Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson has welcomed Transport Minister Keith Brown’s announcement on how the additional £20m for cycling will be spent over the next two years.

The funding, which was announced as part of the budget, will enhance the Community Links programme run by Sustrans Scotland, which is open to bids from all local authorities across the country for infrastructure projects to promote cycling and walking.

Local authorities like Falkirk Council are being encouraged to look at developing flagship schemes that will make a difference to helping more people to walk and cycle for everyday local journeys.

Commenting, Local MSP and keen cyclist Michael Matheson said:

“This money will provide a significant enhancement to the £58million support the Scottish Government is already offering to local authorities to promote active travel and provides a real opportunity for them to plan ambitiously for the infrastructure improvements needed in their areas.

“I have campaigned vigorously for further support to encourage more people to walk and cycle for everyday local journeys and welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering further infrastructure investment to make cycling a safe and realistic travel choice.

“There is considerable potential for local benefit from Falkirk Council investing in infrastructure in our communities, which is why I am encouraging Falkirk Council to look at developing projects for active travel.

“Scotland’s first cycling summit was a real success that provided local authorities, regional transport partnerships and other bodies involved in active travel an opportunity to discuss what more can be done to deliver on the vision in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland of 10 per cent of journeys by bicycle by 2020 – and this funding will go a long way in supporting that.”