MORE than 60% of cyclists in Scotland said a lack of cycle lanes prevents them from going out on their bike, according to a nation-wide study.
Cycling Scotland, an organisation set up to promote safe cycling across the country, found 35% of the nations residents use a bicycle for transport or leisure, a 30% increase compared to 2017.
But the data showed 61% of cyclists who took part in the survey said a lack of traffic-free cycle routes puts them off cycling more often.
One in five (20%) participants in the research also said they have nowhere to store their bike.
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The number of people citing the environment as a reason why they cycle more often has more than doubled since 2017, rising from 12% to 28% this year.
The study also showed four in 10 (39%) 18 to 24-year-olds are now cycling for everyday journeys compared to 23% four years ago, a rise of 70%.
But parents have shown concern about the safety of their local roads in Scotland for their children.
According to Cycling Scotland’s research, 70% of parents rate their roads negatively for cycling, with one in six (16%) saying that the roads are “extremely unsafe” for young cyclists.
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Keith Irving, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “With 35% of the population cycling for transport or leisure, it’s encouraging to see cycling becoming a much more common way of getting around.”
He said to make cycling in Scotland more accessible, access to bikes and storage – both at home and at in public or work spaces – needs improving.
“We need to reduce vehicle traffic in shopping and residential streets, in line with the welcome Scottish Government commitment to reduce vehicle kilometres by 20% by 2030,” he said.
“To make our roads safer, particularly for children, a network of dedicated cycling lanes, separated from traffic, is the biggest priority. Every journey cycled will make a difference in cutting emissions in a just transition to net zero.”
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