Cycle and walk more through fund

A nationwide push to get more Scots living in poorer areas of the country walking or cycling for everyday journeys has been unveiled.

Ministers have unveiled a £950,000 fund, available to social housing providers and registered social landlords, aimed at supporting active travel within communities.

It will prioritise areas of high deprivation to encourage walking and cycling for more sustainable, daily journeys. As part of the new Social Housing Fund, providers can apply for grants of up to £25,000 for a range of infrastructure proposals, including cycle parking shelters, street furniture such as seating, litter bins, bollards and planters, and improvements to access points and lighting.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is working in partnership with Cycling Scotland, Living Streets Scotland and Sustrans Scotland to provide £950,000 in funding from the Scottish Government.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “This has been designed as a high-impact fund which will provide greater sustainable transport options and offer healthier lifestyle choices within Scottish communities, with a particular focus on improvements in our most deprived areas ...

“This is the first time a range of partners have come together to work directly with housing associations.”