Greens Back Shift to Cycling
Mon., November 17, 2008. 14:20.
Scottish Green Party endorses NGO calls for a shift to cycling
The Scottish Green Party today endorsed the call by a Scottish NGO coalition (1) for additional funds for walking and cycling, with money being diverted from the massive road-building budget. Just 1% of Scotland's journeys are by bike, compared to 20% or more in countries like Denmark and Holland. (2)
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
Diverting money from vanity road projects into cycling is exactly the sort of change Greens hope the Government will make. Making it easier and safer for Scots to cycle more will improve people's quality of life, reduce congestion, improve health, and tackle climate change. There's not much that could provide better value for money.
The Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee considered this issue, and the overwhelming message from witnesses commenting on the draft budget was clear - Ministers need to shift resources from the roads budget towards cycling and other active transport if they want to be taken seriously on climate change.
Notes
1. The NGOs in question are Cycling Scotland, Living Streets Scotland, Paths for All Partnership, Ramblers Scotland, Sustrans Scotland & Transform Scotland.
2. See the NGOs' letter, see: http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/GetFile.aspx?ItemId=101
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.