Active Travel: Sustrans Modelling

Seamus Logan, the Scottish National Party MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, about the potential role of Sustrans' tool for modelling and forecasting cycling levels in the promotion of active travel. In response, Lightwood acknowledged that as the executive agency responsible for walking, wheeling and cycling, Active Travel England is investigating how to improve the modelling and forecasting of cycling levels to ensure appropriate investment. He stated that he has asked Active Travel England's officers to meet with Sustrans colleagues to discuss the potential benefits of their tool. Seamus Logan followed up by highlighting the issue with the cycle to work scheme, which cannot be used by people earning less than £17,000 per year. He noted that this contributes to the fact that only 30% of people on lower incomes have access to a cycle, compared to 59% of people on higher incomes. Logan mentioned various solutions, including Sustrans' suggestion of a voucher giving 40% off the cost of a bike, and asked the Minister if he could do anything to address this unfair situation and help national governments support people on lower incomes who would like to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme. Lightwood acknowledged the problems with the scheme and stated that he will work closely with Treasury colleagues on this matter. He also mentioned that he was delighted to attend the launch of the Sustrans report in the Palace a couple of weeks ago and that he will pay careful attention to its recommendations.