Wheels on our bikes are going round and round as Scots push off out of lockdown
A dramatic increase in Scots pedalling to escape lockdown blues has inspired a cycling boom across Scotland.
And, as emergency cycle paths open up city streets, bicycle enthusiasts hope the country could become a post- pandemic cycling utopia.
Cycling Scotland’s roadside counters reveal bike journeys have leapt by more than 200% in some areas since social distancing began in March.
Cycling, in general, is up 40% across Scotland since last year, as more of us embrace the freedom and health benefits cycling offers during the Covid-19 restrictions.
The biggest year-onyear increases were 215% in Dunfermline, 121% in Dundee and 94% in Livingston.
Transport Scotland reported bike journeys had risen 75% since lockdown began, and jumped a further 50% since people were encouraged to exercise outdoors indefinitely on May 11.
“With people making fewer journeys, the roads are quieter and more welcoming, which has encouraged more people to have the confidence to cycle,” said Natalie Cozzolino, Cycling Scotland’ s monitoring and development officer.
The easing of lockdown restrictions has led to increased calls for people to travel to work by bike where possible.
And recent investment in our cycling infrastructure could see Scotland become a leading cycling- friendly nation like the Netherlands if the changes become permanent.
The Scottish Government has announced a £10 million package to help authorities temporarily widen pavements and cycle paths through the Spaces for People scheme, supported by Transport Scotland and cycling charity Sustrans Scotland.
The investment has helped Glasgow and Edinburgh City councils to recently install temporary cycle lanes.
“Beyond the transport, environmental and health benefits, people are rediscovering the joy and delight in cycling and we want that to continue,” said Daisy Narayanan, director of urbanism for Sustrans Scotland.