Note:Emphases are all added by SPOKES. Italics means we see this as important, and bold means very important.
When I was appointed Minister for Local Government and Transport at The Scottish Office just less than 3 weeks ago, little did I imagine that one of my first public engagements would be to open this Conference on Cycling in Glasgow today. As one would expect, the transport debate tends to be centred around issues such as urban congestion, the national roads programme, the need for better, more effective public transport systems and pollution from vehicle emissions.
Cycling is often overlooked; at best as a minor, alternative means of transport and, at worst, as alternative. This is, in my opinion, a disastrous perception and which Labour is determined to overturn.
In a society which is becoming ever more dependent upon the use of the car, yet paradoxically and correctly less tolerant of the problems and difficulties this brings with it, I believe it is essential that we begin to encourage and develop means of transport which are not only effective but also fully sustainable. Cycling has an invaluable contribution to make in the development and application of such policies.
I was, therefore, delighted to accept the invitation to open today's conference. It presents a timely and ideal opportunity for me to put cycling and the need for a comprehensive strategy for cycling at the heart of our plans for a coherent, integrated and sustainable transport policy in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.
Obviously our transport problems will not be solved by the promotion of cycling alone. There are so many complex and interlinked factors associated with transport, that to focus on single issues in a narrow manner would fail to get to the bottom of the problem, never mind solving it. We need a clear wide ranging vision if cost effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to our transport difficulties are to be found. Therefore, as the new Minister for Transport in Scotland, I thought it might be helpful if I were to say a few words about some of the Government's wider intentions on transport before returning more specifically to the issue of cycling.
The overriding aim is to develop a balanced, sustainable transport based on choice.
I have long held the view that if we are to encourage people out of their cars and use other modes of transport to make the same journey particularly for urban journeys, these other forms of transport need to be more attractive. In the case of buses, I think this means that journeys need to be undertaken more quickly, more readily, and on better quality vehicles. So, over the coming months, I shall be aiming to encourage planning and transport policies, such as the improved provision and enforcement of bus priority measures in order to meet this objective.
We do need proper roads, constructed and maintained to a high quality for the purposes of accessibility, economy and safety. However, if we are to achieve a balanced transport system we cannot continue to develop a roads infrastructure disproportionate to other options. Our manifesto contained a commitment to a strategic review of the Scottish roads programme. We shall carry this through, in conjunction with my thinking about the other threads of transport policy. Major improvements will need to be compared against the benefits to be had from other transport options so that road developments are only proposed where better, more sustainable solutions are not feasible or available.
It is, I believe, an appropriate time to be looking at transport issues. As most of you will be aware, the consultation period was recently concluded on the previous Government's Transport Green Paper "Keeping Scotland Moving". I am pleased that this Green Paper has opened up the debate and over the next few weeks I shall be looking very closely at the eighty or so detailed responses which we have received and not least those which relate to cycling.
If we, the Government, are to develop a sound, workable transport policy for Scotland, we shall need sufficient time to consider and reflect upon all the responses to that Green Paper. There are many complex and interrelated planning, transport, environmental, organisational and financial issues to be addressed and I hope you will agree that it would be unwise and unhelpful for me to rush headlong into setting out a Scottish transport policy in an ad-hoc and piecemeal fashion after 2 weeks. It is more important that we formulate our policy comprehensively and, therefore, during the next few weeks, I shall be reflecting on the views already expressed and then listening carefully to the views of those at the sharp end including yourselves. On top of this, we need to remember that over the coming months the question of devolution will be a central issue in Scotland. Our transport strategy must be fully consistent with the plans which are ultimately agreed for that major constitutional change. Against this background, it is my aim to be in a position to announce my transport strategy for Scotland by the end of this year.
Returning now to the main issue of today's Conference, I note that cycling is one area of transport policy for which the previous Government set a target. I note this was the only area and in contradiction to its other transport policies. That target was to double the current level of cycling in Scotland by the year 2002 and to double it again by 2012. I think that at the national level this is a realistic target and I believe we should continue to work towards meeting it, but would like to achieve more. I accept that we have a long way to go and particularly bearing in mind the report on Transport and the Environment of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. Given that cycling accounts for less than 2% of trips within the United Kingdom and an even lower level in Scotland, compared for example with 18% in Denmark, I think that if we focus our energies in working together there is every chance that this target can be met and exceeded. Let me mention some of the key hurdles to be overcome, if this is to be achieved.
First and foremost in my opinion is the question of safety. There are, I am sure, many people who are dissuaded from cycling on our roads simply because of the heavy volumes of traffic and the vulnerability they feel in having to compete with a double-decker bus, a 20 tonne truck or simply an inconsiderate motorist. Much can be done by local authorities to enhance cycling on public thoroughfares either through the provision of dedicated cycle tracks, cycle lanes or, at junctions, cycle reservoirs, to ensure that cyclists have a degree of priority and are able to make turns safely and visibly. While I realise the creation of dedicated cycle tracks through an urban environment may often prove difficult, the provision of cycle lanes and reservoirs are relatively low cost solutions which can bring significant benefits to all road users. Not only do cyclists feel more comfortable, but motorists too will be more aware of cyclists and be able to act accordingly.
Another concern in this area relates to the question of ensuring the safety of our children in their journeys to school. While many parents would like their children to make their own way to school, either on foot or by bicycle, they are, nevertheless extremely concerned about their children's safety. This is natural and understandable, particularly in our larger towns and cities where the journey to school may require the crossing of many busy roads. Consequently, many children are driven to school, which in itself tends to create even more traffic congestion, particularly at peak times. If we can encourage parents to allow their children to make their own way to school, there are many benefits to be had.
For example, traffic congestion and pollution will be significantly reduced in the mornings and afternoons when children are dropped off and collected from school. In addition, growing children need plenty of exercise and what better way to achieve this than by walking or cycling to school. However, it is not simply a question of road safety. Parents must be confident that their children are able to get to school on their own without fear of danger or hindrance from others.
Therefore, in following up our manifesto commitment, I shall be looking closely at the development of safer routes to school and encouraging the local authorities to do the same. I am aware that some authorities in Scotland are already formulating ideas and proposals for safer routes to school and I look forward to seeing these in due course.
These are, of course, matters primarily for local authorities as part of their general responsibilities for traffic management and I am encouraged to see so many representatives from local authorities here today. The Government believe that decisions about local transport issues are best taken at a local level. In the case of cycling it is the authorities and the community they serve who are best placed to decide where and when a cycle lane, or other measures for cyclists, are required. Better provisions for cyclists can often be implemented at extremely low cost, especially if they are designed into schemes from the outset of engineering measures rather than an added, "bolt-on" afterthought. In this way significant traffic management improvements can be achieved in a cost effective manner. I should like to see further improvements in the approach to developing traffic systems that have cyclists, pedestrians and buses as the priority. Extra impetus will have been given to many local authorities' efforts on traffic management by the successful passage to the statute book in the last days of the last Parliament of the Road Traffic Reduction Act. This will require Councils to examine their transport strategies and where appropriate bring forward proposals to limit growth or reduce volumes. Cycling initiatives should certainly figure in their appraisals and I am pleased that The Scottish Office has already begun discussing with COSLA the preparation of guidance which we plan to issue to local authorities about how to respond to this new Act. Clearly there is a whole agenda here that I cannot go into today, but we will look at all the options, including congestion charging.
Of course, many Councils already attach a high priority to cycling and I would encourage all authorities to do the same. I propose to continue and build upon the work of the Scottish Cycle Forum and ensure that Scotland continues to play a key part in the development of the National Cycling Strategy. In addition, I should also like to make special mention of the various cycling organisations such as the Strathclyde and Lothian Cycling Campaigns, CTC and SPOKES, who over the years have done a first class job in the promotion and encouragement of cycling throughout Scotland. Whilst we now have a new Labour Government I cannot promise any new additional resources at this point although existing resources can be spent differently. So, much will continue to rest on the shoulders of local authorities and these organisations in the continued pursuit and development of cycling. I look forward to seeing the results of your efforts in this area in the future. The benefits of a conference such as this is that it brings all of the interested parties together and allows experiences to be exchanged and innovative ideas to be developed.
Innovation will, I hope, be one of the principle features of the Scottish Cycle Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to encourage the development of innovative schemes to increase the use of cycling as a mode for local journeys in Scotland. Half a million pounds has been set a side to fund the scheme and to pump prime local projects which are aimed at making cycling more appealing. The closing date for applications for a grant under the Cycle Challenge is the end of National Bike Week on 15 June and I hope that many of you are in the process of finalising your bids. I look forward to announcing the winners later in the year. The Scottish Cycle Challenge was a one year only scheme launched by our predecessors in Government. However, I intend to give it my full support and while it is too early for me to give any firm commitments, it will certainly be appropriate to take stock when the winning projects are in place and then consider whether we might repeat a similar initiative at a future date. In any event we shall certainly want to promote widely any examples of new and good practice which result.
There are of course other, more practical, measures that can be taken to encourage a greater level of cycling. For example, in a fully effective transport system, it is essential that cyclists are able to interchange between rail, bus and car as appropriate and without difficulty. I shall be encouraging bus and rail operators in Scotland to make better provision for the storage and carriage of cycles. I understand there are some innovative schemes in England and Wales and I will be looking to those in Scotland responsible for the provision of public transport to follow that lead.
Another key influence on the use of cycles is the availability of secure storage facilities at the end of the journey. Lack of facilities or old, dilapidated bike sheds can be a real deterrent to people using and leaving their bikes. Storage facilities need to be not only secure and safe but designed to inspire confidence in the user. Also, there needs to be sufficient space for the cycles that are likely to be stored. No one will be encouraged to use their cycle if at the end of the journey there is no where to put it.
Therefore, we need to encourage employers, shopping centres, bus companies, and rail operators to provide better facilities for the storage of cycles. In addition, I also intend to seek local authorities' views on how best these facilities can be planned for and provided throughout the local community in town centres and railway and bus stations.
If cycling targets are to be achieved, there needs to be a shift in culture with bikes once again becoming part of our transport fabric. The appeal of cycling is growing and it is vital that this growth is fostered and developed by continued efforts to make cycling more attractive and appealing. We need to convince the public of the benefits of making short urban journeys by bike and that cycling is a really enjoyable form of recreation. Cycling is environmentally friendly, it does not cause congestion nor pollutes the atmosphere but helps to maintain our own fitness and health.
As someone who shadowed health before the Election I should say that Labour is strongly committed to improving public health and health promotion and cycling is a very important element of this. There is, of course, another form of transport which is also environmentally friendly, does not cause congestion or pollution and is healthy and sustainable. Here I am thinking about walking and this is another mode of travel I would like to develop in Scotland. Walking is well recognised as a leisure pursuit in its own right, especially across much of Scotland's rural areas, but I want to see it thought off as a normal means of transport in urban areas too. In many respects, walking is complementary to cycling and if we can encourage more people to walk rather than just jump into the car for short local journeys, I believe there are real benefits to be had. Local congestion would be reduced but perhaps more importantly, avoiding the use of cars for local journeys will have the benefit of improving the quality of our air. While catalytic converters have made real improvements to vehicle emissions, they have to become fully warm before being properly effective. Short, frequent local journeys do not allow the catalyst to reach its optimum temperature and because of this, the problems caused by emissions during such journeys tend to be particularly significant.
To encourage the development of a proper walking strategy in Scotland, I am considering the establishment of a Scottish Walking Forum. Its role will be similar to the Scottish Cycling Forum and will help to identify and overcome the obstacles to the development of walking as a mode of transport. I would welcome views on such an initiative, who should be represented, the issues it should consider and how it should operate.
In conclusion, I am keen that cycling is developed here in Scotland to its fullest potential. I shall continue to press the case for cycling and ensure that in the development of our transport policy in Scotland, its importance as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport is recognised.
That said, I hope you will appreciate that cycling is but one of the many threads that go together to form our transport strategy in Scotland. If we are to move forward sustainably towards the next millennium, then a fully integrated and co-ordinated transport policy which encompasses all modes of transport needs to be elaborated. It is my intention over the coming months to ensure that such a policy is formulated and delivered for Scotland.
Colleagues on wheels, I am glad it is my first public duty as transport Minister to open a cycling conference. It demonstrates our determination to develop an integrated sustainable transport policy that is not dreamt up behind the wheel of a car! I hope you will all find something here today which will help and enthuse you to continue to promote the development of cycling in Scotland.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|