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Encouraging more active travel has become an important priority for cities as it brings lots of benefits - in terms of improved public health and air quality, increased road safety, better street life, and reduced carbon emissions. The Active Travel Framework introduced by the Scottish Government brings together the key policy approached to improving the public uptake of walking, wheeling and cycling in Scotland by 2030. The following website is a wealth of knowledge, covering policy, projects and funding available to support communities, individuals and businesses to transition to an Active Travel lifestyle. Active Travel by Transport Scotland
Here are some examples of Active Travel community projects you could set up:
Community Bike Pool/E-hire Fleet
Would you like your local community to have easy and affordable access to a bike? There could be a community bike scheme set up for individuals in the community to have access to. The bikes could include cargo bikes, accessible bikes, children's bikes etc. Local examples of these schemes already being successful in the community are:
Hire an e-bike - Ellon, Mintlaw, Peterhead and Fraserburgh
The funding options for such projects are:
Just Transition Participatory Budget
Transport Scotland Active Travel Funding Opportunities
Creating a Pathway Network
Would you like to join up your village, town or urban area to a network pathway? Would you use a car less if there was a dedicated pathway to your nearest shop, doctor or bus route? Creating a path network is a great way to enhance local freedom, promote mental health, outdoor access and active travel. Here are a few links of successful projects within the North-East with links to help with funding for such projects.
Mid Deeside Community Trust - Aboyne Paths and Tracks Group
Local Path Networks and Groups by Aberdeenshire Council
The funding options for such projects are:
Paths for All - Community Paths
Just Transition Participatory Budget
Creating a Green Byway
A green byway is a pathway or route, usually a longer stretch of pathway for public access on foot, wheels or horse. These byways can connect towns, cities and villages, current pathways as well as providing and exploring network to key areas across the country. Some examples of successful byways are the Deeside Way, West Highland Way, Speyside Way and Formartine and Buchan Way. Communities can work in partnership to create new green byways.
The funding options for such projects are:
Paths for All - Community Paths
Just Transition Participatory Budget
Setting up a Biking/Walking/Wheeling Group
Active travel is not just about providing the right infrastructure or equipment, it is also about building people's experience, skills and confidence in walking, wheeling and cycling. A great community project could be set up for training and or regular outings so that people can gain skills, experience and confidence. There are lots of local walking and biking groups. Here are some of the examples:
Deeside Thistle - Cycling Club CC in NE Scotland
Campaign for Active Travel
Getting the right infrastructure and environment for active travel in place can be difficult. You could set up an active travel campaign group and lobby your elected representatives and take part in consultations etc. Here is an example of current local campaigning group and project:
Aberdeen Cycle Forum - Campaigning for Active Travel in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Other Funding Options
Here are some further links to help with other active travel scheme ideas and funding options for your ideas. Please get in touch with us at info@nescan.org as we are here to help with your ideas and funding.
Government Cycle to Work Scheme - Bike 2 Work Scheme
Developing an Active Nation - Transport Scotland
WOW Walk to School Challenge - Living Streets
E-bike loan - Energy Saving Trust
Active Travel Funding Opportunities - Transport Scotland
