Making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle

Transport Scotland has published the Active Travel Infrastructure Investment Report for 2023-24. It demonstrates that infrastructure investment exceeded £165 million in 2023-24 and delivered a range of high quality and safe walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across Scotland.

The report shows that across 2023-24:

• Over £165m was invested across nine funding streams.
• Over 950 infrastructure interventions were delivered.
• Over 115km of new and upgraded infrastructure was supported.
• More than 140 new or improved pedestrian and cyclist crossings were created.
• Over 40 safer junctions were delivered.

The report follows soon after the publication of new data from Cycling Scotland which shows that investment in landmark cycle routes are delivering a record share of journeys by bike in Scotland. Glasgow’s South City Way has seen a 46% increase in cycling journeys in 2024 compared to 2023. Edinburgh’s City Centre West to East Link has seen an 83% increase in cycling journeys in 2024 compared to 2023.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport announced publication of the report while visiting the soon to be completed A807 Active Travel Route in East Dunbartonshire, ahead of the Scottish Government Travelling Cabinet meeting in Kirkintilloch. The scheme has been supported by £550,000 funding through the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.

Welcoming publication of the new report, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:

“Our latest publication demonstrates how the Scottish Government’s significant investment in active travel infrastructure is making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle across Scotland.

“Towns and cities around the world, and here in Scotland, know that where we build safe, high quality infrastructure, more people will choose to walk and cycle. In 2023-24 alone, infrastructure funding helped deliver more than 115km of new and upgraded active travel routes across Scotland and I’m delighted to see this continue here in East Dunbartonshire with another transformative route soon to be completed.

“It’s not just the length or number of routes that’s important – it’s about what this means for people and communities right across the country. It’s about delivering safer, fun and independent routes to school for our young people. It’s more people living healthier lives, more people saving money and more people leaving their car at home and reducing emissions for our climate.

“To support the continued ambitions of our local authorities – and to keep making walking, wheeling and cycling easier for shorter everyday journeys – in 2025-26 the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport.”