Paving the way for social distancing

Pedal on Parliament have launched a national online campaign called Space for Distancing, supporting reallocation of road space to allow for safe distancing for people walking and cycling.

The campaign wrote to Michael Matheson, the Scottish Transport Minister, and all party leaders, asking The Scottish Government to urgently set up a scheme modelled on that in New Zealand. The four measures Pedal on Parliament are asking for are: Temporary widening of pavements to allow people to pass each other safely on foot and queue outside shops if they need to (2 metres is much wider than you think). Temporary segregated cycleways along key commuting routes to enable key workers and others to cycle where possible.

Temporary modal filters, closing off vehicular access to residential streets except to emergency services and residents, to discourage speeding, prevent rat-running and allow families to continue to exercise safely outside.

Lower speed limits on key rural roads to create cycle-friendly routes into towns and villages.