Sustrans Scotland manifesto 2021

The time to act is now.

two people walk and cycle past the Forth Road Bridge between Edinburgh and Fife

We're calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise funding for walking, wheeling and cycling.

a couple on bicycles cycle on a path under a title which reads "Sustrans Scotland manifesto asks for political parties"

Download our 2021 Scotland manifesto

The time to act is now.

We're calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise funding for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Download our full manifesto for the 2021 Scotland elections.

You can also download our summary manifesto.

We're calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise funding and policy for active travel.

We believe our manifesto asks will help to ensure a green and sustainable post-Covid recovery that is fair for all people in Scotland.

They will help to:

tackle climate change
improve health and wellbeing
reduce inequalities
stimulate inclusive economic growth.

The time to explore and consider are over, the time to act is now.

Sustrans Scotland manifesto asks 2021

We're asking political parties to include the following commitments in their manifestos.

These measures will allow more of Scotland to choose to walk, wheel or cycle, making our country a greener, healthier and more inclusive place to live.

1	Continue funding to enable walking, wheeling and cycling and deliver high quality infrastructure.	4	Support safe ways to make healthier, cleaner commutes in cities and towns.
2	Help local authorities create towns and cities that put people first.	5	Make streets around our schools safer and healthier.
3	Link communities with a Scotland-wide active travel highway network.	6	Support making cycling available to everyone.

Creating a happier, healthier society for the people of Scotland

John Lauder, Sustrans Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Scotland said:

"Sustrans’ vision for a Scotland where more people have the choice to walk, wheel or cycle for more of their everyday journeys has never been more relevant.

"The last year has shown us the potential of a society in which everyone is able to walk, wheel or cycle safely in their neighbourhoods.

"Now imagine a society where schools, shops and workplaces are within easy reach.

"Where our towns are accessible, green and vibrant.

"And a sustainable walking, wheeling and cycling network is reliable and affordable for all.

"Scottish Government has talked about creating this kind of society.

"But the ambition has not been matched with the required funding, nor by a national plan to deliver this on the ground and create change at pace.

"This is why we call on the next Scottish Government to deliver ambitious leadership to ensure that sustainable and active travel funding is prioritised in planning and policy decision making."

The time to investigate, consider and explore are over. Ambitious rhetoric is no longer enough. Funding must match ambition. The time to act is now.

John Lauder

Funding and delivery must match the ambition

John continues:

"We want to see the next Scottish Government inspiring and leading local authorities, making it easier for statutory bodies and the communities they serve to change their local areas for the better.

"We want to see health, social and environmental impact being key criteria for transport investment decisions.

"This will ensure a green and sustainable economic recovery that is fair for all people in Scotland.

"Ambitious rhetoric is no longer enough. Funding and delivery must match ambition.

"The time to act is now.”