The Scottish government has reallocated £10m to fund pop-up walking and cycling routes or temporary improvements to existing routes to better enable social distancing in urban areas.
This will be supported by a package of guidance and support to local authorities from Transport Scotland and Sustrans Scotland for improvements such as widened pavements and cycle lanes.
The announcement comes as cities across the world experience increased rates of cycling and fewer car journeys as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Transport Scotland and Sustrans Scotland said up to £10m is being reallocated from the annual ‘Places for Everyone’ active travel infrastructure budget to deliver the new ‘Spaces for People’ initiative.
Following a statement to the Scottish Parliament confirming the measures, Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: “I’m pleased we are able to put forward a package of support for our local authorities to implement temporary active travel measures, helping to ensure that people can walk, cycle and wheel during this public health emergency whilst physically distancing and keeping safe from traffic.”
No match funding from local authorities will be required for the scheme and previously committed projects will continue to be supported.
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