An examination of Dundee people’s walking and cycling habits is being welcomed by a senior councilor, who is pledging to improve the situation in the city for the future.
Transport charity Sustrans is publishing the Dundee Walking and Cycling Index, based on a survey carried out last year to capture local people's views on getting around their city by active travel.
It notes that since the last report in 2021: ‘Dundee has made progress in several areas to make walking, wheeling and cycling more accessible to as many people as possible. Exciting projects are being implemented city-wide, to ensure that people from all areas of the city can unlock the benefits of active travel and improved public realm.’
Projects include:
- Stobswell Pocket Places
- Secure Cycle Storage
- Broughty Ferry to Monifieth Active Travel Project
- Start of work on the Bell Street Active Travel Hub
Councillor Steven Rome, Dundee City Council’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener, said: “This latest report shows us that the majority of people in Dundee support more segregated cycle paths, more 20-minute and low-traffic neighbourhoods, increasing space for socialising on the streets, and shifting investment away from roadbuilding and towards more sustainable transport.”
“It also shows us that we have work to do.”
“While Dundee is the ideal size for getting around by active travel, many people feel put off from doing so - especially when it comes to cycling.”
“This barrier is especially pronounced for women and disabled people, and we’re absolutely committed to improving this situation by making our streets safe and accessible for people walking, wheeling and cycling, no matter their age, ability, gender or background.”
“Our Sustainable Transport Delivery Plan makes this commitment clear. It sets out our vision in terms of the active travel infrastructure that we aim to deliver within an ambitious 10-year timeline.”
Councillor Rome also pointed to the development of School Streets Zones at a number of primaries to restrict traffic and increase safety, as well as the expansion of 20mph zones and the enforcement of national pavement parking legislation to illustrate further efforts that are being made locally.
Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said:
“I’d like to thank the people of Dundee who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The Index results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“There is clear evidence that Dundonians want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often and to have generous pavements that are well-maintained and clear of parked cars; they want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.
“The latest Index results show that Dundee City Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
The Walking and Cycling Index is supported by funding from Transport Scotland.
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
