Active travel campaigners 'applaud' move by Highland Council to cut Academy Street traffic by 75 per cent
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Active travel campaigners across Inverness have welcomed the move by Highland Council to slash traffic by 75 per cent on Academy Street in favour of walking and cycling.
Pro-cycling groups the Highland Cycle Campaign and Kidical Mass Inverness, applauded the planned changes arguing that by prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over private motor vehicles “will act as a catalyst to turn the city centre into an attractive and vibrant place”.
Emily Williams, from Kidical Mass, believes that the “oversubscribed presentation” at Velocity Café shows the immense support for the new plans, saying: “This has shown there is immense public support for change in our city centre, and we believe that the proposals will revitalise Academy Street transforming it into a vibrant place that is more accessible for many people.”
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Fellow member Sara Ramsey agreed, saying: “There is a real buzz on the High Street and it seems unthinkable it was previously a through road. I am looking forward to seeing the changes in Academy Street and I applaud the support for active travel and the demonstration of commitment to making Inverness a vibrant green city.”
One of the younger members of the group, Beth Ross (13), said: “I’m glad it is changing. I hope it will smell less like fumes and the buses can be more reliable because there is less traffic.”
Highland Cycle Campaign’s John Davidson said: “The development should transform this important area of Inverness into a place where people want to come and spend time – and money – without the fear of up to 9000 vehicles a day crammed into what could be a beautiful city centre.”
What they said in full
Emily Williams, Kidical Mass:
“The walking and cycling community in Inverness has not always made its voice heard, and we are trying to change that.
"We have been encouraging people to attend consultation events, such as the oversubscribed presentation held at Velocity Cafe, give their views on the online portal and to contact their councillors.
"This has shown there is immense public support for change in our city centre, and we believe that the proposals will revitalise Academy Street transforming it into a vibrant place that is more accessible for many people.
"There is an immense body of evidence to show that schemes such as this encourage modal shift, which is vital if Inverness is to achieve its aim of becoming carbon neutral, and also bring economic benefit to businesses.
"We look forward to engaging with the council around proposed measures to address traffic displacement into residential areas.”
Sara Ramsey, Kidical Mass:
“There is a real buzz on High street and it seems unthinkable it was previously a through road. I am looking forward to seeing the changes in Academy Street and I applaud the support for active travel and the demonstration of commitment to making Inverness a vibrant green city.”
Beth Ross (13), Kidical Mass:
“I’m glad it is changing. I hope it will smell less like fumes and the buses can be more reliable because there is less traffic.”
Bridie Barnett, Kidical Mass:
“It takes courage to make significant changes to our city infrastructure and I am grateful for our councillors in making this step in re energising our city centre.”
Hugh Valentine (8), Kidical Mass:
“High street feels quite safe to cycle in, I would like more streets in Inverness to be like that so am pleased things are changing.”
Stuart Hay, Director Living Streets Scotland:
“Living Streets Scotland supports these proposals to improve Inverness city centre – and we are certain that they will reduce air pollution and harmful emissions and encourage more people to walk and cycle. Of course, it’s important to consult with different groups, like disabled people, so that everyone’s needs are met.”
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director, Sustrans Scotland:
‘We’re excited to see the new designs for Academy Street and are looking forward to hearing the views of people living and working in the area.
"By delivering changes which put people first, this project aims to make walking, wheeling, and cycling in Inverness city centre easier and more accessible than ever.
"The consultation will be strengthened by hearing as many voices as possible, so we encourage everyone to share their thoughts."
John Davidson, Convener, Highland Cycle Campaign:
"We're pleased that councillors backed the plan to significantly reduce traffic on Academy Street, which has been listed as one of the most polluted streets in Scotland.
"The development should transform this important area of Inverness into a place where people want to come and spend time - and money - without the fear of up to 9000 vehicles a day crammed into what could be a beautiful city centre.
"It is encouraging to see Highland Council make a decision that, while not universally popular, will improve our city for the people who live here and those who visit from the rest of the Highlands and beyond.
"Academy Street is currently a no-go area for many people who would like to cycle in the city, and walking there isn't a particularly pleasant experience as it is now, either.
"Thanks to this decision, it should become a more welcoming place on bike or on foot, and that can only be good for attracting people into the city.
"We were also pleased to see agreement on the future development of active travel schemes on the Riverside Way and at Raigmore."
