Report says that walking, wheeling and cycling in Inverness takes up to 16,000 cars off the road each day
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A new report claims that walking, cycling and wheeling in Inverness takes up to 16,000 cars off the road every day.
Described as the UK’s most comprehensive assessment of active travel in cities, the study says those non-motorised forms of transport save 3,300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year in and around Inverness.
It also claims walking, cycling and wheeling prevents 202 serious long-term health conditions and brings £58.5 million in economic benefit for individuals and the region.
Led by Sustrans, the UK’s active travel charity, and supported by funding from Transport Scotland, the Inverness Walking and Cycling Index – formerly known as Bike Life – also highlights what the ill-effects would be if there was no walking, cycling or wheeling in the area.
It shows that 12,000 return walking and wheeling trips are made daily in the city by people who could have used a car.
If these cars were to form a traffic jam, it would tail back 36 miles – the equivalent of a distance from Inverness to beyond Fort Augustus.
City leader, councillor Ian Brown said: “This latest Walking and Cycling Index reports that 49 per cent of our residents walk or wheel, and nine per cent cycle, on five or more days a week.
“It also shows over a third of residents would like to use public transport more, while almost a third would like to drive less.
“There is also a clear appetite for improvements.
“Residents want more services and amenities within walking and wheeling distance. 66 per cent support the creation of low traffic neighbourhoods, 73 per cent think that wider pavements would help them walk or wheel more, 64 per cent support the creation of segregated cycle paths alongside roads, and 61 per cent agree that more space for socialising, walking, wheeling and cycling would improve their local area.
“We are steadily delivering on this vision with key projects in Inverness already completed, including the Raigmore Active Travel Link and more underway, such as the transformational riverside works linking Ness Walk with Bught Park.
“The report’s findings will help us with future planning and decision-making to ensure that we are in the strongest possible position to create a bigger, better, safer and more cohesive walking, wheeling and cycling network in Inverness.”
Karen McGregor, director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Inverness who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index.
“The Index results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“There is clear evidence that residents in the city want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often and to have generous pavements that are well-maintained and clear of parked cars.
“They want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings and they want more investment in public transport.
“The latest Index results show that The Highland Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
A number of Inverness residents took part in a launch event for the report which was held earlier today at the Spectrum Centre.
Cycling champion Joolz said: “I had never cycled before but a friend convinced me to give it a go during lockdown.
“He fixed up my bike to make it more comfortable, and rides with Breeze and Velocity Café helped me build my confidence on the road.
“I immediately loved the freedom of cycling, and I stopped taking my car for short journeys. Now I’m a cycle trainer!
“I think we need more joined up cycle paths away from traffic, to help people gain confidence and cycle more – if I can do it, anyone can.”
E-bike advocate Judith added: “I suffered central vision loss a few years ago, which meant I was no longer able to drive.
“I’d always been a social cyclist so I went to my local bike shop and bought an e-bike. I can honestly say it has transformed my life.
“My e-bike has given me back a sense of independence.”
Emily Williams, Inverness’s Bicycle Mayor, reacted: “As Scotland’s first Bicycle Mayor, I want to be a strong voice for cycling in Inverness and to create positive representation of cycling as being for everyone.
“With better infrastructure, the journey from beginner to everyday cyclist would be so much easier.”
