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.”
I'd rather rely on the Met Office, I've not been impressed with BBC weather info since parting company with them. Forecast for St George's:...
Yeah right
Good. There was no way he was going to top the incredible emotion of this year and it's the right time to go rather than hanging around to exhibit...
This is my clip and I'm appreciative of the overwelming positive comments. It's always a judgement call on whether to pull in or not, but as many...
Shame. Thought it said "Don Johnson" socks. Was hoping for a nice shade of pastel green or pink.
What a stupid response. Every frame is a sample size of one. Anyway, best of luck with buying an Orro now.
What I am struggling to understand is how the northbound side of this tunnel is worse than the Blackwall Tunnel? At least with the Blackwall Tunnel...
While we're talking about barriers I think it would be good if powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters could use the cycle network. Not sure were...
The 2 year Warranty is the time period during which manufacturing defects are expected to show up, not the expected useful life of the product....
Not in the sense used here they are not*, or at least not in either edition I own of the Oxford English Dictionary. Be interested to hear which...