GETTING AROUND MORAY on a bicycle is on the increase – with the region recording higher than average use of that mode of transport when compared to other parts of Scotland.
That is according to a report published by Cycling Scotland this week, their annual monitoring exercise noting that 1.9% of Moray’s population chose cycling as their main mode of transport.
In the report, which looks at a range of date and stats for both national and local cycling, the top three Council wards in Moray for pedalling to work were Forres at 5.79%, Heldon & Laich at 3.78% and Elgin City North at 3.69%.
More impressive is the number of children who are cycling to school in Moray – found to be 7% against a national average of 5%.
Luke Phillips is Cycling Scotland’s monitoring and development officer. He said: “Cycling Scotland’s Annual Cycling Monitoring Report provides a robust set of data that allows us to create a picture of Scotland’s cycling habits over time.
“Moray has made great strides in encouraging more people to cycle and has great potential to go further with sustained investment in infrastructure, cycle training and other initiatives to encourage and enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling.”
Heldon & Laich councillor John Cowe, who is also chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, added: “I’m pleased there has been an increase in cycling rates in Moray.
“We have recently incorporated a 4.5mile cycle route into the Elgin flood alleviation scheme between the nearby towns of Lhanbryde and Elgin, and have many other formal cycle routes in the area, all of which helps more people to get on their bike and enjoy cycling locally.”
The Annual Cycling Monitoring Report provides insight into national and local cycling trends and statistics across Scotland.
The report presents a national picture covering topics including levels of cycling – particularly cycling to work or study – cycle training, perceptions of cycling, road safety and delivery of cycling projects related to the Scottish Government’s Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2013. Download the Annual Cycling Monitoring Report at www.cyclingscotland.org/policy/monitoring.