South Lanarkshire Council could step up efforts to encourage residents to walk, wheel and cycle as part of a new push to improve health, tackle inequality and reduce climate emissions.
A notice of motion will be presented at a full council meeting on August 26 by councillor Kirsten Robb and seconded by councillor Julia Marrs, calling for active travel to become a key consideration in transport improvement projects across the area.
Concerns over uptake and emissions
The motion highlights concerns around the uptake of walking and cycling locally, while noting that transport is South Lanarkshire’s largest source of area-based climate-changing emissions.
Councillors have also pointed to the physical and mental health benefits of active travel, as well as its potential to reduce inequalities and provide economic and environmental benefits.
The motion warns that the area faces a high risk of transport poverty, with disabled people and single parents facing additional transport challenges. It also identifies maintenance, safety, a lack of information, weather and cultural attitudes as potential barriers preventing people from walking and cycling.
Focus on school journeys and infrastructure
Particular concern has been raised over children travelling to school, with the motion highlighting a national decline in active travel journeys to and from school alongside an increase in the number of children being driven.
If approved, the council would commit to making walking, wheeling and cycling an integral part of future transport-related improvement projects. Existing routes would also be targeted for improvements, with the motion calling for them to be well maintained, well lit and appropriately signed, subject to existing policy and budgets.
The council would also be encouraged to work more closely with organisations including the NHS, third sector groups and local government partners to encourage behavioural change and identify opportunities for infrastructure improvements and external funding.
Communications plan and awards
A communications plan would be developed to promote active travel through council channels, including information on the benefits of walking and cycling, access to routes and bicycles, community opportunities and how residents can report infrastructure problems.
The proposal also includes enrolling a council in the Walk at Work award process and making further progress towards the Cycling Friendly Employer award. Another proposal is to work with partners including Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and third sector organisations to investigate the creation of active travel hubs close to transport hubs in each locality.
Reporting and next steps
A report would then be brought before a relevant council committee or forum by March 31, 2027, setting out best practice in encouraging active travel and reviewing how effective the council’s existing schemes have been in changing people’s behaviour. The council would also be expected to report annually on progress and the impact of the measures.
