The Scottish document, whilst in many ways impressive and radical, for example in its emphasis on tackling inequality as a route to improved public health, is exceptionally disappointing on linking Transport and Health. Although the importance of physical activity is emphasised, the Green Paper overwhelmingly sees sport as the main avenue for this. Of the six paragraphs (132-137) dealing with physical activity, the first five are entirely on sport, whilst the sixth does mention cycling and walking to school and work, but only after a further mention of "sport and exercise facilities". Sport is again mentioned in many sections of the document, whilst walking and cycling receive virtually no further coverage.
From a very quick look at the English Green Paper, it appears to have a far clearer understanding of the issue, with many sections referring to healthy travel. York City transport policy is included as an example of a council aiming for health and transport policy linkage.
While boosting sport is welcome, the Scottish Paper shows no perception whatsoever of the huge contribution possible through using healthy modes for everyday travel. Outside of school, sport requires spare time, whereas most people already make several journeys daily, giving great potential for increased physical activity through healthy travel. This very disappointing aspect of the Green Paper is sadly in line with our article on Sam Galbraith, Scottish Office Health Minister, in SPOKES 68.
One interesting point in the Scottish document is the proposal for Lottery-funded Healthy Living Centres in deprived areas. There is a significant opportunity here to build on the work of several English towns (such as Liverpool) where cycle centres are being opened, providing use of bikes, maintenance, and advice. The centres could be particularly valuable for people new to cycling, concerned about the expense, and/or find it difficult to keep a bike at home.
The White Paper which results from this public consultation will be hugely influential in future government policy, and it is therefore crucial for members to send in comments emphasising the importance and potential of the linkages between Transport and Health, especially in encouraging more physical exercise.
If at all possible, look at the Green Paper. But even if you can't, send comments by 30 April 1998 to Mrs J Niven, Public Health Policy Unit, Scottish Office, Room 433, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG. Please copy your comments to SPOKES.
Feb 24: Kyoto - Success or Failure? Edinburgh FOE mtg, Southsider, West Richmond Street, 7.30. Dr John Green, who attended the UN climate talks in Kyoto will talk about the outcome and its implications for the future and for Scotland. More details: 0131.225.1119.
March 3/10-12/17-19 practical path-work/clearance/repair/etc at Armadale/Colinton/Breich Village. Details: Scottish Conservation Projects 0131.455.7385.
Members of Spokes weekend-rides group, which organises hostel/bike-bus weekends, also have some shared outings taking bikes by car to a meeting point. There is disagreement about whether such car-assisted rides should be actively promoted by spokes through our mailing. The argument is that Spokes aims to promote cycling as part of a sustainable transport strategy, not solely for its own sake, Several local authorities are concerned about growing motorised country travel due to bike-carrying on cars. Some are now creating car-free areas in National Parks, whilst others even talk of reduced provision of remote cycle routes, to discourage yet more cars! Most members we have consulted do not wish such rides to be actively promoted/advertised by Spokes as an organisation. We welcome additional views from any other members who feel strongly about this - on either side!
New cycling leaflets/maps are being produced for East Lothian and Midlothian. If you have ideas for the East Lothian leaflet (which will update their previous edition) please phone Paul Ince on 01620.827661, the Council Cycle Officer, as soon as possible. For the Midlothian map, phone Peter Hawkins 0131.453.3366.
The Bicycle Association has published a free booklet, Funding Cycle Schemes. It identifies sources of money for route construction and other cycling projects. Copies are available from 01203.553838.
All transactions are between individuals and subject to the usual caution of "buyer beware". SPOKES cannot be held responsible for any misdescription or any dispute that may arise.
Anyone wishing to use this service should e-mail spokes@btinternet.com. This service is free though we hope that successful sellers might send a donation!
SPOKES reserves the right to refuse adverts without giving any reason.
The report is said to be free from the Dept. of Environment and Transport at 0171.271.5026, but this appears to be primarily a fax number. The report is also on the Internet, but we do not yet have the address - trying searching for SACTRA and/or DETR.
We understand the DETR has also issued guidance to English Local Authorities on how to implement the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. This may well be available on the DETR Web Site. The Scottish Office is due to issue guidelines for councils north of the Border - but these, of course, are not out yet!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|