encourage social distancing especially as we go back to work etc. Let’s get the roads safer for cyclists (and keep pavements for pedestrians).

  • Posted by globalgreaves May 07, 2020 at 08:09

    There needs to be more positive education around cycling as can be seen from the comments that some people leave on forums like this. Better cycling infrastructure would benefit all sectors of society and would go some way towards reducing the perceived points of conflict.

  • Posted by JayEvans May 08, 2020 at 15:57

    Better cycling routes - without the potholes - would lead to less pollution; increases physical health & improved mental health. It would be great to have proper cycleways that don’t encroach on pedestrians but also doesn’t mean we have to share a lane with buses!

  • Posted by makesnodifference May 10, 2020 at 18:31

    Listen.
    People have been asking for safer conditions for cycling for years but progress has been painfully slow.
    Give more road space for segregated cycling and walking.
    Do something to reduce the 'cyclist-hating' that seems to be so endemic in Scotland.
    Do more to reduce dangerous/careless driving.
    Make it safer for those who walk and cycle.

  • Posted by eildontreerymer May 11, 2020 at 09:22

    There has been news - or possibly only UK Government rumours - of lots of money from the taxpayer to encourage cycling as a way of getting people to work without using public transport. If true, The Scottish Government should really be pushing for local authorities to spend the money on good Dutch-style cycling infrastructure linking homes to schools, workplaces, beauty spots, leisure facitlities, hospitality hotspots and hospitals etc.

  • Posted by JohnED May 11, 2020 at 17:14

    Utrecht has shown what can be done very quickly. However the current Traffic Regulation Order makes the process of consulting on cycling infrastructure extremely costly and laborious for local authorities. The £10 million emergency funding provided is welcomed, as well as the additional money pledge each year. However the money provided by the Scottish Government on Cycling infrastructure is less than it cost to build 1 mile of the M74 extension.

    Real investment is required to build a joined up safe segregated network in our towns and cities. Our climate is similar to that of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Utrecht. It is not the weather or lack of hills that encourages people to cycle in these countries, but the quality of cycling infrastructure available to them.

    With almost 50% of households in Scotland not having access to a motor vehicle is is our moral duty to enable them to get around safely. As not everyone can cycle, public transport must be available to them to safely travel on. To enable this more people need to walk and cycle. Cycling infrastructure projects might not be as "sexy" as large road infrastructure projects however they offer a far better return on investment to the nation: from health benefits; reduced pollution; as well as creating more livable towns and cities.
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