In our major cities, this figure rises to 46% of households in Glasgow and Dundee, and 41% in Edinburgh.
So what can we do to give everyone in Scotland fairer choices in how they get around? And how are we supporting communities in moving towards lower carbon, healthier and happier journeys?
Convenient access to transport hubs plays a key role in how people choose to make everyday journeys. Credit: Sustrans (2023).
Increasing and improving the opportunities to walk, wheel and cycle for short, everyday journeys has a huge role to play.
But good, reliable public transport is vital for longer journeys to work, education, everyday amenities, and friends.
And most of these longer journeys already start and end with a walk, wheel or cycle to a stop or station.
With Scotland aiming to reduce car kilometres travelled by 20 per cent by 2030, we take a look at some of the ways we’re better connecting walking, wheeling and cycling with public transport across Scotland and making it easier to leave the car at home.
Stirling train station transformation
The regeneration of Stirling train station is a primary example of how access to train stations can be dramatically improved for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
More than 200 bike spaces a now available at Stirling station, including for cargo bikes and adapted cycles. Credit: Sustrans (2023).
With funding provided through Places for Everyone and working closely with ScotRail, the ambitious £5m Stirling Station Gateway project delivered a complete re-design of the station forecourt.
Completed in June 2023, major changes include widened footways, comfortable seating areas, landscaping works, as well as improved signage and wayfinding points.
Another key feature is the increased provision of secure covered cycle storage, offering more than 140 additional cycle parking spaces and increasing the total number of cycle spaces at the station to more than 200.
A large portion of the space required for these improvements was been created via changes to the carriageway and the reallocation of the taxi rank to an adjacent street.
Importantly, access for blue badge holders has been entirely retained at the station, with additional spaces even being provided.
Perhaps one of the biggest successes of the project, however, is how well it interconnects with the wider Walk Cycle Live Stirling project via segregated cycleways along Gooscroft Road.
Taken together, all this has helped transform the area from an unappealing vehicle-dominated environment to one which creates space for safer, and more accessible active travel options.
Bike spaces on Borders buses
Bike storage on the X62 service, serving the Tweed Valley and Scottish Borders.
The work which Sustrans delivered with Borders Buses highlights how public transport can assist cyclists in making longer journeys without having to leave the bike behind.
With the novel creation of bike storage spaces on board, the X62 service, which serves Tweed Valley and the Scottish Borders, was able to become a fully bike-friendly route.
This involved retrofitting bike storage onto buses so that every bus operating on the X62 route would have space for a minimum of two bikes.
It also involved a change in livery, marketing and promotional materials with the aim to increase the catchment area of the bus service.
The money Sustrans provided resulted in a fully bike-friendly bus service that runs from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders. By making buses bike-friendly, they become accessible to more people.
The most recent funding awards for Places for Everyone projects in the 2023-2024 financial year at Developed and Technical Design (Stages 3-4) and Construction (Stages 5-7) have now been announced.
Project applications in these stages were presented to the Decision Making Panel in May 2023, with awards for successful projects being made in July 2023.
Design – what has been awarded?
Details about successful projects progressing to the Developed and Technical Design stages can be found below.
Cadder Woods Connections: £49,470
The establishment of all-abilities, all year-round routes and connected greenspace through Cadder Woods in the north of Glasgow.
Glasgow City Council continue the work of community organisation, Wheatley Group, to deliver on the four themes of the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme: active travel, streets for people, everyday journeys, and local town centres. The addition of a protected cycleway, open and lit pedestrian routes, vehicle road closure at Christian Street alongside traffic-calming and controlled crossings, will create safer spaces for people to make everyday journeys via walking, wheeling and cycling. The project will also investigate additional access to the city network with eastern connections.
Cultins Road Cycleway: £32,928
Cultins Road path is a QuietRoute link NCN 754 and QuietRoute 8. This link connects the Union Canal and Edinburgh’s largest business district, Edinburgh Park and involves a series of design improvements, including shared use footways, crossings, footway widening, and integrating cycles with the Edinburgh Park Tram stop.
Powderhall phase 2 Former Waste Transfer Station – East West link: £10,153
This project seeks to create an East/West link as part of the Powderhall housing development, in order to promote active travel for pedestrians, cyclists and other wheelers. The link passes through the site and will connect to existing active travel infrastructure proposed for improvement and new proposed active travel routes.
Rebalancing Smokey Brae: £125,000
This project seeks to rebalance, reprioritise and deliver major improvements to the Smokey Bray area for the benefit of people. The design proposes the removal of the Marionville Roundabout which will be replaced with a T-junction and reallocate road space to prioritise active travel.
Through changes to street layouts as well as public art installations, Leith Connections aims to create a safer and more comfortable street environment for residents walking, wheeling, cycling in the area.
Construction – what has been awarded?
Details about successful projects progressing to the Construction stages can be found below.
Leith Connections Phase 1a: £3,683,000
Pedestrian improvements, segregated cycle track with protected junctions and improved public realm and placemaking along a west-east corridor through Leith. Phase 3 of the Leith Connections project.
Leven Active Travel Network: £1,734,797
Connecting People and Place is an ambitious multi partnership project that is developing multiple path networks in the Levenmouth area of Fife that will connect to a newly restored exemplar green corridor along the River Leven, unlocking multiple environmental, social and economic benefits.
Levenmouth Connectivity Project River Park Routes: £2,669,333
Connecting People and Place is an ambitious multi partnership project that is developing multiple path networks in the Levenmouth area of Fife that will connect to a newly restored exemplar green corridor along the River Leven, unlocking multiple environmental, social and economic benefits.
Western Villages: £984,900
Provision of cycle provision on sections of Marine Drive and West Shore Road in the former industrial area of Edinburgh called Granton Waterfront where there are currently no bus route services. The project blueprint will build with nature, providing the flexibility to meet the changing environment and communities in which it will serve.
What does this mean?
Backed by the Scottish Government, Places for Everyone aims to create safer, more attractive, healthier, and inclusive places by increasing and diversifying the number of trips made by walking, wheeling, and cycling for everyday journeys.
Developed and Technical Design builds on early proposals from Concept (Stages 1-2) to help establish project designs which are shaped by local communities and key stakeholders that are construction ready.
Places for Everyone provides 100% of the funding for all designs and other pre-construction activity.
Construction (Stages 5-7) completes the Places for Everyone process by physically delivering the infrastructure on the ground.
Places for Everyone provides 70% of the funding for construction.
More information on the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work stages, as described above, can be found here.
Decision Making Panels comprise of both senior members of the Sustrans infrastructure delivery teams as well as key external representatives.
More information on Decision Making Panels and the application process can be accessed here.
Please note that final financial awards are subject to change in year due to delivery constraints.
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director at Sustrans Scotland, Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie MSP, City Convener for Transport Cllr. Angus Millar, and representatives from community organisations attend the South City Way celebration event.
The South City Way has hit a major milestone by reaching Glasgow city centre.
To mark the occasion, the 2.5km route was officially opened by the Minister for Active Travel and members of the community on the 6 July 2023.
The fully-segregated, two-way cycle path has provided a high quality, direct and safe link between Glasgow’s southside and the city centre.
It’s making it easier than ever for more people in the area to leave the car at home and make healthier and happier everyday journeys.
The route is also expected to benefit trade through improved access to the area.
The project was made possible by over £3.5 million of funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone/Community Links PLUS programme.
Glasgow City Council used their own funding as a partial match, bringing the project total to around £7m.
Construction work started on the project in December 2017 and was completed up to the Clyde in June 2023.
What is the South City Way?
The new segregated route has created a vital and accessible active travel link for local communities.
The South City Way has connected key destinations such as hospitals and medical centres, parks, businesses, academic institutions and places of worship along the cycling corridor.
The project has also improved access to public transport in the area.
To make it safer and easier to walk and wheel, pavements have been resurfaced along large parts of the route, with new crossing points installed, existing crossings improved and traffic speeds slowed through the addition of raised tables on side roads.
These changes will make everyday walking, wheeling and cycling journeys safer, easier and more convenient for everyone.
This opens up the possibility of longer trips heading east from Glasgow to Uddingston, East Kilbride and Rutherglen, and west to Clydebank, Bowling, Dumbarton, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The South City Way has connected key destinations such as hospitals and medical centres, parks, businesses, academic institutions and places of worship along the cycling corridor. Credit: Sustrans/McAteer Photography
An innovative approach to active travel infrastructure
These were the first protected junctions trialled in Scotland.
Protected junctions are road junctions that separate people travelling on foot, by cycle, and in vehicles.
The trial was successful, with our Research and Monitoring Unit finding that between March 2019 and September 2021, the total cycle traffic through the junctions almost doubled.
More than 935,000 cycle journeys have now been recorded on Glasgow’s South City Way cycle route in the past two years.
A project with community at its heart
The South City Way is about much more than the new connection to the city centre.
Businesses, community organisations and individuals have been at the heart of the project from the outset.
The creation of a Community Projects Trail featuring murals, bike locking facilities, planters and much more was supported by the South City Way Small Grants Fund and led by local groups.
This has helped make the active travel corridor an attractive, inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
Representatives from the Hidden Gardens, Govanhill Baths Trust, Bike for Good, South Seeds and Crossroads Youth and Community Association joined the Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie MSP, and officials from Glasgow City Council and Sustrans Scotland to celebrate the South City Way launch event on 6 July.
Businesses, community organisations and individuals have been at the heart of the project from the outset. Credit: Sustrans/McAteer Photography
A cause for celebration
Speaking ahead of the event, Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie MSP, said:
“I’m pleased to welcome the completion of the South City Way to Glasgow City centre.
We will soon see over a million cycle journeys on this new active travel corridor, which is yet another example of segregated infrastructure making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
With the eyes of the world on Scotland for the first ever UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships, it’s schemes like this which demonstrate the shared intent of Government and Local Authorities to make cycling safer and more convenient as a means of everyday transport.
For our health, wellbeing and environment, our ambition to deliver more infrastructure like this, right across the country, has never been higher.
That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to spending at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024‑25.”
Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Active Travel
Councillor Angus Millar highlighted the newly released cycle journey figures as clear evidence of the demand for improved cycling infrastructure in Glasgow:
“It’s great to see the difference the South City Way is making to cycling in the southside area of Glasgow.
The cycle journey figures are remarkable and show without doubt that people want to get about Glasgow more sustainably when infrastructure is available for them to do so.
Now that the South City Way has reached the city centre, I am confident the number of people cycling on the route will continue to grow.
Concerns about safety are the number one barrier to cycling and our work to ensure safe, segregated routes in all areas of Glasgow will support more people to choose cycling for everyday journeys across the city.
We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, Sustrans and communities across Glasgow as we deliver our commitment to create a comprehensive City Network for active travel over the course of the decade.”
Cllr Angus Millar, Glasgow City Council
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director for Sustrans Scotland, added:
“The South City Way is about so much more than the new safe and direct connection to the city centre.
Working in partnership with Glasgow City Council through our Scottish Government-funded Places for Everyone programme, we are so proud of the fact that local communities have been at the heart of the project.
Businesses, community organisations and individuals have really embraced the opportunities for the southside.
The community-led projects supported by the Small Grants Fund have had such a powerful impact in making the South City Way corridor an attractive, inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
Putting communities at the heart of projects and investing in safe, high-quality infrastructure which makes it easier to leave the car at home and walk, wheel or cycling for everyday journeys is a winning combination.
Monitoring in 2019 and 2021, before and after the innovative protected junctions were installed, recorded a 100% increase in cycling journeys – and recent sensor figures show that the South City Way is supporting and encouraging more and more people to make healthier and happier journey choices.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to build on the success of the South City Way and make it easier for even more people to walk, wheel and cycle.”
A community-led design project to transform a busy area of Dundee into a more valuable and attractive space to travel through and spend time in is now complete.
The permanent pocket park on Craigie Street. Image: Sustrans Scotland
The Stobswell Forum community group has worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland, Dundee City Council and Scottish Water to design and install permanent enhancements on five routes off Albert Street.
The team effort means there is now better signage and wayfinding links to benefit those living, working and travelling through the district.
Area brought to life
Residents and visitors can now enjoy an incredible mural of artist and suffragette Ethel Moorhead by Alloa artist Michael Corr on Langlands Street.
Painted paving, a new bench made from climate-friendly materials and cycle parking have also been installed on the busy route.
Craigie Street has been transformed through the installation of a permanent pocket park which features rain gardens and new street furniture including a tree planter and a mural by the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research at the University of Dundee.
Rain gardens have also been installed on both Balmore Street and Arthurstone Terrace.
A mural of artist and suffragette Ethel Moorhead by Alloa artist Michael Corr has been installed on Langlands Street.
Increased accessibility
Accessibility for those using the informal crossings on these streets as well as Park Avenue has been improved by the installation of tactile surfaces.
Craigie Street has been resurfaced, with dropped kerbs installed to increase accessibility.
Accessibility for those using Balmore Street is improved by the installation of tactile surfaces.
Putting people at the heart of decisions on local spaces
Robin Burns, Project Lead, Co-Design, for Sustrans Scotland, said:
“We are very pleased to see work complete on this exciting project delivered in partnership with the local community, Stobswell Forum, Dundee City Council and Scottish Water.
“The changes brought about by the local community will enable residents and visitors to the area to travel actively while accessing key services and calm, green and vibrant spaces.
“Seeing these changes happen highlights the value of putting people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces.
“We hope Michael Corr’s mural of Ethel Moorhead will encourage more visitors to Stobswell and that the installations make it safer and easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle through this dynamic part of the city.”
Langlands Street has been upgraded with painted paving, a new bench made from climate-friendly materials and cycle parking.
Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said:
“We have always been keen to ensure that communities across the city are strong and make their own unique contribution to creating a greener city.
“Projects such as this one demonstrate that people in Stobswell feel empowered, safe and proud to live there.”
Stobswell Forum Chair, Colin Clement, said:
“The Stobswell Forum see positive physical change to the lived environment as one of the keys to delivering increased wellbeing across the neighbourhood and the Albert Street shopping centre is central to that.
“Local residents have proven that they want change and the Stobswell Forum working along with our partners are determined to deliver that change for the community.”
Project partners pictured at Craigie Street pocket park in Stobswell, Dundee.
Transport Scotland (TS) recently wrote to project partners regarding the current financial climate and expectations for reporting on those receiving funding via Places for Everyone.
As such, all partners are now required to provide monthly financial updates via the project portal for all projects, due by the end of the 3rd week of each month.
You will need to provide the following information:
A forecast of total project expenditure for the next 3 months
Actual spend-to-date for the current financial year for the whole project
A forecast of the grant claims to be submitted each quarter
Having a clear, detailed and accurate picture of project positions allows the PfE team to make quicker decisions on use of that budget in year, reallocating budget as appropriate (to allow further grant awards and/or change requests to be progressed) and giving assurance to TS that the full budgeted award will be spent within the year.
Support
To support you with this, the PfE team has produced guidance which is now available on the Sustrans Scotland.
You can also catch up on this short webinar recording. We heard from Nico Jensen, Project Accountant at Sustrans, who introduced the guidance, provided more information on the process and answered questions from partners.
Q: In order to have an accurate number against the forecasts, what do you suggest for Local Authorities who experience delays with spend?
Each organisation has their own internal financial processes and we understand the timings may not be ideal for everyone. As we are mostly asking for forecasts, we suggest you provide your best estimation given the information you have available at that time.
Q: What day of the month do we need to submit the forecasts and the actuals to meet your reporting deadlines?
Partners will receive a reminder each month (on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month) and the deadline for this will be the last day of the month, and this will be done one month in arrears.
So, for example, we are currently in July, and you would fill in the actual spend from April, May and June (Q1) and the forecasts for July, August and September (Q2), by the last day in July.
Q: While my forecast may have information for the three months, if we do not spend within the quarterly claim, does that have any impact and what are the consequences for any over or under spend?
We are working on extending the thresholds on the portal so that it picks up claims that were submitted maybe two weeks after the quarter ends. We’ll come back to you on once finalised.
Q: What is the impact or what is the monitoring process and the reason for the three month spend profile?
These are both monitoring tools and will be used to manage information and support our decision making. While we expect the three months spend to be aligned with the quarterly claims, they wouldn’t always be the same of course. And, the claims that you forecast won’t always match the actual claims that you submit.
The idea is for us to have an insight on when you think you’ll be submitting claims and a ballpark figure of what those claims are going to be, so that we know when we must make payments and when money is going to be out the door. If some projects are delayed or going to be claimed later in the year, that will allow us to fund other projects earlier in the year. There aren’t really any hard implications on this, it’s just a tool for us to have a better way to track project finances.
Q: Can we still complete quarter one spend, or is it blanked out at the moment?
At the moment, it is greyed out. It should include your claims that you submitted before the end of June. We are working with our development team so that it also includes any claims that were submitted a week or two after the June close, so that it aligns better with what your claims were.
Q: Is the forecast for the following month, or the project as a whole?
The spend forecast is three months in advance. For example, in July, you would forecast July, August and September. For the claims, we are asking for the whole year, but on a quarterly basis, not a monthly basis.
Q: Will the actual and projected spend include partnership funding as separate figures from Sustrans funding?
For spend, we ask you to submit anything that you are spending on the project, either from Sustrans or other funding you may have. We just need to have an indication of how the project is spending basically.
Q: When you say ‘Spend’, you mean invoices and internal costs that appear on ledgers etc. You’re not talking about level of effort, earned value type things. You’re just talking about actual invoices received – is that fair?
Yes, that is correct.
Q: Every month our cost consultant produces interim certificates for us. Is it good enough to show issue the interim certificate which basically shows the money that’s been passed on to the contractor. Is that the sort of evidence you’re looking for?
Yes, but at the same time, we are not asking for evidence here. We just need a flat number – the evidence will need to be submitted when you claim, as always. Here, we are just asking for your actual spend as a number, or the forecast of what you think you will spend. There is no need to submit any documentation to back up your spend. When you submit claims, you will be asked to provide the relevant information as always.
Q: If we’re claiming staff time, should these be included within the monthly and quarterly returns?
Yes. Anything that you would normally claim, please include on the spend.
Q: How does it work in Q4 then? We might only get our valuations at the end of quarter, but Sustrans usually have a cut-off point at some point towards the end of Q4.
Please submit your expectations for what you will claim in Q4 (normally will be the remainder of your award). When claims are submitted, they will override anything that you submitted in your forecast. As we approach the end of the year, new quarters will appear for the first few quarters of the new year, and you can input your expectations to claim there. If you think you’ll need to move funds, put those in the following quarters, but still do submit your change control as usual, as that is the formal process for you to change your award.
Q: With the spend profile, what do we if there is an underspend? Do we pass it on to the next quarter, or does it go into minus?
We ask you to realign anything within that financial year. If you underspend, please input the actuals of your spend, and move the spend forward if you think you’ll use it in another month.
Q: I learn by doing. Will I have the opportunity to play about with the spend and claim profiles in draft form in the portal?
We are working on this on a phased period, and don’t expect everyone to pick it up straight away. The idea is to start using it, try it out, see how it goes, and direct any questions or feedback to your Grant Advisor in the first instance.
Q: Given that we haven’t yet received our Sustrans funding award letters, are you expecting us to submit these profiles as of July?
Please check with your Grant Advisor. In some cases, some projects have funds that remain from last year and what you’re expecting is approval to move it onto this year. In those cases, please do start submitting your expectations on claim and spend. But if it is a new award that you requested, please wait until that’s approved.
ArtRoots, supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans, works in partnership with local community groups to make artistic and aesthetic improvements in conjunction with PfE infrastructure projects in Scotland.
Do you have a PfE infrastructure project that could benefit from some artistic input?
Think about your project, is it community-led?
Are you a community organisation? To process an application we would need to see: 1. A signed constitution and 2. the required number of board members in accordance with your constitution.
Do you think that the inclusion of an artwork could help the local community to become more interested in the project?
Will an artwork such as a mural, sculpture or decorative seating for example encourage your local community to walk, wheel or cycle along your new path?
Find out more about the ArtRoots to see how your project could benefit and download the guidelines and application forms below
A new off-road shared-use path between the county town of Peebles and the satellite village of Eddleston in the Scottish Borders officially opened on the 17th June 2023.
Spanning 6km in length, the Eddleston Water Path provides a convenient and accessible route for local people and visitors to the area to walk, wheel and cycle between the settlements, connecting communities, businesses and key services like never before.
The new path will also benefit equestrians in the area, providing a safe and more relaxed riding experience set back from the road.
Construction work started on the project in late 2021 and was completed in early June 2023.
Community ambition in action
From the very beginning, the Eddleston Water Path project has been shaped by the ambitions of the local community.
Local groups and campaigners were instrumental in calling for improved active travel infrastructure in the area, having spent years promoting their vision for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Engagement with those living and working in the area helped ensure the success of the project from the outset. Credit: Scottish Borders Council, 2023.
Peebles Community Trust (PCT) led the design of the project once funding was secured, and feedback was gathered at every stage to ensure the Eddleston Water Path reflected the needs and wants of residents.
This approach has resulted in the creation of a well-loved community asset which has provided affordable access to employment opportunities, key services and treasured greenspace.
Accessibility for everyone
Before the Eddleston Water Path was constructed, travelling between Peebles and Eddleston was only possible via a busy and fast-moving road.
Now complete, the project provides an alternative route where all residents and visitors to the area, regardless of age or ability, have the option to leave the car at home and walk, wheel and cycle instead.
Large sections of the road running alongside the route are national speed limit, making physical segregation vital. Credit: Scottish Borders Council, 2023.
To futureproof the project, flood mitigation and measures to increase biodiversity were built into the designs.
The path has also contributed to the areas extensive network of paths for leisure and riding, linking into a wider network that includes the existing Tweed Valley Railway Path to the south.
A cause for celebration
The Eddleston Water Path was officially opened on the 17th June 2023 at an event attended by local residents, project partners and elected representatives.
Following a series of speeches, a piped procession was laid on for those in attendance before the ribbon was cut by local primary school student Conor.
Local turned out in number to take part in the festivities, providing the perfect opportunity to test out the new route. Credit: Scottish Borders Council, 2023.
Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads & Maintenance, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the new Eddleston Water Path has been completed and that members of the public are now making use of the route.”
“This project has been a true collaborative effort, with thanks to the Scottish Government and SOSE for their financial support in helping make this project a reality and also to the Community Council’s and Trust’s from both Peebles and Eddleston for their support and tireless efforts.”
“A dedicated path will ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the area whilst also encouraging others to choose more active methods of travel between the two settlements.”
Cllr John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council
Director at Sustrans Scotland, Karen McGregor, added:
“We’re very pleased the Eddleston Water Path is now open to the public.”
“This new route creates a vital traffic-free space for walking, wheeling and cycling between Peebles and Eddleston, enabling residents and visitors to the area to travel actively while accessing key services and local greenspace.”
“We hope the new path makes it safer and easier for lots more people to leave the car at home for short everyday journeys.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
SOSE Chair, Professor Russel Griggs, said:
“SOSE is committed through all we do to supporting a Wellbeing Economy and all the positive things that it brings for communities.”
“The new Eddleston Water Path is a fantastic example of this approach, encouraging local people and visitors to get active and help address issues such as fuel poverty and community isolation and improve resident’s health and wellbeing.”
The Wishawhill Wood path links the suburb of Craigneuk in North Lanarkshire with Wishaw town centre via a high-quality active travel route.
Previously, the only option for walking, wheeling and cycling away from the busy road, and without the use of an inaccessible footbridge over the railway, was a muddy and overgrown path.
Construction on the new route was completed in 2020.
It has since provided a safe and easy way for people of all abilities to travel between Craigneuk and Wishaw, as well as improving access to the local woodland and Wishawhill Wood Pump Track.
The project was led by Green Action Trust (GAT) and part-funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme. Match funding was provided by North Lanarkshire Council who have also taken on maintenance responsibility for the route.
Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU) evaluated the impact of the project in 2022 by counting and surveying people using the path, as well as interviewing local people and stakeholders.
The Wishawhill Wood path links the suburb of Craigneuk in North Lanarkshire with Wishaw town centre via a high-quality active travel route. Credit: Green Action Trust.
What were the findings?
RMU analysis found that the path has contributed to substantially more trips being taken through Wishawhill Wood – particularly by young and older people.
Before the path upgrade, an estimated 16,000 trips were made during 2019 by people passing through or visiting the pump track. After the upgrade, an estimated 41,000 trips were taken during 2022 – about two and a half times as many.
The path is mainly used for recreation and has helped local residents increase their regular physical activity.
In 2022, 40% of survey respondents said they made a journey along the route daily, compared with 15% in 2019.
The path upgrade has also helped people access a much wider range of local services than before.
Many people using the route strongly agreed that it is easily accessible, enhances the area and meets the needs of the community.
85% of respondents said they were walking or cycling because the path was the most convenient route to get to their destination, up from 18% in 2019.
Numbers of people strongly agreeing that the path is well maintained, feels safe and is well lit have also increased, but are still relatively low.
RMU analysis found that the path has contributed to substantially more trips being taken through Wishawhill Wood.
A community asset
Reflecting on the impact upgrading the path has had on the local community, interviewees were positive.
One person told us:
“It’s a great green transport link, in terms of from the centre of Wishaw, right the way down through…it certainly has opened the area up.”
Local resident, Wishaw
Dan Scott, the Managing Director at Socialtrack, a local social enterprise that encourages people to cycle, scoot, and skateboard, explained how the upgraded path had encouraged pump track users to cycle rather than drive.
“Six lads travelled from another part of Wishaw, which was two miles away from the pump track. The first time they came, six lads came in four cars and then six lads came in three cars, and then eventually six lads came themselves on their own bikes.”
Dan Scott, Managing Director, Socialtrack
Communicating the results
By presenting the findings of the study as a StoryMap, which uses a combination of interactive maps, graphs, voice recordings from local people and “before and after” photos, users can simply and interactively learn more about the project.
The webpage details the story of the path, how it was developed, how it connects people and place, and its impact within the local community.
Alan Boyd, Evaluation Officer in Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit, said:
“We are pleased to share our findings which detail the increase in walking, wheeling and cycling as a result of the path upgrade in Wishawhill Wood.”
“The new path has created a safer and more accessible route for people of all abilities travelling between Craigneuk and Wishaw.”
“We have uploaded our analysis onto a StoryMap for those who would like to find out more about the project. The StoryMap is flexible, so users can zoom in and out of the maps, easily skip to whatever research they find most interesting, and listen to local people discuss the changes that they have seen since the path opened.”
Alan Boyd, Evaluation Officer, Sustrans
The upgraded path had encouraged people to cycle rather than drive to the local pump track. Credit: Holly Musgrove/Sustrans, 2022.
Mike Batley, Development Officer at Green Action Trust, added:
“The Wishawhill Wood project has been a great opportunity for the Green Action Trust and partners to make a real difference to people’s quality of life through access to greenspace and active travel.”
“Anecdotally the path has clearly had a positive effect, however this new piece of evaluation has put firm data behind its impact, which is very encouraging for future projects.”
“The StoryMap brings the work to life in an easily understood and engaging way, so I’m delighted to see the results in this format.”
Mike Batley, Development Officer, Green Action Trust
Located in a residential area to the east of the town, Papdale Park encompasses a sprawling network of meandering paths and modern landscaping initiatives that have truly transformed the space for the better.
Delivered by Orkney Islands Council in partnership with Sustrans through Places for Everyone, Papdale Park provides the Kirkwall community yet another place to enjoy for the year ahead.
Key features of the park include a deculverted burn, an array of walking, wheeling, and cycling routes, as well as native shrubs and trees, and a wildflower meadow for enhanced biodiversity.
Landscaping iniatatives such as a deculvated burn were incorporated into the designs of the park. Credit: Orkney Islands Council, 2022.
This is topped off with a stunning community plaza and new road crossing linking the park to Kirkwall Grammar School to ensure trips are as safe and accessible as possible.
Further excitement still awaits, however, as this only marks the completion of the first phase of the Papdale Park project.
Once funding is secured through Places for Everyone for the second phase of work, plans can begin to take shape for the creation of an all-ages-and-abilities play park for local residents to enjoy.
A community vision
Plans for the Papdale Park originated from a series of engagement sessions held in 2018, delivered by Orkney Islands Council as part of the Your Kirkwall Place Plan.
During these sessions, local community group Papdale East Play Association (PEPA) brought forward a range of ideas on how to improve the existing but dilapidated play park, complementing neatly with the wider aspirations of the community.
A meandering network of paths provides a safe and accessible route to school for pupils of the local Papdale Primary and Kirkwall Grammer Schools. Credit: Orkney Islands Council, 2022.
The project was also borne out of the Council’s Play Area Strategy, which identified Papdale East as an area where opportunities for play were in need of improvement.
On these solid foundations, emerging plans were then carefully shaped in accordance with considered community feedback in order to ensure the best design possible was ultimately produced.
The resulting blueprints laid out an ambitious vision for a new community greenspace for people of all ages to enjoy, smartly futureproofed against the impacts of climate change, changing technology, and an anticipated rise in active travel.
A memorable occasion
Despite being informally open since the end of last year, local Orcadians turned out in good number to see the ribbon cutting and Papdale Park officially opened.
Held on Friday 21st April, a series of speeches and guided ecology walks were available to those in attendance. Free cycle servicing and an e-bike display were also provided to attendees.
Local residents and project partner representatives turned out on the day to see the ribbon cutting. Credit: Orkeny Photography, 2023
PEPA, who were instrumental in the design and engagement of the Papdale Park project, were also on hand to provide refreshments, a bake sale, and a special treasure hunt.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, was delighted with the collective effort that went into making the park possible. She said:
“Papdale Park is a project designed by and for the local community, which is what underpins its success.
At every step and pedal of the way, we engaged closely with residents to find out what they wanted and how they wanted it.
We are grateful for all the input received and look forward to seeing work continue to ensure Papdale Park remains a much-loved local landmark for generations to come.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
The ribbon itself was cut by Orkney Islands Council Convener Graham Bevan. Flanked by pupils attending from Papdale Primary School, he said:
It is an honour to be asked to perform the official opening of this new, much improved community park space within Kirkwall which is for everyone to enjoy.
“It is so important to retain green spaces within our towns as we all know how important getting outdoors, enjoying some fresh air, exercise, greenery and wildlife is to our physical and mental wellbeing.”
Graham Bevan, Convener, Orkney Islands Council
Building on success
Papdale Park marks the third major project to be delivered on Orkney in quick succession through Places for Everyone.
The Places and Spaces project helped deliver key street layout changes to make getting in and around Kirkwall town centre safer and easier.
Sustrans also worked closely with Orkney Island Council to complete the development of the Arcadia Park, which provides an attractive path network and landscaped link to Balfour Hospital to the south.
Arcadia Park opened in the south of Kirkwall in 2022, providing a lushious greenspace for active travel and relaxation. Credit: Sustrans, 2022.
£670,000 was allocated for the Papdale Park project, provided by Orkney Islands Council, NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund, and Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
Additional funding for the project came from a Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes grant allocation and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. Design work was funded by HITRANS.
Staff and volunteers from Glasgow's Hidden Garden set up planters off Victoria Road as part of the South City Way Small Grants Scheme, funded by Sustrans and Glasgow City Council
The 2020/21 evaluation report published today provides evidence on the key impacts of the Places for Everyone grant fund, and demonstrates the contributions of the programme to the outcomes set out in Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Framework.
The report also highlights how the programme performed during the pandemic and the baseline monitoring currently being undertaken for projects in the design stage.
The Places for Everyone programme is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
The programme is open to a range of organisations in Scotland – including local authorities and community groups – that enables the creation of active travel infrastructure.
In addition to funding, the programme also provides advice and support to partners on establishing safe, attractive, healthier places in our urban and rural areas.
There are currently around 250 projects in place or in development as part of the Places for Everyone programme.
Impact of the programme
The report aggregated data from projects across the lifespan of the Places for Everyone programme up to and including the 2020/21 funding year. This includes Sustrans Scotland’s previous Community Links and Community Links Plus grant funds.
One of the key findings is that walking, wheeling, and cycling numbers increased after the completion of infrastructure projects.
Results from an analysis of 30 projects showed a 54% average estimated rise in active travel trips after initial delivery.
Further study showed that the increase in active travel was sustained one year after delivery, with 24 projects averaging a 37% increase in trips.
The 2020/21 evaluation report provides evidence on the key impacts of the Places for Everyone grant fund and demonstrates the contributions of the programme to the outcomes set out in Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Framework.
The monitoring also suggests that the programme led to an improvement in the perception of safety among both pedestrians and cyclists.
This was particularly evident among groups who traditionally regard safety as a barrier to active travel, including women, the elderly and disabled people.
Local people’s perceptions of community involvement in planned Places for Everyone projects were equally encouraging.
In Glasgow, a survey of 984 local residents found that 71% felt the Connecting Woodside project would either greatly or slightly improve the sense of community in their area.
Monitoring and evaluation during the pandemic
Results show that Places for Everyone projects were particularly beneficial to communities in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The programme helped mitigate against some of the impacts at local level by providing safe active travel options for key workers and others.
The projects saw increases in walking, wheeling and cycling during a period of unparalleled societal change.
In Edinburgh, for example, the Innocent Railway path project saw a 344% growth in cycling between 2014 and during the pandemic in 2020.
The report aggregated data from projects across the lifespan of the Places for Everyone programme up to and including the 2020/21 funding year.
Looking ahead
The Places for Everyone programme is committed to enabling more people in Scotland to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys.
The Research and Monitoring Unit are continuing to monitor a sample of projects currently at design stage, and will update their analysis with projects from 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Planned work includes upgrading active travel routes, improvements to public spaces in our towns and cities, connecting communities and key hubs and addressing local safety issues.
This highlights the variety in the programme’s work, with projects ranging from rural to urban and village to city.
It also evidences Places for Everyone’s contributions to wider development projects such as local masterplans and flood defence schemes.
One of the key findings is that walking, wheeling, and cycling numbers increased after the completion of infrastructure projects.
Nigel Donnell from Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit, said:
“We’re really pleased to be able to share this evaluation report. It highlights that the Places for Everyone programme is helping people throughout Scotland to walk, wheel and cycle for more of their everyday journeys.
We are really proud of everything it has achieved so far, and with around 250 projects in place or in development the fund will continue to play an important role in creating safer, more attractive, healthier, and inclusive communities.
We’d like to thank Transport Scotland for providing the funding to facilitate the Places for Everyone fund, and our delivery partners whose hard work has ensured the success of the programme”.
The full report is available on request, if you would like to find out more contact nigel.donnell@sustrans.org.uk.
