Public urged to leave car at home after lockdown

● Councils get together to promote active travel as the new normal

Hopes have been raised that an 85% surge in cycling and walking across the northeast can be sustained after lockdown.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils are banding together to encourage people to keep up the healthy habits.

It comes after Aberdeen City Council recently revived plans for a “Boris

Bike”-inspired cycle hire scheme, along the lines of the one the prime minister introduced when London mayor, which would be available in 32 locations.

In Aberdeenshire plans are in place to create an “active travel” corridor alongside the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road to encourage more people to cycle rather than drive.

Aberdeen transport spokeswoman Sandra Macdonald encouraged people to incorporate their new-found behaviour into their daily life.

She said: “Residents really embraced walking and cycling during lockdown and it would be fantastic if this continued as more people return to work and before they go back to old habits.

“Walking, cycling and wheeling where you can is better for your health, wellbeing and bank balance and is also better for everyone’s health with less traffic fumes.

“We’d encourage people to keep up the good habits from lockdown and to think about how they could incorporate continuing to walk, cycle or wheel in their everyday lives whether for work or leisure.”

Councillor Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, added: “So much has changed during lockdown but one of the most heartening aspects is seeing the increase in the number of people of all ages taking the opportunity to go walking and cycling.

“With such an abundance of great active travel routes across the region, I would encourage everyone to get out into the fresh air and enjoy our wonderful scenery this summer.”

Campaigners have urged both councils to stay true to active travel promises.

Tom Collier, of Grampian Cycle Partnership (GCP), urged councils to “maintain momentum”.

He said: “One of the few positives that has come to the fore as we all struggle to cope with the dreadful impact of Covid-19 has been the startling increase in the number of people out walking and cycling. Many bikes have been ‘reclaimed’ from behind junk in the shed or garage.

“We need to ensure that it is both safe and convenient for our communities to be out and about on bikes.”