The first ever cycling partnership strategy for the South of Scotland will aim to ensure the region becomes Scotland’s leading cycling destination.
The strategy aims to embed cycling in people’s lives, and ensure it becomes the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032.
The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy has been created by the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership – made up of a range of local and national partners who represent thousands of local people.
The new direction for the region aims to capitalise on the arrival of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, with the south hosting three of the 13 championships.
The strategy has a 10-year timeframe and covers all aspects of cycling in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, which sit under six themes:
- Infrastructure
- Sport, recreation and wellbeing
- Sustainable economy and communities
- Innovation and technology
- Destination development and promotion
- Events
The delivery plan has three distinct timeframes, with immediate opportunities presented by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships… ‘which is expected to attract 1 million spectators and more than 1 billion viewers worldwide, making it one of the top 10 global sporting events.’
Medium term, the strategy aims to see improvements in cycling infrastructure and successful implementation of a range of projects.
Over the long term, the partnership will look to deliver on the region’s net zero commitments and make cycling an inclusive and accessible transport option for everyone living, working and visiting the region.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney said “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland next year give us a real opportunity to further develop cycling in Scotland, whether that be through increased participation in active travel, sport or recreation; improved infrastructure; or support for our tourism industry.
“The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy is a welcome tool that will help to bring all elements of the cycling sector together and have a lasting effect for the region.
“The strategy will also play an important role in helping Scotland reach our climate change target of becoming Net Zero by 2045.”
Craig Burn, Director of Strategy and Policy Impacts of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships added “The South of Scotland has absolutely embraced the wider ambition for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to utilise this unique opportunity to inspire more people to ride bikes and be a catalyst for positive changes before, during and after 2023.
“The launch of the South of Scotland Cycling Strategy is testament to the partners for having the foresight and vision to ensure the power of the bike is positioned as a force for good to support and address key policy priorities such as public health, transport, tourism and the economy.
