Walking and Cycling Strategy

The consultation has now closed.

In 2007, Aberdeenshire Council published its Local Transport Strategy (LTS) outlining the Council’s aspirations to lead by example in the promotion of travel behaviour change and the adoption of more sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling and public transport use.

One of the first daughter documents to emerge on the back of the LTS is the development of a Walking & Cycling Strategy, including Action Plans outlining specific actions and policies that will be implemented to increase levels of walking and cycling throughout the region.

Walking and cycling can deliver many benefits including:

• For Health – Walking and cycling can contribute to the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity experts advise adults have per day and in turn help to increase energy and stamina levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve feelings of wellbeing.
• For the Economy – Not only is walking and cycling cheaper than other forms of transport but they can help to contribute to local economic growth through leisure and tourism. Cycle tourism is particularly important to the Scottish economy, with Visit Scotland estimating a contribution of £85 million per year!
• For the Environment – Walking and cycling can also have positive environmental effects by helping to contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion and pollution.

The first stage in the development of the Strategy includes the preparation of a Summary Strategy and Questionnaire for consultation. The Summary Strategy outlines the main purpose of the Walking and Cycling Strategy and its proposed objectives, while the questionnaire has been developed to investigate current levels of walking and cycling in Aberdeenshire and future opportunities that the Strategy should consider.

Consultation on the Summary Strategy and Questionnaire has now closed. The results from this consultation exercise used to develop a Draft Walking & Cycling Strategy, which will be subject to final consultation in autumn 2008.

If you would like further information on the development of the Walking & Cycling Strategy, please contact us at walkingandcycling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or write to: Walking and Cycling Strategy Consultation, Strategy Unit, Transportation and Infrastructure, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB.