The Role of Cycling in Achieving Scotland’s Sustainable Development Goals

Cycling is more than just a mode of transport or a recreational activity in Scotland-it is a pivotal force in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable development. As Scotland works towards ambitious climate, health, and social equity targets, cycling stands out as a practical, inclusive, and transformative solution. This article explores how cycling contributes to Scotland’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on fitness, public health, and environmental impact.

Introduction
Scotland’s vision for a sustainable future is rooted in the principles of active travel, with cycling at its core. The Scottish Government’s Cycling Action Plan and subsequent frameworks set ambitious targets: by 2030, the aim is for walking, wheeling, and cycling to become the most popular choices for short journeys. These goals are not just about reducing emissions-they are about creating healthier, more connected, and equitable communities.

The Policy Landscape: Cycling and Scotland’s SDGs
Scotland’s Commitment to Active Travel

• The Scottish Government has consistently prioritized cycling through strategic investments and policy frameworks. The Cycling Action Plan for Scotland and the Cycling Framework for Active Travel outline clear actions, including infrastructure investment, safety improvements, and behavioral change initiatives.
• In 2023-24 alone, over £165 million was invested in active travel infrastructure, delivering more than 115 km of new and upgraded cycling routes and over 140 new or improved crossings.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Cycling directly supports several SDGs, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Cycling and Fitness: A Dual Benefit

Health and Fitness Advantages
Regular cycling is a cornerstone of physical fitness and disease prevention:

• Low-impact exercise: Cycling causes less strain and injury than many other forms of exercise, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
• Cardiovascular health: Just 2-4 hours of cycling per week can significantly improve heart health, muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility.
• Mental well-being: Cycling reduces stress, improves mood, and can help combat mental health challenges.
• Weight management: It helps decrease body fat levels and supports weight control, a critical factor in tackling obesity and related diseases.

Cycling as Everyday Fitness
Cycling seamlessly integrates fitness into daily routines. Commuting by bike or running errands replaces sedentary time with active movement, making it a time-efficient way to stay healthy. The fun and adventure associated with cycling also increase the likelihood of long-term adherence compared to more conventional indoor exercises.

Environmental Impact: Cycling and Climate Action

Reducing Carbon Emissions
Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland, accounting for 26% of the total in 2021. Cycling offers a direct, scalable solution:

• If every journey under three miles in Scotland was made by active travel (walking, wheeling, or cycling), it would cut 23-28% of car emissions.
• Even swapping 40% of short car journeys for active travel would reduce car emissions by nearly 10%.
• In 2023, cycling in Scottish cities saved 31,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually-the equivalent of 41,000 people flying from Edinburgh to New York.

Improving Air Quality
Cycling also reduces air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates. In 2023, cycling in Scotland’s indexed cities saved 59,000 kg of NOx and 8,800 kg of particulates annually. Cleaner air directly benefits public health and urban livability.

Social Inclusion and Community Well-being

Accessibility and Equity
Cycling infrastructure supports social inclusion by:

• Providing affordable, independent mobility for people without access to cars.
• Improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, and healthy food, especially in disadvantaged communities.
• Creating safer, more attractive public spaces that encourage community interaction and cohesion.

Children and Young People
Cycling is particularly impactful for Scotland’s youth:

• Children in Scotland make 45.4 million cycling trips annually, with 49% of these for recreation and 17% for commuting to school.
• Safe and accessible cycling routes empower young people to travel independently, fostering confidence and lifelong healthy habits.

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Cycling Growth

Recent Investments and Outcomes

• Over 950 infrastructure interventions were delivered in 2023-24, including new cycleways, crossings, and safer junctions.
• Major projects like Glasgow’s South City Way and Edinburgh’s City Centre West to East Link have seen cycling journeys increase by 46% and 83% respectively in 2024 compared to 2023.
• The National Cycle Network in Scotland now covers approximately 1,926 miles, connecting communities and supporting both long-distance and everyday journeys.

Key Cycling Infrastructure Achievements (2023-24)
Infrastructure investment
£165 million

New/upgraded infrastructure
115 km

New/improved crossings
140+

Safer junctions delivered
40+

Increase in cycling journeys (Edinburgh)
83% year-on-year

Increase in cycling journeys (Glasgow)
46% year-on-year

Challenges and Opportunities

Barriers to Cycling
Despite progress, challenges remain:

• Perceptions of safety, especially on roads with heavy traffic, deter many potential cyclists.
• Infrastructure gaps and inconsistent standards can limit access, particularly in rural or deprived areas.
• Cultural and behavioral change is needed to make cycling a natural choice for more people.

​Policy and Community Initiatives

• The Scottish Government’s ongoing investment and the Cycling Framework for Active Travel aim to address these barriers through comprehensive planning, community engagement, and targeted support for those who would benefit most from cycling.
• Public bike-sharing systems, cycling training programs, and integration with public transport networks are expanding access and convenience.

​Conclusion: Cycling as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development
Cycling is a linchpin in Scotland’s journey towards sustainable development. It delivers measurable benefits for health, fitness, climate, and social equity. The statistics speak for themselves:

• Cycling in Scottish cities saves 31,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.
• Infrastructure investment has led to double-digit increases in cycling journeys in major cities.
• Nearly half of children’s cycling trips are for fun and recreation, supporting lifelong health and well-being.

As Scotland continues to invest in infrastructure and promote active travel, cycling will play an ever more central role in achieving the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The future is clear: more people cycling, healthier communities, and a greener, fairer Scotland for all.