Cycling Action Plan for Scotland

I participated in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference that took place on the 7th October 2008. As after my research on the cycling Culture in Europe, I was extremely interested to see the current actions that are taking place in Scotland to promote cycling . I found it to be a very interesting event, partly due to the numbers of participants and the level of interest present for improving the quantity and quality of cycling in Scotland.

This conference acted as the next step for CAPS, In order to present information collected during their research initiative which gathered a large source of information, quantitive research and statistics from the Scottish public. This information was presented to the diverse selection of attendees, from MSPs, Councilors, transport officers, to Pro-Cycling groups including Sustrans, Engineers... and me! In general, it brought a large source of information to people who can make a difference, making a small voice, into one a big voice that is heard and can direct action. The conference started with presentations form the key speakers, stated below;

• Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for communities and Sport, The Scottish Government
• Erl Wilkie, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland and CAPS Board chair
• Councillor Ronnie McColl, Health and Well Being spokesperson, COSLA

Then in the afternoon the attendees were split up into group workshops to discuss issues relevant to their sector interest. These workshops included;

• Culture and the individual
• Cycling and the built environment
  
• Methods of changing behaviour
• Targeting/ segmentation
• Prioritisation of effort

There was a short period of time given to discuss these issues, before returning to join larger groups and discuss some further issues. The conference ended with electronic polling and closing talks.

It was a good event, although one that I feel was only the beginning. To get the issue firmly placed in the minds of the individuals that can make a difference. The important thing is to see what happens next and what efforts are put forward to change the attitude of Scots!