Screening summary
This section summarises the results of the screening exercise which are presented in full in Appendix A. Below is a summary of the screening exercise, drawing out the potential impacts (positive and negative) from the actions within the delivery plan.
Businesses
Overall, actions within the Cycling Framework are expected to have a broadly positive impact on business, by encouraging local journeys to small retailers and the high-street, as opposed to out of town shopping centres, which are more easily accessed by car. Building on the network of long-distance routes which connect to the national cycle network (NCN), and promoting cycling through communication campaigns, will have a positive impact on businesses operating in the tourism sector, while integration with events such as the cycling world championships will further encourage inward investment and opportunities for economic activity. Actions aimed at enabling greater use of cargo-bike deliveries could help to remove barriers to market entry for smaller scale last-mile logistics companies, which could help to grow the sector in a sustainable way. In addition, support for the bicycle industry could help to grow this sector in Scotland.
Some businesses, sectors, markets, products or services may be affected by the infrastructure provision for active travel if, for example, it removes space for other travel modes (adverse effect) or improves access for a wider range of employees and consumers (positive effect). Micro and small businesses may be more vulnerable to any potential adverse effects. Some uncertainty remains around the potential impacts of changes to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) as it is not clear at this stage whether the proposed changes will retain and enhance statutory minimum levels of consultation and engagement. Similarly, if fast-track procurement of land outwith existing legal processes does not include sufficient facility for consultation and engagement with local land owners and businesses, this proposed action could have potentially significant negative impacts. The travel demand management measures set out in the national route map for car km reduction may also have significant impacts on business, depending on how it is delivered, and the role of the cycling framework in supporting this is not clear. More information is therefore needed in order to understand the potential impacts of this large shift in travel behaviour.
Potentially negative impacts on smaller private bus operators are possible if additional requirements are placed upon them. Private bus operators in rural and island communities may or may not have the means to retrofit buses with the required facilities to carry bicycles and so this requires further consideration. Potential reductions in school bus provision as a result of actions within the Cycling Framework could impact on smaller bus operators and coach companies who rely in-part on school bus contracts.
Local Authorities
As statutory roads authorities, Local Authorities are fundamental to the successful delivery of cycle infrastructure and are also key partners in behaviour change activities. Long-term funding arrangements, the removal of barriers to funding and the provision of appropriate resource will provide Local Authorities the capacity needed to fulfil these aspirations.
Consumers
Consumers could potentially benefit from actions aimed at increasing access to bikes, if these measures enable choice and support the retail sector. Schemes delivered though commercial retailers, such as the cycle to work scheme, have been shown to be of economic value to participants and the industry.
Organisations in the third sector
The Cycling Framework lists third sector organisations as lead delivery partners under several actions. Though the impacts of the Cycling Framework on the third sector are difficult to quantify, the capacity for third sector partners to deliver these actions must be considered carefully and resourced proportionately.
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