The proportion of children cycling to school in Scotland has increased to a new high of 3.8 per cent. However, while active travel as a whole remains the most frequently reported mode of travel to school at 48.7 per cent, this represents a 0.1 per cent decline on the previous year and the lowest proportion since the Hands Up Scotland survey began in 2008.
Funded by Transport Scotland, Hands Up is a joint survey between Sustrans and all 32 Scottish local authorities. Each September, schools complete the survey in class by asking their pupils ‘How do you normally travel to school?’
The Scotsman reports that in 2018 3.8 per cent of pupils cycled, up from 3.7 per cent the year before and 2.8 per cent in 2008.
Other than that, 42.5 per cent walked; 24.8 per cent were driven in a private car or taxi; 16.2 per cent travelled by bus; 9.8 per cent travelled by “park and stride”; and 2.4 per cent took a scooter or skated.
John Lauder, national director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “It’s encouraging to see that cycling and park and stride numbers continue to increase. Research has shown that increased physical activity can help children lead happier, healthier lives, while contributing to lowering pollution around their school gates.
“We need to continue to monitor the reduction in bus use, and seek to identify ways that active travel can be a viable alternative, rather than the private car.”
Commenting on the overall decline in active travel, a Transport Scotland spokesman said: "We note the publication and remain confident that the Scottish Government’s recent investment will lead to an increase in the number of children walking or cycling to school in the coming years.
“While overall numbers have remained relatively stable, there are positive signs, including the fact that cycling rates are now at the highest level. We continue to fund local authorities directly through the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Grant, which this year is £8.9m.”
Absolutely they could have. Tarmac is a petroleum-based product and its surface can be very oily when it's newly laid. This is particularly the...
I'm glad the article went into more detail and cleared things up, the headline had me worried that some autonomous building had run rampant and...
Still here, just showing a few signs of wear and tear. Hopefully still serviceable for some years to come.
Has he fully recovered though, and will he ever?...
How can you know that you are "equally fearful" as "any female cyclist"? There is no possible way of quantifying such emotions and female cyclists...
I think it would be fairer to blame the moon - as in "my client is a loony".
Nice idea but Gloucestershire Constabulary are not interested as exemplified by this prvious NMOTD. Not only was there NFA for the close pass in...
Peace Was Never An Option
I think black boxes are great for early detection of cognitive decline and/or sight problems. Someone's driving is going to become much less smooth...
It's a fashion. https://guildford-dragon.com/shalford-driver-who-smashed-shalford-war-me...