Scottish minister concludes if safe space is provided, people use it
Research by cycling charity Sustrans has revealed the benefits of the temporary changes to Scotland’s walking and cycling infrastructure, introduced during the 2020 Covid lockdown.
Specifically Sustrans has assessed the impact of the Spaces for People programme, launched in May 2020, which provided emergency funding to create spaces for people to physically distance during the pandemic and to improve road safety for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Sustrans Scotland administered the programme on behalf of Transport Scotland.
An initial evaluation of the measures put in place reveals:
a 25% increase in pedestrian use where Spaces for People measures, such as pavement widening, were introduced, compared with control sites
50% of local people support the 20mph limits introduced in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, Stirling and Angus, whilst a further 27% feel neutrally about them.
48% of survey respondents in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, Stirling and Angus reported an increase in the time they spend walking for leisure and exercise.
94% of survey respondents in Aberdeen City agreed that the Spaces for People measures have made it easier to walk or cycle.
2 million people live within ten minutes’ walk of Spaces for People measures
178 interventions were installed within the first two months of the programme and 316 were installed by the end of the first six months
The majority of measures were introduced for a period of up to 18 months, with the option for them to become permanent following consultation with local communities and the processing of a traffic regulation order.
While some Spaces for People measures were removed as lockdowns eased and road traffic increased, more than 50% of projects are expected to go through a public consultation process to gauge support for permanent measures.
Scotland’s Active Travel Minister Patrick Harvie said, “When the pandemic struck it changed overnight how we thought about travel. Both in how far we could go and how we travel. The speed and breadth of change that was delivered by many councils, Sustrans and other delivery partners to create safe spaces in our towns and cities, was so important in meeting that new demand.
“I’m pleased at the positive findings coming out from Sustrans' initial report. It shows that if safe space is provided, people want to use it.”
Karen McGregor, Director of Capital Programmes for Sustrans Scotland, added, "We are pleased to see that measures created by councils and health boards across Scotland helped to encourage people to make use of their space, complete their local journeys and socialise safely.”
A final report is to be published in the summer.