30% increases in cycling across Scotland

Scotland’s cycling revolution is in full swing, with national cycle counter data revealing a remarkable surge in two-wheeled journeys. Across 14 locations, there have been increases of over 30% in summer 2024 compared to summer 2023, underscoring the impact of targeted investments in cycling infrastructure. Among the highlights is a staggering 100% increase recorded at a site in Stirling, signaling a major cultural shift toward sustainable transport.

This trend spans a diverse range of urban and rural areas, including Aberdeenshire, Angus, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, and West Dunbartonshire. These regions have become the testing ground for transformative projects designed to make cycling safer, easier, and more accessible, and the results are undeniable.

Take Airthrey Road in Stirling, for example. Nestled along the Stirling Station-to-University cycling network, which is still under development, this route saw its summer cycling numbers soar. From June to August 2024, 10,926 people cycled southbound—a dramatic jump from the 5,295 recorded in the same period last year. This doubling of journeys paints a clear picture: when you build the infrastructure, people will use it.

Edinburgh, too, is riding high on the momentum of its cycling boom. At Picardy Place, where the Leith Walk and City Centre West-East Link cycling routes meet, journeys have risen by 31% year-on-year. Even more impressive is the 169% growth recorded at Gilmerton Road and The Pillars Path in the city’s south. This junction, now connecting two cycle routes, is a shining example of how connectivity fuels adoption.

Meanwhile, in the northwest of Glasgow, the Stockingfield Bridge on the Forth and Clyde Canal route has become another success story. A 39% year-on-year increase in journeys proves that strategic investments pay off. And Glasgow’s South City Way—a flagship cycling route connecting the city’s south to its center—has achieved a cycling modal share of 13%, a testament to what can be achieved with bold, visionary planning.

These numbers are more than statistics; they represent a growing movement. Safer, well-connected cycling infrastructure is reshaping how Scots navigate their cities and towns. It’s cutting carbon emissions, improving public health, and making urban areas more livable. Each journey tells a story—of a commuter skipping the traffic, a parent riding with their child, or a student zipping to class. These are not just isolated victories but stepping stones toward a greener, more sustainable future.

As more cities and regions follow this blueprint, the ripple effects will be profound. Scotland is proving that with the right infrastructure, cycling can move from the fringes to the forefront, transforming not just how we travel but how we live. The road ahead is paved with opportunity—and for Scotland, it seems the best is yet to come.

source :

https://cycling.scot/news-and-blog/article/30-percent-increases-in-cycling-across-scotland#