Foreword

I am pleased to present this newly updated version of Cycling by Design which meets a Scottish Government commitment to continue to develop and improve our guidance for the design of cycling infrastructure in Scotland.

Cycling by Design was first published in 1999 with the aim of giving clear guidance to enable designers to provide cycle infrastructure that was truly fit for purpose for all users.

The update to the guidance in 2021 represented a significant development of the document, reflecting major changes in technical advice and best practice in the intervening years.

Since then, we have continued to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including the Cycling by Design Steering Group who have provided feedback and challenge on our approach and I would like to put on record my thanks to all those who contributed.

The evolution of this document has been informed by research and engagement to optimise accessibility for cycle users and pedestrians of all abilities. The guidance within supports the National Transport Strategy, by following the sustainable transport hierarchy making cycling a safe and accessible transport option to a much wider range of people.

The newly updated guidance will enable roads authorities to make context-sensitive decisions, to maximise opportunities within the transport network and confidently plan infrastructure that enables more people to safely make more of their daily journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport

I commend this revised and updated Cycling by Design guidance to all local authorities, regional transport partnerships and supporting agencies. This revised guidance is now directly applicable to all roads and locations, including urban, suburban and rural locations as well as trunk roads.

This high quality, user-focussed design guidance will support local authorities and developers to provide cycling infrastructure to support the growth in cycling, and active travel more widely, and sustain the continued growth of our local communities and economies. This guidance provides clear direction to enable designers to provide cycle infrastructure which is fit for purpose for all users.

It is intended that this guidance will remain a living document and I encourage all local authorities and SCOTS members to provide feedback on the guidance to enable further refinement to benefit all of our communities across Scotland.

Ewan Wallace, Chair, Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS)

Since the last publication of Cycling by Design in 2021, Scotland has made considerable progress in giving more people the confidence and opportunity to travel by bicycle for their everyday journeys.

New, high-quality cycling routes in our villages, towns and cities are making it easier and safer to reach workplaces, schools, shops, and local services. Many of these projects are also delivering more inclusive places and fairer transport choices by improving conditions for walking and wheeling, while strengthening connections to public transport.

As active travel infrastructure has expanded, and delivery accelerated the evidence of impact has continued to grow.

Supporting more people to travel by cycling is driving positive change in our communities—enhancing individual wellbeing, strengthening social connections, reducing environmental impacts, and delivering economic benefits.

At the same time, attitudes towards active travel have continued to progressively shift across national and local government, planning, and delivery. The Sustainable Travel Hierarchy is understood and applied by decision-makers, helping to guide more effective and impactful projects.

Cycling by Design has, therefore, rightly become the go-to guidance for everyone aiming to improve the conditions for cycling in Scotland. Transport Scotland has revised this practical guidance to respond to feedback and reflect research to help reduce potential conflict between active modes within scheme design.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust supports and commends the renewed publication of this guidance to fellow professionals in Scotland. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with you to make active choices the first, and best, option for short everyday journeys.

Fiona MacLeod, Scotland Director, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust