Options
Option 1: Do Nothing
Cycling by Design is not implemented, and there is no change to the current design guidance.
Benefits
Land purchase / negotiations for infrastructure improvement projects will be marginally smaller in comparison with the revised guidance.
Local authorities and developers will not be required to implement Cycling by Design on any project they undertake, and may choose to adopt their own local development guidelines, potentially saving funding for other priorities.
Designers will continue to use existing guidance without having to familiarise themselves with the revised guidance and will not need to identify the impacts of applying the revised guidance for ongoing or new projects.
Costs
No additional costs. Designers will continue to use existing Cycling by Design guidance.
Option 2: Implement Cycling by Design
Refreshed Cycling by Design guidance is implemented as planned.
Benefits
As a result of the revised guidance being implemented, it is hoped that there will be an improvement in the quality of cycling infrastructure throughout Scotland. This, in turn, will offer an attractive, healthy alternative to private motor cars for everyday journeys. In particular, it is hoped the new infrastructure will attract new or vulnerable users to take up active modes of travel.
The revised guidance will directly be applicable to all roads and locations, including urban, suburban and rural locations as well as trunk roads.
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. The guidance will provide designers with the information they need to make good design decisions and to prepare solutions which are appropriate for each specific situation.
The guidance supports the integration of cycling with people walking and wheeling in a holistic and attractive environment, so that designs can facilitate the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Travel Hierarchy and contribute positively to the following such as the National Transport Strategy 2, the Climate Change Plan 2018 – 2032 - update and the Low Emission Zones Regulations.
Costs
Although there is potential for a general increase in the cost of Transport Scotland trunk road schemes due to the potential increase in land take required to facilitate the increased path widths, it is impossible to give an exact figure. As such, the definitive cost can only be assessed on a scheme-by-scheme basis.
Local Authorities have indicated that were Cycling by Design to be used as a requirement of scheme funding, they would experience additional costs to their projects. However this will also be assessed on a scheme-by-scheme basis.
Transport Scotland is committed to supporting, delivering and allocating funding to partner organisations in Scotland such as Sustrans, Cycling Scotland, Living Streets and local authorities to deliver the Active Travel vision underpinned by the Active Travel Framework.
Implementation of the revised Cycling by Design guidance will be a requirement of the grant funding issued by the Bus, Accessibility & Active Travel Directorate.