A further £20m has been made available to boost cycling and walking opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic

Funding to boost walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed.

The Scottish Government have announced a further £20 million in funding for the Spaces for People fund to make it easier and safer for people who walk, cycle and wheel for essential travel and exercise during Covid-19.

The additional funding means there is now a total of £30 million of Spaces for People funding available to support local authorities and statutory bodies to provide safe walking and cycling infrastructure as the country transitions out of lockdown.

Sustrans deputy chief executive John Lauder, who is based in Edinburgh, said: “We are encouraged to see walking, cycling and wheeling being central to the government’s plan to enable people to travel safely during Covid-19.

“We have been delighted with the response to our Spaces for People fund so far.

"Over the past three weeks we have researched and launched the programme and had 26 local authorities register their interest. In the last week we have awarded funding to 9 partners, totalling £12 million - a really speedy response to a new funding stream.

"Local authorities are to be commended for their speed of reaction in taking up the opportunity for new funding.

“This additional funding will allow all local authorities and statutory bodies who want to apply and secure funding to help provide a positive and lasting change in our walking, cycling and wheeling habits as we transition out of lockdown.

"And we encourage the public to contact their local authority where they can see the need for wider pavements and safer roads and streets for cycling and wheeling.”