Is there a Places for Everyone (PfE) project you know of that could be further enhanced by some eye-catching artwork?
If so, then you should apply to our ArtRoots fund, which enables community groups and artists to deliver visual improvements to existing projects.
What is the fund?
ArtRoots empowers communities to plan and deliver what they want and gives them to tools to make it happen.
This can include the installation of a locally relevant sculpture, an engaging mural or even a colourful walking tour along one of our recently completed routes.
The fund can award successful applicants with a standard maximum grant of £2500.
A higher award up to £6000 may be available to projects which could significantly increase or raise awareness of active travel through wider engagement.
Previous examples of PfE projects which have benefitted from ArtRoots funding include the stunning mural delivered outside Granton Hub in Edinburgh as well as artistic support for the inaugural Walking & Wheeling festival in Glasgow.
More information and guidelines for applicants to ArtRoots is available below:
According to data collected and analysed by Sustrans, around 240,000 active journeys are predicted to have been made via Stockingfield Bridge in 2023.
Of these, around half were completed by bike, with joggers and walkers making up a large part of the remainder.
Delivered by Scottish Canals in partnership with Sustrans, Stockingfield Bridge provides a key active travel connection between the communities of Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill.
A total of £13.7 million was awarded to the project via Sustrans through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by the Scottish Government.
Accessible attraction
Stockingfield Bridge provides a safe and accessible crossing for people living and working in the north of Glasgow. Credit: Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
Researchers also asked people about their experiences of using Stockingfield Bridge. Most of those surveyed agreed that the route is well signposted, is of high quality and allows them to cross busy roads safely. As well as this, 82% of users agreed the route is accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Prior to completion of the bridge, access to the canal towpath and travel between the communities was limited to a narrow poorly lit underpass. Heavy traffic and a repeated instances of flooding also raised safety concerns.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, said:
“It’s truly extraordinary to see how people living and working across Glasgow have embraced Stockingfield Bridge over the last two years. Not only is the route proving to be indispensable in increasing the number walking, wheeling and cycling journeys to and from the city centre, it’s also reconnecting neighbouring communities and keeping people safe from traffic every day.”
“The route is also transformational in terms of accessibility, meaning everyone regardless of ability can access the canal towpath and travel onwards via the National Cycle Network. I really look forward to seeing Stockingfield Bridge continue to grow in popularity and firmly embed itself as an iconic Glasgow landmark.”
The unique design of the bridge allows people to cross the structure from multiple locations along the canal towpath. Credit: Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
John Paterson, Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Stockingfield Bridge has not only re-connected the people of north Glasgow who did not have easy access across the canal since the canal was built in the late 1700s, but has become an active travel route for thousands across Scotland.”
“We are committed to ensuring that our canals and towpaths are accessible for all and provide a traffic free attractive environment to enjoy, and Stockingfield Bridge is impressive example of this. We are delighted to hear that so many people have benefited from this investment and look forward to welcoming many more in the future.”
The final leg of the South City Way officially opened this week, ensuring more people than ever are able to safely walk, wheel and cycle to and from Glasgow city centre and along the Clyde via National Cycle Network Route 7.
The newly constructed route stretches from Queen’s Park to Trongate via a fully segregated 3km link, featuring significant improvements to junctions, pavements and street greenery.
The last section completed in June of this year allows people to safely navigate the city centre from Victoria Bridge to Trongate, a journey time of just 14 minutes by bike from the Southside to the city centre.
Opening up opportunities
The route has improved local access to businesses in the Southside and improved the feel of the area. Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
The South City Way is already proving hugely popular, with just over 3.9 million journeys recorded along the route in the last three years, accounting for 13% of all trips undertaken along sections with new infrastructure.
Passing through Govanhill and the Gorbals, the route provides convenient access to a variety destinations on the way to the city centre, including schools, hospitals and places of worship.
Local businesses along the South City Way have also benefitted from the public space improvements.
Data collected by Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU) in January of this year shows a 12% increase in retail favourability since the project was completed.
The South City Way passes by a variety of different destinations for all ages, inlcuding play parks and schools. Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
Safety and accessibility has also been a key consideration for users along the route.
The provision of fully segregated cycleways, protected junctions, and new crossing points ensures that people of all abilities are kept safe from traffic, particularly benefitting vulnerable and less confident road users.
Health benefits are also evident in the improvements to air quality along the route.
Out latest research shows there has been a 53% decrease in carbon dioxide levels since the scheme was introduced, as well as a 75% drop in nitrogen oxides.
The most recent data collected by Sustrans on the South City Way can be accessed here.
Celebrating the city centre
People can now walk, wheel and cycle into the heart of the city centre from the Southside with ease. Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
On Wednesday 17th July, community groups and those involved in the delivery of the South City Way project gathered at King’s Court to celebrate the route opening and for a tour of the newly completed section.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, spoke about the community benefits of the new route and the increasing appetite for safe active travel options. She said:
“The South City Way is changing people’s lives in Glasgow every day. By providing a direct and accessible route to and from the city centre, the South City Way is connecting people with schools, hospitals, and other employment opportunities.”
“With almost 50% of people Glasgow wanting to walk, wheel and cycle more, we need to deliver more segregated routes like the South City Way to link up key destinations for active travel whilst also keeping people safe and protected from traffic.”
“The South City Way is changing people’s lives in Glasgow every day.”
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, was present for a tour of the learn more about the project designs and how the South City fits into wider plans for the city. She said:
“This investment of over £3.6 million by the Scottish Government is helping us to build a more active nation, where more people choose to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys and can take climate action. In doing so, we’re empowering people and with healthier and happier travel options – and building thriving communities, where businesses can flourish and everyone can enjoy improved public spaces.
“Through our continued investment in active travel, I look forward to seeing more infrastructure which is similar in the scale and success of the South City Way, in towns and cities right across Scotland.”
The bidirectional and segregated design of the route keeps people protected from traffic. Sustrans/McAteer, 2023.
Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport in Glasgow, who was also in attendance, said:
“Many people want to get about by bike and other modes of active travel but are often put off by safety concerns. It is essential we respond to the desire to travel more often by walking, wheeling and cycling by create a safer environment for this kind of transport.
“Active travel is a cleaner, cheaper and healthier form of travel that can also help to create a more efficient transport network overall. More people making better use of limited road space helps the city’s network run more efficiently and that will make it easier for everyone to get about Glasgow.”
Almost £3.8 million in funding for the South City Way was awarded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. The remaining funding was supplied through Glasgow City Council.
On Monday 6th May, locals turned out in number at Castle Green in Broughty Ferry to mark the official opening of a new all-accessible walking, wheeling and cycling path along the River Tay.
Following along National Cycle Network Route 1, the £18m project sought to provide a safe and direct walking, wheeling and cycling option for residents and visitors to the area.
Now complete, the 2.5-mile long off-road path is already proving popular, with more people than ever able to leave the car at home for short, everyday journeys.
The almost £18 million funding for the project was received through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme backed by Transport Scotland and managed by Sustrans.
Attendees at the event were greeted with refreshments and family-friendly activities throughout the day, including a bike skills track organised by Dundee and Angus Cycle Hub and dolphin spotting hosted by St Andrews University.
The ribbon cutting, heralding the official opening of the path, took place at noon and was performed by Councillor Steven Rome from Dundee City Council, followed by the unveiling of several stunning new artworks along the route.
The tall ambitions behind the Broughty Ferry to Monifieth project were clear from the outset.
Following early consultation with residents and businesses in 2019, initial proposals sought to deliver a safe and accessible traffic-free route between the two communities.
Tying in neatly with the planned Broughty Ferry Flood Protection Scheme which was already underway, the new route would provide a direct and continuous link along the scenic coastline and enable people of all ages and abilities to travel actively every day.
Overwhelming support was received for the suggested upgrades, with over 75% of those engaged in favour of the concept designs which were presented.
Despite setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of construction materials within the industry, momentum continued to build as designs progressed, demonstrating the effective partnership working of both Angus Council and Dundee City Council.
As well as a spacious new bidirectional cycleway running for 2.5 miles between Castle Approach in Broughty Ferry and Monfieth railway station, significant public space improvements were also introduced, including additional seating, widened access barriers and improved lighting.
The communities were also closely involved in the design and delivery of a selection of stunning new artworks which complement the route.
Another major consideration from the project was in ensuring that local nature and wildlife would be preserved in abundance within the delivery of the scheme.
In order to do this, existing coastal dunes were protected within the project designs and extensive wildflower planting along the route has allowed biodiversity to continue to flourish.
One particularly significant milestone for the project was achieved in March 2024, when the new 5-metre wide Dighty Bridge was unveiled to the public.
The new accessible crossing replaces the an exceedingly narrow structure, opening up active travel to everyone and providing uninterrupted access to National Cycle Network Route 1.
Building a sense of community ownership and a sense of place was of the important importance for the project team.
This was achieved through the installation of a number of uniquely local sculptures and artworks along the route.
With seven pieces having been commissioned in total, those travelling along the path can now stop and enjoy the impressive displays whilst also learning about the surrounding area and its history.
These include a bollard trail by Tilde Arts, a poetic mural by Barry Roberston, and the Windmill Gardens by Louise Kirby which offers a quiet and tranquil space to unwind.
Most keenly anticipated, however, was the naming of the Tay Fins, designed by artist Fanny Lam Christie, depicting three breaching dolphins cast in bronze.
Following a poll of public suggestions, the names were revealed on the day of the opening – Dooker, Haar and Brochtie were chosen.
Community in focus
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony and the artwork reveals, delivery partners reflected on the project.
Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for Sustrans, said:
“When we make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, everyone benefits.”
“This new route between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth gives people the freedom and choice to make sustainable and active everyday journeys, reducing congestion on roads and helping to provide cleaner air for everyone.”
Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, Sustrans
Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure, Dundee City Council, said:
“This transformational and pioneering project has opened up an impressive route for active travel between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth and will links with the route right the way through Dundee.”
“This makes the area more attractive for visitors and locals alike and the public art programme is creating a real sense of place.”
Cllr Steven Rome, Convenor of Fair Work Economic Growth & Infrastructure, Dundee City Council
Councillor Mark McDonald, Communities Convenor for Angus Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see the next phase of the active travel route connecting Broughty Ferry and Monifieth officially opened.
“The area at Castle Green is looking great and the new user-friendly and accessible pathway means more people can use it to walk and cycle for everyday journeys and for fun.”
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to achieving this milestone. I’m looking forward to seeing the work progress as it continues further into Monifieth.”
Cllr Mark McDonald, Communities Convenor, Angus Council
Following a year of rigorous analysis carried out by Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU), the 2022-23 evaluation report for the Places for Everyone programme is now available to the public.
The latest findings offer key insights into some of the delivery activities Places for Everyone has carried out across the lifecycle of the programme, including how the programme has contributed to overarching Scottish Government objectives in active travel as well as Places for Everyone’s own benchmark outcomes.
Backed by Transport Scotland, the Places for Everyone programme provides millions of pounds to local authorities and community groups every year in order to help create new and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure right across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to the Western Isles.
In order to demonstrate the impact of this funding, the 2022-23 report draws on monitoring data collected from a variety of different infrastructure projects delivered by the programme, as well as five in-depth project case studies. Data is collected by Sustrans RMU and by delivery partners.
What are the findings?
Overall, the results are incredibly positive.
Measured against Scottish Government objectives, our analysis reveals an overall increase in route usage across Places for Everyone projects in the years following construction.
Likewise, a majority of route users feel safe in using Places for Everyone routes.
This was shown across different travel modes (i.e. walking and cycling) as well as demographic factors including age and gender.
This is further supported by the finding of a significant reduction in casualty rates following Places for Everyone project delivery.
In terms of the sheer amount of hard infrastructure that has been delivered through the programme, around 154km of protected and accessible routes had been created by the end of 2022-23. This compares to 54km by the end of 2016-17.
Another key highlight demonstrates that projects are supported by the communities in which they are delivered. From a sample of projects, almost three quarters of local residents supported proposals and felt their views had been taken into account as part of project development.
Turning to health outcomes, reporting not only found overall reduced emissions across a sample of projects following delivery but also revealed a significant increase in the number of route users who agreed projects had helped increase their levels of physical activity.
Taken together, these results evidence the value that Places for Everyone brings in increasing walking, wheeling and cycling journeys across Scotland, and consistently demonstrates the ability of the programme to fulfil its stated objectives.
What about specific projects?
Post-construction case studies from projects in and around Glasgow featured heavily in the report this year.
The newly completed South City Way, which was delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council, creating a safe and accessible cycleway from Queen’s Park to the heart of the city centre, was amongst those included.
As well as a 20% reduction in vehicles travelling over the speed limit, monitoring here shows that active travel journeys along the route have increased by 30% following construction.
In terms of cutting carbon emissions, findings also revealed a 53% decrease in CO2 since the South City Way was completed.
Likewise, analysis was conducted for Stockingfield Bridge in the North of Glasgow.
Delivered by Scottish Canals, the new bridge provides a quick and convenient off-road walking, wheeling and cycling link via the Forth and Clyde Canal network.
Results here demonstrated a significant increase in trips under 4 miles, as well as trips for work, school and visiting friends and family.
The Bowline in West Dunbartonshire, also delivered by Scottish Canals, aimed to create an attractive and traffic-free connection between Glasgow city centre and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Analysis of route usage show huge success in this regard, with trips almost doubling along the traffic-free route since its completion in late 2021.
Outside of the cities, Gynack Gardens in Kingussie has also evidenced a truly impressive impact.
Working in partnership with The Highland Council and Cycle Friendly Kingussie, the Gynack Gardens project aimed to offer residents and visitors an attractive greenspace whilst also boosting active travel.
Since completion, the new park has helped support a 270% increase in walking, wheeling and cycling in the project area.
The park also rated highly on user perceptions of safety, accessibility, and the extent to which the space has enhanced the local area.
The Cumbernauld Green Route, completed at the close of 2022 in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and Green Action Trust, provides a safe and convenient connection between the centre of Cumbernauld and surrounding communities, whilst also enhancing local greenspace.
In evidence of its success, monitoring shows a marked increase in route usage following its delivery, as well as high ratings in on quality by those using the path.
Where can I read the report?
The Places for Everyone 2022-23 infrastructure impact summary report is available to download below.
On Wednesday 3rd April, construction officially began on the landmark Arbroath A Place for Everyone project.
The £14m project, £10.7m of which has been awarded through Sustrans Scotland’s Scottish Government-backed Places for Everyone programme, is set to deliver a transformative network of all new walking, wheeling and cycling routes throughout the town.
This aims to neatly link up key travel destinations, such as shopping areas and schools, as well as popular tourist sites.
The project will also conveniently tie with National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs along the seafront from Dundee and up to Aberdeen, further cementing links between settlements along the coast.
Backed by extensive engagement with the local community, the emerging work is expected to help foster the conditions for a significant boost to the local economy via increased footfall to businesses and an uptick in tourism to the seafront.
Once completed, it is hoped by many that the project will serve as the backbone for future active travel initiatives in the area.
The delivery of the Arbroath project has been hotly anticipated by many for some time, with early community consultation dating back to 2015.
Financial support was initially received in 2019 via Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, which at the time made Arbroath the first town in Scotland to receive such a high level of funding through the Scottish government-backed scheme.
Years of careful design and planning work, informed by and acting on feedback from the local community, were then carried out between the partnership of Sustrans, Angus Council, and Arcadis.
Following this process, proposals are now being taken forward to create:
A new 1.5km, segregated cycleway alongside the A92 dual carriageway from the West Links area of the town to Arbroath Abbey, with a link-in to Brockthock Bridge.
Redesigned junctions and crossings, making it safer and easier to walk, wheel and cycle.
As well as new seating and landscapes, improving the accessibility of public spaces and encourage safer walking, wheeling and cycling options throughout the town
Current traffic levels showed that large parts of the project could be achieved by repurposing parts of the A92 dual carriageway, which has long created a sense of division across Arbroath.
Working in tandem with the local community, the proposed designs were gradually enhanced, including the introduction of temporary trial measures in 2021 to help those living and working in the town get a feel for the project.
Celebrating strong partnership
Despite a persistent downpour outside the Signal Tower Museum, the first spade was determinedly dug in by Angus Council Leader Cllr Beth Whiteside.
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director for Sustrans, was witness to the big moment.
“We’re overjoyed to see construction starting on this fantastic project. By delivering new cycle lanes, tree and wildflower planting, as well as paved seating areas in the town, people living and working in Arbroath will be able to walk, wheel and cycle safely, whilst also enjoying a more relaxed and attractive environment.”
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director, Sustrans
Both were joined by Active Travel Spokesperson Cllr Serena Cowdy, as well as Contracts Manager for Balfour Beatty Keith McDonald and Project Manager for Balfour Beatty Tom Truesdale.
“Today’s milestone marks several years of consultation, planning and effort to create and see come to fruition, an ambitious project that will make Arbroath a more desirable place to live in, work in and to visit.”
Councillor Serena Cowdy, Active Travel Spokesperson, Angus Council
There’s a great deal to look forward to over the next year as the project truly starts to take shape, with construction the project is set to be complete by the end of 2025.
On Wednesday 20th March, members of the local community and key delivery partners turned out in number to commemorate the close of construction on the CCWEL project in Edinburgh.
Stretching from Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End, CCWEL provides a safe and direct segregated route through the heart of the city centre, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.
Local primary school pupils took part in a group ride from Old Colt Bridge to Haymarket to test out the route, arriving at Haymarket in time to take part in the festivities.
Music to welcome the group ride was performed by St Mary’s Music School pupils and a range of fun activities, including cargo bike trials, were on offer for all those who attended.
Shortly after lunchtime, a ribbon to mark the official opening of the route was cut to usher the new city centre route into being.
Following an extensive consultation process beginning in 2016, the input of residents and local businesses helped shape the designs put forward by Sustrans and Edinburgh City Council, and construction got firmly underway on CCWEL in early 2022.
With works carried out by Balfour Beatty, CCWEL has set a benchmark for how safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling can be delivered amongst within bustling urban centre such as Edinburgh. The first of its kind to be complete in Scotland, CCWEL delivers a 3.6km bidirectional cycle route to better connect Roseburn with Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End.
For the vast majority of the journey, cyclists are protected from heavy traffic flows through a segregated design, meaning vulnerable and less confident cyclists will be able to use the new paths in safety and ease.
CCWEL hasn’t just delivered new routes for cyclists, however. Improved crossings, footways, and street surfacing have also been introduced as part of the scheme, as well as street greening initiatives and additional seating areas for people to relax and enjoy.
The opening comes just a day after the launch of the 2023 Walking and Cycling Index report in the capital, which includes amongst its findings that almost 50% of residents in Edinburgh want to walk, wheel and cycle more.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, was delighted to see the new route completed.
“The City Centre West to East Link is an absolute game-changer within the world of active travel. For the first time ever in Scotland, we’ve delivered a fully segregated walking, wheeling and cycling connection that cuts through the heart of a major city centre. In doing so, this fantastic new route gives the people of Edinburgh a safe and accessible driving alternative, allowing people to get to where they want, how they want, regardless of age or ability.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
Councillor Scott Arthur, who joined the group ride from Roseburn to Haymarket, said:
“Today we celebrated a major development for walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital, with the completion of CCWEL. This major scheme is not only one of the largest pieces of active travel infrastructure delivered in Edinburgh, but it has transformed spaces along the route for the use and enjoyment of people who live, visit and work here.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, City of Edinburgh Council
In total, £23m was invested in the design and construction of the CCWEL route.
Of this, £14.8m was awarded from Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, with the additional funding from the Scottish Government and the Council’s transport budget.
Going forward, CCWEL will link up with the George Street and First New Town and Meadows to George Street project, which aim to deliver improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across the Edinburgh city centre and enhance high-traffic public spaces for generations to come.
The project also neatly connects with the Roseburn to Union Canal project, which is set to finish construction in Summer 2024.
On 12 January 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on the ambitious £22.68 million project to upgrade and improve Aurs Road in East Renfrewshire.
The project will not only create a safer, more direct local route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by straightening out the carriageway and replacing a weak road bridge, it will also open up all new possibilities for walking, wheeling and cycling.
£8.19 million of funding provided by Places for Everyone will deliver a new 2km active travel route between the two adjacent communities, as well as an impressive 700m waterside promenade overlooking Balgray Reservoir.
As a result of the project, residents and visitors will now be able to make safer, healthier and more sustainable everyday journeys between Barrhead and Newton Mearns.
The new waterside promenade also offers the communities an accessible space to relax or meet up with friends and family.
Further plans as part of the wider Aurs Road project include a new 4km circular route around the perimeter of Balgray Reservoir, providing unprecedented access to Dams and Darnley Country Park.
Once complete, a new accessible waterside promenade will offer people a place to relax, socialise and enjoy the scenery of Balgray Reservoir. Credit: East Renfrewshire Council
Making connections outside of the city
Often, outside of our city and town centres, a lack of safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and patchy public transport links can leave communities feeling disconnected.
For households without access to a car, it also means that reaching essential, everyday destinations like their places of work, shops or health services can be difficult.
We’ve already seen the value that new walking, wheeling and cycling connections can deliver to smaller communities through Places for Everyone projects like the completed in partnership with Scottish Borders Council in 2023.
The Balgray Active Travel Links project is another clear example of how Local Authority ambition can boost independence and choice in how communities get around, whilst also forging new links and connections.
With a combined population of almost 50,000 people, the potential impact on local travel habits throughout Barrhead and Newton Mearns can’t be overstated.
The project aims to transform journeys between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by straightening Aurs Road and building a new walking, wheeling and cycling route alongside Balgray Reservoir. Credit: East Renfrewshire Council
Partnered in community celebration
In truly frosty conditions, representatives of the project delivery teams gathered alongside Aurs Road to formally inaugurate the construction.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, shared her thoughts:
“Improving active travel links between communities outside of our cities is vital.”
“This project does exactly that by delivering an accessible and direct walking, wheeling and cycling link between Barrhead and Newton Mearns for residents and visitors alike.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to see work now starting on this project and grateful to all those who have taken part in making it a success.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell added:
“Since announcing our plans for transforming Aurs Road, we’ve had a fantastic response from residents who are excited about the delivery of a much needed improved and straightened road with active travel link.”
Owen O’Donnell, Leader, East Renfrewshire Council
Signed diversion routes are in place via Stewarton Road, Nitshill Road and Darnley Road.
Funding for the wider £22.68 million Aurs Road project was received from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, made up of funding from the UK and Scottish Government and East Renfrewshire Council, the Scottish Government’s Bridge Fund, and developer contributions from new house building projects in the area.
£8.19 million was received for the Balgray Active Travel Links project through the Places for Everyone fund, which is backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.
Increasing the pace and scale of delivery of active travel infrastructure across Scotland has brought about a major period of transition for both Sustrans and Places for Everyone.
As previously communicated in November 2023, only Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and National Parks are currently eligible to apply for new Concept (Stages 0-2) funding awards. Existing community groups can still apply for Design (Stages 3-4) funding if they have completed stage 2, applications for which will reopen on 20th March 2024.
Further to this, as Places for Everyone develops greater alignment with Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF), the Places for Everyone programme will be drawing to a close by December 2025.
Whilst we recognise this will be disappointing, in order to ensure that existing community-led group projects are able to reach key milestones and successfully deliver through to construction, we want to identify and support all projects with your routes to delivery, supporting or facilitating discussions with relevant third parties where appropriate.
Routes to delivery
In the financial year 2024-25 Sustrans will continue to fund and manage Concept (Stages 0-2) to Design (Stages 3-4) stages. Projects with existing awards will continue until the end of your current legal agreement, end of stage where you are able to apply for this and secure a funding award, or until September 2025.
Existing community groups and organisations other than Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and National Park Authorities will be eligible to request new Construction (stages 5-7) funding via Places for Everyone during 2024/25 provided delivery can be complete by September 2025. Construction (stages 5-7) funding decisions will be made on the basis of yet to be scheduled Extraordinary Decision Making Panels.
Actions for community groups
If your project is working towards completion of Design (Stage 4) with a view to requesting Construction (Stages -5-7) funding, please discuss this with your Grant Advisor and submit an outline request expressing interest for Construction (Stages 5-7) funding indicating the timing and amount by email to PlacesForEveryone@Sustrans.org.uk.
Please also ensure to confirm when you expect to submit your final Design (Stage 4) deliverables for review so we can identify your route to delivery and anticipate funding demands and the timing of this. Requests for Construction (Stages 5-7) funding will need to demonstrate assured completion by September 2025. Construction (Stages 5-7) requests are required by deadline of 29th April 2024.
We want to thank our community group partners during this uncertain period, and to reiterate that the Places for Everyone team remains able to support projects that can complete design stages or construction by September 2025. Community-led projects occupy a unique and vital role within the active travel delivery landscape. We encourage community group partners to continue working with local authorities to discuss your route to delivery to see your ambitions progressed.
Public spaces, such as streets, town squares and parks, are a key feature in teenagers’ everyday lives.
It’s somewhere they can socialise, foster a sense of identity and self-value, and connect with their community.
But despite this they are often overlooked in conversations about the design of our villages, towns and cities.
Earlier this year, A Place in Childhood (APiC) published a report – commissioned by Sustrans Scotland – which explores how to effectively involve teenagers in placemaking projects.
The research also explored how we can meet the needs of young people through infrastructure and behaviour change work more widely.
But what does this mean in practice? And how are these learnings going to help us create healthier, happier, and more representative neighbourhoods across Scotland?
What is the Teenagers and Public Space Report?
APiC engage young Scots in projects that seek to create more inclusive policies, services and environments.
146 people aged 12-18, across communities in Huntly (Aberdeenshire), Denny (Falkirk), and North Edinburgh were involved with the study.
Those involved took researchers on tours of the places they lived and explained what they liked as well as what could be improved in the area.
A group of young people using busy public space in Glasgow city centre. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What did the research set out to explore?
We know a lot about what teenagers need from public space: shelter from poor weather, places to socialise and study and opportunities for physical activity.
What the needs of teenagers within specific communities in Scotland are, and how Sustrans infrastructure and placemaking activities can serve them.
What the difference is in terms of need between teenagers of differing UK protected characteristics – specifically, the age and gender differences.
What the most appropriate methods of engagement are with teenagers on infrastructure and placemaking projects.
How practitioners can mediate and balance potential conflicts within a community between the needs of teenagers and other groups.
Teenagers using a crossing on a segregated cycle route in Broughty Ferry. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What were the key findings?
The research found that anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the biggest problem influencing how teenagers interact with public space.
The young people we spoke to explained that despite it being a minority who are responsible for such behaviour, people their age are often all stereotyped in the same way.
They were keen to point out that it is in fact teenagers themselves that are most affected by ASB – both from their peers and adults.
APiC also recommended that extra attention needs to be paid to the needs of girls, ethnic minorities, disabled young people and those with other protected characteristics.
For example, teenage girls don’t feel safe going out in some communities, unless they are in groups, and will sometimes travel further from home just to spend time with their friends.
Finally, the study emphasised the importance of access to destinations such as natural spaces, affordable sports and leisure facilities, clubs and places to play.
However, it also showed that litter and vandalism in these areas upsets teenagers – even those who are responsible for it.
There is a feeling among these young people that if no one else is taking care of a place, why should they?
Teenage boy skateboards in Orkney’s newest public space – Papdale Park, Kirkwall. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What can we learn from this?
Active travel infrastructure and placemaking projects need to better engage and support teenagers.
The young people we spoke to were clear – meaningfully involving people their age in the design of public spaces and strategies for addressing ASB will help alleviate all of these issues.
By giving teenagers a seat at the table we will not only improve decision-making, but also serve to ease intergenerational tension.
This will, in turn, boost awareness of what it’s like to be a young person today.
Taking action
Listening and working in partnership to deliver on the needs and aspirations of often overlooked groups, like the young people featured in this research, can help create spaces which work for everyone.
This is essential if we want to successfully deliver inclusive and positive change in our public spaces.
Since the publication of the report, Sustrans have continued to work with APiC to support this important work across Scotland.
For example, the City of Edinburgh Council recently commissioned APiC to consult students at schools in Portobello and Craigmillar to find out their priorities for and barriers to using public space.
This will feed into wider Places for Everyone projects being delivered in these areas, with plans to keep the pupils involved as proposals develop.
Young jogger runs across Stockingfield Bridge – a project which has created a new public greenspace in Glasgow. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
Several information sessions and workshops have been held this year involving Sustrans’ engagement teams and partners, creating a platform to discuss the research and share examples of best practice.
A framework for including children and young people in active travel infrastructure projects is also being created.
This is due to be published and shared in spring 2024.
