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Spokes view on Scottish Budget 2013/14

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    Yet another detailed analysis of reasons why the Scottish Government needs to change some of its policies (and spend more money on 'cycling') just to meet the targets outlined by other policies.

    http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/2012/08/scottish-budget-201314

    It's write to MSPs time again.

    Or hope that when Keith Brown has his quick word with Chris Hoy he'll finally get 'the message'.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  2. Roibeard
    Member

    Jim Eadie forwarded a letter he and Alison Johnstone have sent to Keith Brown on behalf of the Cross Party Group on Cycling.

    This points out (again!) that the Cycle Action Plan for Scotland is unlikely to meet the 2020 target.

    The final point was:

    Overall, there were a number of organisations and representatives who felt that the CAPS needed to be more of an evidenced plan to get us to the 10% target, with the funding to match.

    Some of our MSPs may only require encouragement...

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #
  3. SRD
    Moderator

    It's a good letter isn't it? We're hoping to get it up on the POp website shortly.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  4. chdot
    Admin

    Just been sent letter too.

    "
    Dear Minister for Transport,
    As you will know, there has been a recent surge of interest in cycling in all its forms
    and I know that there is a strong desire from the cycling community to see the
    Scottish Government's target being met, with 10% of journeys made by bike in 2020.
    The Cross Party Group on Cycling met in June and our main discussion was on the
    refresh of the Cycle Action Plan for Scotland. I have attached a list of the members
    of the CPG
    The group asked me to send a summary of key points to you as a contribution to the
    CAPS process. There is significant concern from across cycling groups that the
    current plan, while it has many positive features, is unlikely to be enough to achieve
    the 2020 target.
    Some of our member organisations have submitted views to you individually, but
    here are the overarching points discussed by the CPG.
    � The CAPS would benefit from interim targets. As with Scotland's carbon
    targets, this would give an indication of the trajectory we are on and the
    impact and merit of different policies.
    � The CAPS would be stronger with numbers or targets attached to the stated
    aim of increasing the number of 20mph streets, and to the aim of increasing
    the number of children receiving on-road cycle training. Xhe Scottish
    Parliament voted unanimously in March in favour of a target of 100% of
    school children being able to access on-road training by 2015.
    � More organisations could be brought on board and given a sense of
    ownership of the CAPS. There are clear opportunities for alignment with the
    National Walking Strategy and a clear relationship with the National Cycling
    Interest Group.
    � The issue of strict liability could be key in addressing road safety fears, and it
    was felt that work on this area could be sped up.
    � Local authorities would benefit from greater incentives to play their part in
    delivering the plan and committing their own funding to cycling improvements.
    It is clear that there are leaders and laggards among Scottish councils and
    more should be done to address this mixed picture.
    o Cycling targets could be included in local delivery targets
    o CAPS could require every council to have a dedicated cycle officer
    o In terms of political leadership, the Minister could convene a regular
    meeting of the 32 councillors with portfolio responsibility for transport to
    monitor and encourage progress.
    � The existing design guideline documents for cycle infrastructure would benefit
    from peer review and input from successful cycle friendly countries. The
    Danish and Dutch Cycle Embassies exist for this purpose. More could be
    done to ensure that every time roadworks are required for utilities or other
    work, cycle infrastructure is improved on streets and at junctions.
    � The target for 2010/11 of 8 businesses benefitting from loans for cycle friendly
    infrastructure such as bike parking and showers does not reflect the scale of
    the change needed and could be far more ambitious in future years.
    � Overall, there were a number of organisations and representatives who felt
    that the CAPS needed to be more of an evidenced plan to get us to the 10%
    target, with the funding to match. Each action in the plan should be assessed
    for the expected level of difference it will make, based on experience and
    evidence from elsewhere in the UK and other countries.
    I hope this is a useful contribution and we look forward to your comments and seeing
    the refreshed plan for action.
    Yours sincerely,
    Alison Johnstone MSP and Jim Eadie MSP
    Co-convenors
    Cross Party Group on Cycling

    Posted 12 years ago #
  5. chdot
    Admin

    Almost started new thread, but think this is the best place.

    More road spending -

    "
    Transport Scotland (@transcotland)

    27/08/2012 10:13

    NEWS: Ground investigations for A77 scheme get underway

    http://bit.ly/PgdU8C

    "

    Inc. -

    "
    The A77 Symington and Bogend Toll Improvements scheme will improve safety by introducing flyover junctions and removing the need for right hand turns across this busy road.
    "

    Posted 12 years ago #

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