Sharp rise in number of people cycling during lockdown
There has been a sharp increase in the number of people cycling during the coronavirus lockdown.
Cycling Scotland, funded by Transport Scotland, said that some areas have seen more than double the number of cyclists since social distancing measures were introduced.
Cycling Scotland has a network of 60 automatic cycle counters across Scotland, with some areas showing more than double the number of cyclists compared to March 2019.
In Dunfermline, Fife, there was an increase of 215%, while at Capelrig Burn in Newton Mearns there was a 121% increase year on year.
Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving said: "Many people are rediscovering cycling during lockdown, for exercise or essential journeys. I hope people continue to cycle when we emerge from this crisis and carry on benefiting from the massive positive impact cycling has on our physical and mental health.
"There are many brilliant organisations offering access to bikes for NHS and other key workers at the moment and we hope this can keep making a difference for people in the weeks to come.''
Transport Scotland reported that travel has fallen from an average of 2.7 to 0.9 trips per person per day, with the number of people travelling by road dropping by two thirds since the start of March 2020.
Kirsty Clift, a care assistant from Bishopbriggs, has been getting to work on an ebike, borrowed from Blackhill On Bikes.
Ms Clift said: "Before the outbreak, I'd normally drive to work. I wouldn't cycle in Glasgow because I'm worried about safety; the roads used to feel too busy and dangerous and I wasn't confident.
"The bike has been fantastic. The quieter roads have given me the confidence boost to ride my bike and you get a bit of exercise in the 20-minute cycle.
"It's good for mental health too - normally in the car I just listen to music but on the bike, it's just you and the wind. It makes you feel better, it's a really nice feeling. I feel more energetic, and more positive.''
The locations of counters showing the biggest increase in people riding bikes are:
- Dunfermline: 215%
- Newton Mearns (Capelrig Burn): 121%
- Dundee (Arbroath Road): 94%
- Livingston: 66%
- Bathgate: 51%
- Denny: 53%
- Kirkcaldy: 30%
- Dumfries (Cargenbridge): 29%
- Dunoon: 17%
- Helensburgh: 16%
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