Call for more road space for bikes

Mar 21 2012

A charity is calling for more space for cyclists on Scotland's roads in a bid to improve safety.

Sustrans Scotland, which promotes sustainable modes of transport, will highlight work that is already taking place in Glasgow to introduce two-lane cycle paths on main roads, at a summit on road safety.

The cycle safety summit, to be held in Edinburgh, will be chaired by Transport Minister Keith Brown. It was convened by Mr Brown after 40-year-old Bryan Simons became the fourth cycling death in Edinburgh in a year, when he was killed earlier this month.

The meeting brings together Transport Scotland, local authorities, the emergency services and safety and cycling campaigners.

Sustran Scotland national director John Lauder said: "Cycling is a great way to get Scotland fitter and healthier, while allowing people to save money while getting around. However, many people are put off using their bike for regular journeys as they feel our roads are unsafe.

"Scotland needs to employ a can-do attitude to main roads in our towns and cities if we are going to make cycling safer on our roads."

The charity is also calling for 20mph limits to be introduced on residential roads across Scotland.

Meanwhile the Green Party has set out three areas where it wants the Scottish Government to take further action, including urban speed limits, school cycle training, and a rolling programme to improve road design for cyclists.

The Greens are also calling for immediate action by Mr Brown to identify and redesign the 50 worst road junctions in Scotland for cyclists.

Lothians Green MSP Alison Johnstone said: "I think we need to have a review of urban speed limits, with top priority given to the interests of pedestrians and cyclists. I also want to see every Scottish school able to provide cycle training, and every council able to invest in better road design."