SNP plans to get more Scots cycling

Nicola Sturgeon is promising to do more to encourage Scots to get on their bike if the SNP wins next month's Holyrood elections.

The SNP leader wants the country to capitalise on the "huge increases" in the number of people cycling and walking during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of that, she says the SNP will ensure that 10 per cent of the transport capital budget goes on active travel by the end of the next Holyrood term in 2026.

To encourage more youngsters to cycle, her party has also committed to provide free bikes to school children who cannot afford them.

Every child leaving school in Scotland should be able to ride a bike, the SNP has said.

The party is also pledging a scheme of loans and grants to help adults meet the costs of buying or repairing a bike.

Campaigning in Glasgow on Earth Day, Ms Sturgeon will say: "The last few months have given all of us pause for thought about how we get around – and we must capitalise on the huge increases in people trying cleaner, greener and healthier modes of transport and lock in good habits for the future.

"In government, the SNP has significantly increased funding for active travel in recent years, and by the end of the parliament we'll ensure that 10 per cent of the transport capital budget is spent on walking, cycling and wheeling."

The SNP leader will add: "If re-elected we'll provide free bikes for all children of school age who cannot afford them.”