Projects across the country get cash to help Scots ditch the car
A massive cash boost of £15 million is to go to 44 organisations to promote walking and cycling in Scotland.
Housing associations, National Parks and Community Trusts are set to be awarded grants, from the Sustrans Scotland administered Community Links programme.
And, as all projects are required to be match funded against the allocation from Sustrans – a further £15 million will also be invested into active travel projects through the programme.
The applications include bold initiatives to overcome significant barriers to pedestrians and cyclists, such as dangerous junctions and busy roads.
Once completed, they will make it easier for people to walk and cycle for more of their everyday journeys.
Daisy Narayanan, deputy director at Sustrans Scotland said: “The high quality of the applications to our Community Links programme, demonstrates the continued commitment from current and new partners to creating safe and accessible walking and cycling routes across the country.
“We have worked hard to carefully select those of the highest quality to fund and we look forward to working with all our partners to ensure the successful delivery of their projects.”
Humza Yousaf MSP, minister for Transport, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to increasing active travel rates.
Since 2010, more than £100m has been invested in the Community Links programme providing grant funding for over 700 cycling and walking projects.
“The applications demonstrate real innovation and enthusiasm to deliver improved and innovative environments for walking and cycling to take place in Scotland.”
One of the projects receiving Sustrans Scotland Community Links funding is a segregated cycle path which will connect Speirs Warf and the Forth and Clyde Glasgow National Cycle Network Route (Route 754) and the cycle routes at the east-end of Glasgow, through the Sighthill regeneration master plan.
We have worked hard to carefully select those of the highest quality to fund - Daisy Narayanan
The traffic-free path will improve the route from the future Mini Holland, Cowcaddens and the ‘Metal Petals’ underpass to Port Dundas ultimately to the east of the City Centre over the proposed new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the M8.
The project, which is being carried out in partnership with Glasgow City Council, forms part of the multimillion pound regeneration projects of Port Dundas by Glasgow City Council.
This will see up to 600 new homes and new commercial spaces and aims to encourage people to cycle for more of their everyday journeys.
