Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes - Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 - 2015: Second Interim Report
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Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014 Route Opening, Alva to Tillicoultry, May 2014 © Stuart Nicol Photography 2014.
About Sustrans Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and inevitable. We’re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. We work with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people are able to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk Sustrans Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5EZ © Sustrans 2014 Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales) SC039263 (Scotland) VAT Registration No. 416740656 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 1 2014
Table of contents 1 Introduction and Background ...................................................................................................... 1 2 Overview of Key Outcomes .......................................................................................................... 2 3 KPI 1: Increased levels of walking and cycling ............................................................................. 3 3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Expansion of NCN ................................................................................................................ 3 3.3 Annual usage estimate (AUE) - NCN .................................................................................... 4 3.4 Annual usage estimates - site specific (NCN, Community Links, Connect2) ......................... 5 3.5 Increases in walking and cycling at West Barns, East Lothian .............................................. 8 3.6 Automatic cycle counters data.............................................................................................. 8 3.7 Make your move Kirkcaldy .................................................................................................. 10 4 KPI 2: Increased levels of ‘purposeful trips’ made by walking and cycling ................................ 11 4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 11 4.2 Breakdown of journey types on the NCN ............................................................................ 12 4.3 Pedestrian and cyclist comparison ..................................................................................... 12 4.4 Number of ‘purposeful trips’ at specific NCN sites and Community Links projects ............ 13 4.5 Travel to school .................................................................................................................. 15 4.5.1 Hands up Scotland ...................................................................................................... 15 4.5.2 I Bike ............................................................................................................................ 16 4.6 Case Study: Increased usage for school trips at Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie ........................ 18 4.7 Evidence for increased commuting: Edinburgh count data ................................................. 18 4.7.1 Steadfastgate manual count ........................................................................................ 18 4.7.2 North Edinburgh Access counter ................................................................................. 19 5 KPI 3: Increased levels of attainment of recommended physical activity levels through walking and cycling........................................................................................................................................ 21 5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 21 5.2 Physical activity levels - RUIS ............................................................................................. 21 5.3 The impact of routes on increasing levels of physical activity ............................................. 22 5.4 Breasclete Community - Feedback ..................................................................................... 23 5.5 E-bikes, Cairngorms National Park ..................................................................................... 24 5.6 Kirkcaldy Challenge ............................................................................................................ 25 6 KPI 4: Improved community cohesion and liveability ................................................................. 26 6.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 26 6.2 Breasclete Community Path – Feedback Survey ................................................................ 26 6.3 Beneficiary feedback - Kirkcaldy ........................................................................................ 27 6.4 Volunteer support - Kirkcaldy ............................................................................................. 28 6.5 I Bike ................................................................................................................................... 28 6.6 Dumfries Street Design ....................................................................................................... 29 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2 2014
7 KPI 5: Reductions in incidence of KSI, and perception of level of risk ....................................... 30 7.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 30 7.2 NCN/Community Links ....................................................................................................... 30 7.3 Street Design Sinclairtown .................................................................................................. 31 7.4 City of Edinburgh Council Workplace Travel Survey ........................................................... 32 7.5 I Bike ................................................................................................................................... 33 7.6 Waterloo Street, Glasgow ................................................................................................... 33 7.7 Community Links Breasclete .............................................................................................. 34 7.8 Transport Scotland – Reported Road Casualties ................................................................ 35 8 KPI 6: Economic benefits ........................................................................................................... 36 8.1 Benefit to cost ratio (BCR) of Community Links projects .................................................... 36 8.2 Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ........................................................................... 36 8.3 Jobs sustained through Community Links projects ............................................................ 37 8.4 Tourism ............................................................................................................................... 38 8.5 Tourism on the NCN and links ............................................................................................ 39 8.6 Estimated benefits of active travel on the NCN ................................................................... 39 9 Next Steps ................................................................................................................................. 40 Appendix One – Methodology........................................................................................................... 41 Appendix Two – Survey Dates .......................................................................................................... 51 Multiple iterations sites .............................................................................................................. 51 Single iteration sites ................................................................................................................... 52 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 3 2014
Report Summary Usage of the National Cycle Network (NCN) in Scotland increased by 7% between 2012 and 2013 2012 2013 48 Total97 million 51 Total104 million trips on the NCN trips on the NCN 49 53 17.1 % of those surveyed 68.9 km £298 million of traffic-free and the indicitive value of on the NCN were on-road NCN routes leisure cycling and cycle commuting were built/upgraded/ tourism on the NCN redesignated between December 2012 and December 2013 The estimated health The benefits of walking and potential cycling on the NCN saving of journeys on the NCN has increased from 50.4% of pupils £66 £44 who took part million million 54,586 tonnes 64,121 tonnes in the Hands in 2012 Up Scotland in 2013 survey said they travelled to school actively 16.3:1 Benefit to cost ratio Over half of users for Community surveyed on the NCN meet the minimum Links project in 20.8 FTE jobs sustained physical activity guideline West Barns, East requirements of: through Community Links Lothian projects funded in 2013 30 minutes 5 days a week
1 Introduction and Background Sustrans Scotland manages funds on behalf of Transport Scotland. The bulk of these funds are distributed as grants to partner organisations to deliver a variety of practical interventions to help grow the numbers of people in Scotland making short trips by walking and cycling and particularly to help realise the vision of the Government’s Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS), which is 10% of trips by bike by 2020. Sustrans works in partnership with a variety of agencies in Scotland to demonstrate how travel behaviour in Scotland can change by delivering practical interventions to make the built environment more conducive to walking and cycling and engaging with people to present the options available to them to travel actively. This report builds on previous annual reports of usage on the National Cycle Network (NCN) in Scotland, other statistics and reports gathered and published by Sustrans Scotland and Sustrans UK. The work has been completed by Sustrans’ Research & Monitoring Unit (RMU), which is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Unless stated otherwise, this report has been gathered and written by the RMU. Sustrans Scotland’s work is measured through six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 1. Increased levels of walking and cycling 2. Increased levels of purposeful trips made by walking and cycling 3. Increased levels of attainment of recommended physical activity levels through walking and cycling 4. Improved community cohesion and liveability 5. Reductions in the incidence of KSI and perception of level of risk 6. Economic effectiveness and benefits Our funding allows us to work in partnership with a variety of public and statutory agencies and communities to deliver practical projects that help demonstrate how Scotland can work towards a more active population, making more short trips by walking and cycling and helping deliver 10% of trips by bike by 2020. 1 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
2 Overview of Key Outcomes Following the continuation of funding to Sustrans Scotland from the Sustainable Transport Team in Transport Scotland, Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU) has been tasked with monitoring the progress Sustrans Scotland makes against the key walking and cycling outcomes agreed between Transport Scotland and Sustrans Scotland: Increased levels of walking and cycling Increased levels of purposeful trips made by walking and cycling Increased levels of attainment of recommended physical activity levels through walking and cycling Improved community cohesion and liveability Reductions in the incidence of KSI and perception of level of risk This report also expresses the economic effectiveness and the benefits derived from the investment in walking and cycling through the evidence presented. Progress against these outcomes is assessed using a range of indicators derived from a variety of data types. Data are collected from automatic cycle counters, route user intercept surveys (RUIS), manual counts, the annual Hands up Scotland survey of school children, I Bike Hands up surveys completed in schools participating in the I Bike programme, CCTV footage, household surveys, workplace travel surveys, community engagement surveys and beneficiary surveys. More details on the specific methodologies are in Appendix One. This report is the second in a series of interim reports covering 2012-2015 with a final report being produced at the end of the funding period in 2015. The most up to date data available is used in this report. However because of the timescales for project delivery and monitoring some of this data is from 2012-2013 and earlier. Sustrans RMU has refined its methodologies since the previous report and has therefore updated previous data, where applicable, to match the new methodologies. Full details of the methodologies used in this report are in Appendix One. 2 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
3 KPI 1: Increased levels of walking and cycling Annual usage estimates for the National Cycle Network (NCN) in Scotland suggest that overall usage of the NCN has increased by 7.0% between 2012 and 2013. Further evidence for a general increase in active travel across Scotland is seen in 53 out of 79 automatic cycle counters and six out of nine repeat survey locations measuring increased usage. However, data from the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) Travel Diary1 for 2012 reports levels of cycling appearing consistent across Scotland for the previous 10 years fluctuating between 0.7% (2001 & 2007) to 1.3% (2011). Due to questionnaire changes in 2012 additional walking journeys have been recorded so there is a break in the series and it is not possible to compare previous years. In 2012 SHS data reports2 26.0% of journeys by main mode were walking and 1.2% by cycling. Sustrans RMU monitors a variety of infrastructure schemes such as the NCN3 and Community Links4, to provide data on changes in levels of walking and cycling over time or following a specific intervention. To demonstrate these changes a variety of monitoring tools were utilised, primarily RUIS, manual counts and automatic cycle counters. The methodology used to obtain the annual usage estimate (AUE) for Scotland overall and at specific sites is given in Appendix One. 3.1 Overview NCN 68.9km of additional open and links to the NCN were built/upgraded/redesignated between December 2012 and December 2013. Estimated annual usage on the NCN in Scotland has increased by 7.0% from 2012. On an individual site basis, 32 of 43 automatic cycle counter sites on the NCN in Scotland recorded an increase in counts between 2012 and 2013. An increase in usage was recorded at three of the four locations on the NCN where repeat iterations of RUIS were performed. Other schemes On an individual site basis, 21 of 36 automatic cycle counter sites on other routes in Scotland recorded an increase in counts between 2012 and 2013. Increases in walking and cycling were seen at three of five projects where post surveys where undertaken in 2013. 32.1% increase in estimated usage at Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow following completion of the Connect2 scheme. 3.2 Expansion of NCN Continued investment in the NCN in Scotland has led to an additional 68.9km of traffic-free (TF) and on-road (OR) route being built/upgraded/redesignated since December 2012 (Table 3-1). 1 http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/rrd_reports/uploaded_reports/j285661/j285661.pdf - Page 15 ‘[Main mode] Percentage of journeys made by main mode of travel 1999 – 2012’. 2 http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/system/files/documents/tsc-basic-pages/SHS-Transport-local-Area-Analysis-2012-Webtables- November-2013.pdf - Page 16 ‘SHS Travel Diary – Main mode of travel, 2012’. 3 The NCN is a 3,600 km signed, mapped and promoted network of routes throughout Scotland that aim to provide a range of active travel options from everyday commuting to longer, leisure adventures. 4 Community Links are links of three miles or less that allow people to make every day trips to the places they want to get to under their own steam. In the 2012-13 year 110 projects were delivered across Scotland making up the largest capital intervention Sustrans Scotland manages over the financial year. Each Community link is a partnership initiative with grant recipients matching the funding award from Sustrans on a 50-50 cash basis. Each project is governed by an MoU, which clarifies the technical standards, timescales and qualities of each project. 10 sites were selected for Pre or Post monitoring with additional reporting to be delivered in 2013-14 report. 3 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 3-1 : Scotland open and links NCN in km Urban TF Urban OR Rural TF Rural OR Dec-12 446.7 km 299.1 km 723.6 km 2,133.4 km Dec-13 461.5 km 300.0 km 752.1 km 2,158.1 km Change +14.8 km +0.9 km +28.5 km +24.7 km This investment has led to improvements in access with 39.7%5 of the Scottish population now living within 0.5 miles of the NCN, a 1.3 percentage point increase from 2012. This is compared to a 2.0 percentage point increase across the UK. 3.3 Annual usage estimate (AUE) - NCN In order to get a more detailed picture of route usage on the NCN in Scotland and the UK as a whole, annual usage estimates are generated. The estimated annual usage for the NCN in Scotland reported below was generated using the length and characteristics of the network in Scotland to estimate cycle kilometres for each group (see Appendix One for details of the methodology and modifications made to the methodology since the 2012 report). In 2013, 104 million trips were made on the NCN in Scotland and the estimated breakdown of this usage by cycling and walking trips is given in Table 3-2. Table 3-2 : Annual usage estimates (AUE) of pedestrian and cyclist trips on the NCN in Scotland 2012 – 2013 AUE total (millions) AUE cyclists (millions) AUE pedestrians (millions) 2012 97 48 49 2013 104 51 53 % change +6.99% +6.12% +7.84% The estimated annual usage for 2013 suggests substantial growth in usage on the NCN in Scotland since 20106, illustrated in Chart 3-1. 5 The figures are derived from OS postcode household data and ONS super output area population data (updated 2007). 6 Figures from 2010 – 2012 have been recalculated using the updated AUE methodology as presented in Appendix one. 4 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Chart 3-1 : Annual usage estimate of pedestrian and cyclists on the NCN in Scotland 60,000,000 50,000,000 40,000,000 30,000,000 20,000,000 10,000,000 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 Cycle Pedestrian Across the UK, 748 million trips were made on the NCN in 2013, up 7% from 2012. 3.4 Annual usage estimates - site specific (NCN, Community Links, Connect2) In addition to an overall figure for annual usage in Scotland estimated annual usage at specific sites can be calculated where a route user intercept survey (RUIS) was carried out. Four RUIS were undertaken during August (school holiday) and September (term time) in 2013 across the NCN at sites which have been surveyed previously. The 2013 data together with the data from the previous survey at each location are summarised in Table 3-3. A further five pre and post intervention surveys were completed on Community Links and Connect2 projects. The 2013 surveys were commissioned for August/September 2013 and data together with the data from the previous survey at each location are summarised in Table 3-4. In total, pre and post usage data has been collected at 10 Community Links schemes since 20117, eight of which have shown an increase in usage following completion of the scheme. 7 Results from survey at six schemes were reported in First Interim Report in September 2013. Data from all sites will be aggregated for the Final Report in 2015. 5 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 3-3 : Breakdown of annual usage estimates (AUE) reported from repeat RUIS on the NCN 8 Survey site Year AUE AUE AUE Year AUE AUE AUE Scheme Site description Overall 9 cyclists pedestrians overall cyclists pedestrians overall change Steadfastgate, Large Urban, Edinburgh 2005 95,090 177,400 288,918 2013 343,470 349,235 766,409 NCN Traffic-free site on NCN 75 Callander to Rural, Traffic-free Kilmahog, Stirling 2009 31,493 43,649 76,360 2013 29,077 46,401 77,127 NCN site on NCN 7 Linlithgow, West Small Urban, Lothian* 2011 39,980 92,060 148,658 2013 40,688 59,952 113,059 NCN Traffic-free site on NCN 754 Deeside Way, Medium Urban, Aberdeen 2009 121,631 154,983 296,983 2013 119,083 150,809 303,500 NCN Traffic-free site on NCN 195 * A pre-intervention survey was undertaken at Linlithgow, West Lothian as part of the Scottish Short Links programme. Completed in January 2011, the estimated baseline annual usage (AUE) on the route was 61,430. Upon completion of Phase 1 of the route a post-intervention survey was undertaken where the estimated annual usage increased to 148,658 trips. In 2013 the site was revisited after further works and an additional survey was completed. The estimated annual usage dropped to 113,059 with a noted drop in pedestrian usage. Further information is not available as to why this drop occurred and additional monitoring at the survey location would be required to understand if this change in usage was part of any trend. 8 Year one in all tables represents the last available survey data for that survey location. An example is Steadfastgate where the last survey to be undertaken at this location was 2005. 9 Overall usage includes cyclists, pedestrians and other users which incorporates joggers, wheelchair users, roller skates and pushchairs 6 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 3-4 : Breakdown of annual usage estimates (AUE) reported from repeat RUIS on Community Links/Connect2 projects Survey site Year AUE AUE AUE Year AUE AUE AUE overall Scheme Site Overall cyclists pedestrians overall cyclists pedestrians description change Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie 2012 6,306 56,537 66,807 2013 15,741 80,376 104,756 Community Links Small Urban, Traffic-free Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire * 2012 5,446 36,623 43,790 2013 2,222 32,266 34,893 Community Links Small Urban, Road adjacent Roslin, Midlothian* 2012 7,964 30,621 43,630 2013 15,032 11,184 28,782 Community Links Rural, Traffic- free West Barns, East Lothian 2012 5,470 34,692 44,573 2013 10,955 45,099 56,530 Community Links Small Urban, Traffic-free site on NCN 76 Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow 2009 29,183 344,257 458,656 2013 98,805 483,345 605,893 Connect2 Large Urban, Traffic-free *There have been drops in usage at both Dumbarton and Roslin post intervention. Further investigation has failed to provide an adequate reason for this drop and additional post monitoring is being considered. 7 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
3.5 Increases in walking and cycling at West Barns, East Lothian West Barns, East Lothian (Route 76 of the NCN) demonstrates increases in walking and cycling usage, including a jump in usage by children. The existing narrow path was upgraded to a two metre wide tarmac surface through Community Links funding. The new path will be incorporated into the North Sea Cycle route, John Muir Way, and is part of the NCN. Chart 3-2 : Breakdown of four day 12 hour manual count at West Barns, East Lothian 500 450 400 350 Number of users 300 250 Pre 2012 200 Post 2013 150 100 50 0 Cyclists Pedestrians Other Activity The intial bid received by East Lothian Council suggested the route would provide a safer, off road route for local schools to access facilites. Further investigation of the manual count data suggests the increase in usage has been driven by children walking and cycling on the route. Before the intervention one child was recorded cycling and 29 walking. Following completion of the route 70 children were recorded cycling and 83 walking. The project has therefore met this key aim of providing access to local schools. In addition there have also been increases in other user groups who have benefited from the improvements to the path. Pre development cyclists, pedestrians and joggers were recorded using the route but following the upgrade wheelchair users, horse riders, parents pushing children in pushchairs and children on skate boards were also recorded utilising the path. The new tarmac surface on the path appears to have widened accessibility, providing a safer traffic-free route for members of the community. 3.6 Automatic cycle counters data Data were gathered from a total of 79 counters in Scotland, both on the NCN and other routes. Of these, an increase in the counts was recorded between 2012 and 2013 for 53 counter locations (21 showed a decrease in the count and five showed no change). Two examples with good levels of continuous data have been selected to present in more detail: North Edinburgh Access Route, West Granton and Eldon Street, Greenock. Both sites show an increase in levels of cycling trips which are shown in Charts 3-3 and 3-4. 8 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
A total of 36 months of data are available from a counter located near to the North Edinburgh Access Road, West Granton. The counter is on a traffic-free section of path, part of the Roseburn-Craigleith- Crewe Toll which crosses the Red Bridge and links to Route One of the NCN. Chart 3-3 shows that the median weekday totals have increased year-on-year with clearly defined peaks in summer 2012 and 2013 after a relatively flat 2011. Data collected by the Met Office supports this change recording the wettest year in a series since 191010 in 2011. Chart 3-3 : Median monthly totals of cyclists at North Edinburgh Access Route, West Granton 1,200 Median count of cyclists 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 Median daily total Median weekday total Median weekend day total A total of 24 months of data are available from a counter located on Eldon Street, Greenock. The counter is located on a road adjacent section of Route 75 of the NCN which makes up part of route connecting Leith in Edinburgh with Portavadie. Chart 3-4 shows that median monthly totals for the summer months have increased between 2012 and 2013. Chart 3-4 : Median monthly total change 2012 - 2013 at Eldon Street, Greenock 150 100 Median count of cyclists 50 0 July July August October August October November November April April May May September September June June January December December March January February March February -50 -100 2012 2013 difference Both counters show seasonality with clear increases in cycling through the summer months. This is supported by anecdotal evidence from surveys in workplaces and communities. Respondents have indicated that one barrier to cycling either to work or for pleasure is the weather and further evidence of this is provided by the SHS11 with 19% of respondents stating poor weather as a reason for not 10 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2011/annual 11 http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/statistics/j281378-06.htm - Changes to mode of travel – 6.11 9 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
cycling to work. It could therefore be assumed that the weather would also have an impact on leisure cycling in the winter months. A longer series of counter data would be required to further investigate this theory. 3.7 Make your move Kirkcaldy The Make your move Kirkcaldy project comprises a range of interventions including improving the walking and cycling routes in the town, advertising the benefits of choosing walking and cycling as an alternative to motorised travel, and promoting information such as maps and training opportunities as well as holding events. It aims to increase the share of journeys in Kirkcaldy made by walking and cycling. One method of monitoring walking and cycling levels in Kirkcaldy is through manual counts of route users at eight locations across the town. Manual counts were conducted at the below locations in either 2013 or 2014 as a follow up to baseline counts conducted in 2011. Six of the sites were selected as single manual count locations with an additional two locations selected for a full RUIS including manual count. Five of the eight sites showed an increase in the annual usage estimate over this time with AUEs given in the Tables 3-5 and 3-6. Table 3-5 : AUEs at manual count locations in Kirkcaldy Location 2011 AUE 2013 AUE Dunnikier Way 196,621 207,799 Overton Road 302,057 228,011 Victoria Road 146,036 178,801 Dronachy Road 68,334 81,720 Bennochy Road 669,447 640,974 Esplanade 491,703 290,908 Table 3-6 : AUEs at RUIS locations in Kirkcaldy Location 2011 AUE 2014 AUE Nether Street 84,057 139,837 Templehall Avenue 507,014 734,087 Further analysis of the data has provided no definitive reasons why Overton Road and Bennochy Road showed a decrease in usage. There were closures on the Esplanade which could account for the decrease. 10 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
4 KPI 2: Increased levels of ‘purposeful trips’ made by walking and cycling Purposeful trips are defined as “the ordinary, everyday short trips currently made, in the main, by car” but which could be made on foot or by bike. In the context of this report a ‘purposeful trip’ includes commuting, shopping and travelling to school/education. In 2012, the SHS12 reported that 16% of all journeys to work were by active modes (13% walking and 2% cycling). The most common reasons for not cycling to work were that it was too far to cycle (36%), poor weather'(19%), that there were too many cars (14%), and that respondents did not have a bike (14%). Interventions delivered by Sustrans have given local communities, including schoolchildren, the opportunity to undertake more of the journeys they wish to make everyday by walking and cycling, with some sites showing notable increases in purposeful journeys. Data from RUIS on the NCN and other routes, activities in communities and projects delivered in I Bike schools were used to provide information on the types of purposeful journeys for this report. Automatic cycle counter and manual count data are used to demonstrate change in usage during commuting periods at specific sites. In 2013, 17.1% (sample size 1,173) of those surveyed on the NCN were commuting: 29.5% of cyclists and 10.9% of pedestrians were commuting. Results from the 2013 Hands up Scotland survey show that 50.4% of pupils in Scotland said they normally travel to school actively, without using any form of motorised transport. Although based on low numbers of respondents, repeat surveys at six out of seven sites show an increase in the number of purposeful trips. 4.1 Overview NCN 17.1% of all respondents to RUIS carried out on the NCN were commuting. 29.5% of cyclists interviewed as part of the RUIS on the NCN were commuting compared to 10.9% of pedestrians. Survey responses from a RUIS at Deeside Way, Aberdeen indicated that 53.5% of cyclists were commuting in 2013 increasing from 43.0% in 2009. Other schemes Repeat surveys at three of four Community Links schemes indicate an increase in the number of purposeful trips made at the sites. Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie Community Links project shows an increase in walking and cycling trips by children during both school term time and school holidays. 12 http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/statistics/j281378-06.htm 11 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
4.2 Breakdown of journey types on the NCN All respondents to the RUIS carried out on the NCN in 2013 indicated that they were travelling on the NCN for the reasons shown in Table 4-1. Table 4-1 : Trips by journey type on the NCN in 2013 2013 (%) Leisure 72.8 Commuting 17.1 Shopping 3.2 Other 3.2 Personal business 2.6 Education 1.0 Total 100.0 4.3 Pedestrian and cyclist comparison Survey responses indicated that the way in which cyclists and pedestrian use the NCN differs. A higher proportion of cyclists who responded to the survey were commuting when compared to pedestrians and this is demonstrated in Chart 4-1. Chart 4-1 : Cyclist and pedestrian on the NCN responses to question on current journey purpose 90 80 70 60 % response 50 40 Cycle 30 Walk 20 10 0 Commute Education Shopping Other escort Personal Leisure Other business Journey purpose Cycle n = 404 Walk n = 709 12 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
4.4 Number of ‘purposeful trips’ at specific NCN sites and Community Links projects Repeat surveys were undertaken at seven sites (three NCN and four Community Links) in 2013. These have been analysed to provide data on the numbers of trips for commuting, shopping or to / from schools / colleges/ universities (Table 4-2). Six of the seven sites show an increase in the number of purposeful trips since the previous survey indicating a positive impact of interventions on increasing purposeful trips by active modes. However, not all journey purposes have increased at these sites and results should be treated with caution due to low numbers of survey respondents. 13 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 4-2 : Estimated annual numbers of purposeful trips13 reported at NCN sites and Community Links projects Estimated Estimated Estimated Changes annual annual annual Year made to Scheme commuter shopper education the route total total total Callander to 2009 0 0 0 Leisure National Kilmahog, route with Cycle Stirling 2013 188 167 0 no upgrade Network Linlithgow, 2012 908 3,027 0 National Towpath West Cycle upgrade Lothian 2013 4,644 4,054 1,929 Network Disused 2009 55,763 918 0 railway line Deeside National in urban Way, Cycle areas used Aberdeen Network for multiple 2013 68,861 3,228 3,467 purposes Upgraded 2012 733 4,523 0 route from West Barns, desire line Community East allowing Links Lothian leisure 2013 787 0 0 usage 2012 0 348 0 New path Blairgowrie, linking Community P&K community Links 2013 2,614 0 0* to school Dumbarton, 2012 4,027 6,183 3,651 Links train West Community station to Dunbartons Links 2013 8,689 4,701 1,435 community hire 2012 0 854 0 Upgrade Roslin, Community from desire Midlothian Links line 2013 1,699 0 0 *RUIS are not undertaken with route users under the age of 16 suggesting that although route was built primarily to link the local community with the school campus it is also being utilised by commuters as a traffic-free route to work. Figures from the manual count at Blairgowrie have shown an increase in usage among children. This is discussed in more detail in Section 5.9. 13 Estimated annual commuter/shopper/education totals are derived by applying the journey purpose % from survey data to the overall AUE for each site as shown in Table 3-3 and Table 3-4. 14 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
4.5 Travel to school Sustrans carries out the Hands up Scotland survey annually. Starting in 2008 this is the largest national dataset to look at travel to school across Scotland and collects data from schools regardless of whether there are any walking or cycling activities currently being delivered. Since 2011, Hands up Scotland data have had Official Statistics status in Scotland. Sustrans also delivers the I Bike programme of activities in schools in five local authorities – Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Fife and Perth and Kinross which is covered in Section 4.5.2. In addition, Sustrans runs an annual project to match fund the installation of cycle parking at schools across Scotland. 4.5.1 Hands up Scotland Table 4-3 shows the modal share for travel to school by school types in Scotland for 2012 and 2013. Table 4-3 : Hands up Scotland survey : Travel modes by school type 2012 and 2013 School type Year Walk Cycle Scooter/ Park & Driven Bus Taxi Other Total Skate Stride Nursery 2012 42.0% 3.0% 3.0% 4.3% 43.9% 2.8% 0.7% 0.3% 19,411 2013 41.0% 2.8% 3.8% 3.8% 44.6% 2.9% 0.7% 0.3% 19,737 Primary 2012 47.8% 4.1% 2.5% 9.8% 26.5% 7.5% 1.6% 0.2% 282,468 2013 46.0% 5.0% 4.3% 9.6% 25.5% 7.7% 1.7% 0.2% 288,812 Secondary 2012 42.2% 1.1% 0.2% 4.3% 14.1% 35.8% 1.3% 1.0% 166,169 2013 42.0% 0.9% 0.2% 4.1% 13.9% 36.9% 1.2% 0.8% 171,594 15.0 SEN† 2012 1.8% * 0.0% * 3.6% 20.5% 59.0% 1,555 % 2013 1.0% 0.4% * * 3.3% 40.5% 50.3% 4.4% 1,301 Independent 2012 14.9% 0.8% 1.1% 11.0% 42.3% 27.8% 0.2% 2.0% 7,296 2013 15.3% 1.4% 1.2% 8.5% 44.3% 26.4% 0.4% 2.5% 5,690 Overall¥ 2012 45.1% 2.9% 1.6% 7.8% 22.2% 18.2% 1.7% 0.5% 457,488 2013 44.1% 3.5% 2.8% 7.5% 21.4% 18.8% 1.6% 0.4% 467,397 †SEN – Special Education Needs ¥Except nursery *Suppressed data due to low responses 15 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
In 2013, over 467,000 children from 2,017 schools and 540 nurseries took part in the survey from all 32 local authorities in Scotland. 50.4% of pupils surveyed in 2013 said that they normally travel to school in an active way without any form of motorised transport: 44.1% of pupils said they normally walk to school 3.5% of pupils said they normally travel to school by bicycle 2.8% said that they normally use a scooter or skateboard to travel to school 41.8% of pupils surveyed in 2013 said that they normally travel to school using only a motorised mode of transport: 21.4% of pupils said that they are normally driven to school 18.8% of pupils said that they normally take the bus to school 1.6% said that they normally travel to school by taxi In addition to those travelling solely by an active or motorised mode of travel to school, 7.5% of pupils said that they normally park and stride to school. Data from the SHS states that: “Fifty two percent of all journeys to school were made by walking or cycling in 2012. The levels have remained relatively stable over the last ten years.”14 4.5.2 I Bike The overarching aim of I Bike is to increase the number of pupils cycling to school. Specific aims of the project are to counter the decline in cycling levels as pupils move from primary school to secondary school and to recognise and support the differing needs of male and female pupils regarding cycling. Additional data on the I Bike project methodology is available in Appendix One. Chart 4-2 shows the changes in frequency of cycling at I Bike schools between 2012-13. 14 http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/statistics/j281378-06.htm 16 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Chart 4-2 : Responses to the question ‘How often do you cycle to school?’ How often do you cycle to school? 80.0 74.2 70.0 64.1 60.0 Percentage of pupils (%) 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 11.3 7.7 9.5 10.0 7.3 2.9 4.5 3.9 5.1 4.6 4.9 0.0 Every day Three or four Once or twice Once or twice A few times a Never times a week a week a month year Pre 2012-2013 Post 2012-2013 n = 5,417 n = 4,846 Chart 4-2 is consistent with responses to last year survey which showed ‘every day’ cycling increasing from 2.9% to 4.1% and ‘never’ decreasing from 74.8 % to 60.2%, further years data would be required to suggests any trends in this result. In addition to this pupil survey results in 2013 have also shown the following positive impacts of I Bike: levels of regular walking to school have increased by 6.2 percentage points, from 53.5% to 59.7% after one year of engagement the percentage of pupils regularly scooting and skating to school have increased by 4.3 percentage points (from 3.5% to 7.8%) after one year of project engagement these increases in active travel to school correspond with a decrease in car use: the percentage of pupils being regularly driven to school decreased by 3.9 percentage points, from 49.3% before I Bike to 45.4% after one year alongside this, the percentage of pupils ‘never’ being driven to school increased by 2.2 percentage points from 36.6% to 38.8%. By demonstrating increased levels of cycling to school, pupil survey results, therefore, suggest that I Bike has had a positive impact on pupils’ physical activity levels. Recent academic research suggests that increasing active travel to school is associated with an increase in the total amount of time children spend in moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.15 Research also shows that children who cycle to school are fitter and have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who walk or travel passively.16 15 Goodman (2011) Activity compensation and activity synergy in British 8-13 year olds 16 Andersen et al (2011) Cycling to School and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Longitudinal Study 17 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
4.6 Case Study: Increased usage for school trips at Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie The Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie is a local path in the vicinity of a number of public facilities including Blairgowrie High School, leisure centre, learning centre and community campus (incorporating two primary schools and a nursery). Previously a desire line behind a housing estate, the trail was built in response to a request from the local community for an upgraded route linking local residential areas with the community campus and other facilities listed above. Additional concerns had been raised about the safety of children crossing at a central junction and speed of traffic in the area. By providing a traffic-free path between the campus and residential area and introducing a raised table crossing, the council aimed to provide: “..the necessary infrastructure and road safety improvements in order to create safe, welcoming and inclusive communities.” In addition there had been safety concerns raised about parents parking outside of the high school and community campus and the council hoped the improved facilities would encourage parents to walk with their children or allow them to walk or cycle to school via the improved route. Manual count data collected at survey location before the installation of the path and following completion has shown a noted increase in usage amongst children as shown in Table 4-4. Table 4-4 : Child manual count data from Ardblair Trail, Blairgowrie Children – non term time Children – term time Pedestrian Cyclist Pushchair Pedestrian Cyclist Pushchair Pre 36 29 26 8 10 11 Post 77 18 6 386 67 47 Change +41 -11 -20 +378 +57 +36 4.7 Evidence for increased commuting: Edinburgh count data There has been continued investment in cycling in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Active Travel Action Plan (ATAP) has a target of 15% of commuter trips made by bike by 2020. There is good data available from various cycle counters across Edinburgh and 12 out of 15 of these show an increase in annual average daily totals between 2012 and 2013. Compared to Scotland overall Edinburgh has high levels of cycling with 4.8% of journeys to work by bicycle as the main mode of transport to work, compared to 1.6% for Scotland overall17. These levels of cycling are reflected in the counter data. Examples of manual count data from Steadfastgate, and automatic cycle counter data from the North Edinburgh Access Road counter in West Granton indicate how levels of cycle trips are higher at peak times suggesting a high level of usage by commuters. Peak time usage has also increased over time. 4.7.1 Steadfastgate manual count Analysis of manual count data at Steadfastgate, Edinburgh undertaken in 2005 and repeated in 2013 indicates a change in when people travel on the route. Count data was collected over four 12 hour periods in 2005 and repeated in 2013 on this route in central Edinburgh recording route users 17 Census 2011 Table QS701SC 18 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
travelling SW into the city and NE away from the centre towards Leith. Charts 4-3 and 4-4 show data collected on the route for the weekday during term time for both 2005 and 2013. Chart 4-3 : 12 hour pedestrian manual count at Steadfastgate, Edinburgh in 2005 and 2013 travelling towards Edinburgh City Centre on a Weekday in Term Time 40 35 Number of pedestrians 30 25 20 15 2013 SW from NE 10 2005 SW from NE 5 0 11:00 18:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 Time Chart 4-4 : 12 hour pedestrian manual count at Steadfastgate, Edinburgh in 2005 and 2013 travelling away from Edinburgh City Centre on a Weekday in Term Time 50 45 Number of pedestrians 40 35 30 25 20 2013 NE from SW 15 2005 NE from SW 10 5 0 11:00 18:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 Time The data show the hourly profiles for both directions at Steadfastgate and suggest that usage has changed from a mixed use path with slight peaks at commuting times to a more defined commuter route with high peaks in usage in the morning heading south west into Edinburgh city centre and in the evening heading north east out of Edinburgh city centre. 4.7.2 North Edinburgh Access counter In addition to clearly defined increases in usage at the North Edinburgh Access counter in West Granton as presented in Chart 3-3, there has also been a noted increase in the median count between 2012 and 2013 during recognised commuting periods as shown in Chart 4-5. 19 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Chart 4-5 : Median hourly total change 2012 – 2013 at North Edinburgh Access, West Granton 90 80 Median count of cyclists 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2012 2013 : Increasing in commuting by bicycle are not only evident in Edinburgh. The Deeside Way is a Bitmac surface traffic-free route on a disused railway line within Aberdeen city, part of the route which runs from Aberdeen to Ballater and is used for both recreation and commuting. Data from 2009 and 2013 RUIS have been analysed and show that an increase in the numbers of cyclists commuting with usage increasing from 41,528 trips in 2009 to 56,176 trips in 2013. 20 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
5 KPI 3: Increased levels of attainment of recommended physical activity levels through walking and cycling Aggregated data from RUIS responses in 2013 show 53.8% of respondents completed 30 minutes or more of physical activity on five or more days of the previous week (one way of demonstrating attainment of Chief Medical Officer’s recommended physical activity levels). There is evidence that Sustrans interventions are helping to increase levels of physical activity. Increases in the number of respondents meeting the recommended level of physical activity were seen at four of six sites with repeat surveys. A majority of respondents at all four Community Links schemes surveyed said that the routes have helped increase the amount of physical activity they regularly undertake. Changes in physical activity can be attributed to a number of factors but evidence at specific locations on the network suggests that by providing relevant infrastructure, tailored programmes and guidance it is possible to demonstrate increased levels of physical activity. 5.1 Overview NCN When surveyed, 53.8% of respondents on the NCN confirmed that they had completed 30 minutes or more of physical activity on five or more days in the previous week. Analysis of data from two survey locations on the NCN with baseline and follow-up data show increases in physical activity. Other schemes Analysis of data from four Community Links projects with pre/post data show increases in physical activity at two schemes. The majority of survey respondents at four Community Links projects agreed that the route has helped increase their levels of physical activity. Breasclete Community Association member feedback on the positive impact of a Community Links project on levels of physical activity in older residents of the community. 5.2 Physical activity levels - RUIS Aggregated RUIS data from 2013 suggests over half (53.8%) of route users surveyed on the NCN are meeting the recommended weekly targets for physically activity (at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week or at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days in the previous week). Table 5-1 shows the percentage of respondents who had completed 30 minutes or more of physical activity on five or more days in the past week, as recorded in both pre and post completion surveys of Community Links schemes and at baseline/follow-up on the NCN. 21 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 5-1 : Percentage of respondents completing the recommended level of physical activity over the previous seven days at survey sites on Community Links projects and on the NCN 5 days of 6 days of 7 days of Percentage physical physical physical point activity activity activity change of (%) (%) (%) respondent completing 5 or more days 2012 (Pre) 24.9 6.2 37.3 Blairgowrie, Perth & Kinross +11.3% 2013 (Post) 17.8 0.0 61.9 Dumbarton, West 2012 (Pre) 14.8 6.3 26 Dunbartonshire -4.6% 2013 (Post) 15.5 4.8 22.2 2012 (Pre) 24.4 2.3 1.8 Roslin, Midlothian +26.2% 2013 (Post) 4.1 1.7 48.9 2012 (Pre) 16.8 8.4 39.7 West Barns, East Lothian -12.8%* 2013 (Post) 11.5 0.0 40.6 2009 11.2 4.2 23.7 Callander to Kilmahog, +9.8% Stirling 2013 15.5 7.3 26.1 2009 9.6 4.9 40.2 Deeside Way, Aberdeen +15.0% 2013 18.2 10.6 40.9 *Increases in usage have been seen at West Barns but this does not necessarily lead to increases in physical activity as additional factors such as displacement may have influenced the increase and under 16s are not interviewed as part of the RUIS process. 5.3 The impact of routes on increasing levels of physical activity Community Links schemes are small infrastructure schemes designed to link communities to the places they regularly visit. Three of the four schemes listed below have been upgraded from loose track / desire lines with the exception of Dumbarton where existing footways were redetermined to a more secure shared space. By providing an alternative to driving, the schemes aim to increase levels of physical activity and Table 5-2 provides an indication of the impact the routes have had. 22 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
Table 5-2 : Responses by all users on Community Links projects to the question ‘Has the presence of this route helped you to increase the amount of physical activity that you regularly take?’ Yes, by a large Yes, by a small No (%) amount (%) amount (%) Blairgowrie, Perth & 52.4 36.3 11.3 Kinross Dumbarton, West 28.1 42.4 29.5 Dunbartonshire Roslin, Midlothian 82.2 17.8 0.0 West Barns, East 43.4 25.7 30.9 Lothian Table 5-2 suggests that the presence of routes developed by Community Links projects have helped increase levels of physical activity at all locations, 100% of respondents at Roslin agreed that the route had helped increase their levels of physical activity. Aggregated data from all respondents on the four Community Links projects show a 20.1 percentage point increase in respondents who completed 30 minutes or more of physically active for seven days in the previous week. The data suggests by linking the places people live with the places they want to get to people will make more trips by sustainable means and become more physically active as a consequence. 5.4 Breasclete Community - Feedback The Community Links project in Breasclete, on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles built a multi- purpose path to address the needs of the community for a safer, traffic-free path where no path existed before. A member of the Breasclete Community Association was interviewed for feedback on the installation of the path and discussed how the local residents utilise the traffic-free route. The respondent stated that: “People walk their dogs, children walk or cycle to school. The paths also allow older people and disabled people to walk or use a wheelchair in safety away from the traffic, giving them access to gentle exercise and some social inclusion.” “Not everybody (in the community) drives so people can walk more between places.” It was felt that paths built in coastal communities are long “…and you have to drive to them and then either walk back or be met at the other end. The beauty with these paths is they are on your doorstep so you don’t have to drive anywhere to enjoy a walk and the scenery. People are more likely to walk if it’s outside their house than if they have to drive for miles.” The feedback from the survey and interview indicate how the development of the path has benefitted the community by allowing people a place to exercise in safety and limit the isolation of those who do not have a car. 23 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
5.5 E-bikes, Cairngorms National Park In 2013 Sustrans led a project funded by the Scottish Government Energy and Climate Change Directorate to support the development and delivery of a Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) Cycling Strategy and Action Plan. As part of this initiative, Sustrans also developed a pilot ‘Electric Bike Network’ (EBN), to stimulate the use of electric bikes by visitors and locals for travel within the Park. The network was officially launched in July 2013 with 20 E-bikes available to hire from eight locations around the Park, and ran for four months until the end of October. They proved popular with users. An E-bike hub stakeholder commented: “People who have used them have said the whole experience is just great fun….they invariably go much further than they intended to, and a couple of times people who rented the bikes for half a day have phoned to ask if they can hang on to them for the rest of the day.” Follow up surveys with those who had used the E-bikes found that three individuals had purchased E-bikes following their experience in the CNP and two individuals were using them to replace car journeys. The journeys that had been replaced were for leisure and visiting friends/family and amounted to a combined 187km (116 miles) per week (nine hours cycling). Survey respondents were asked how likely it is that they would use E-bikes and conventional bikes more often in the future and the results are shown in Chart 5-1. Chart 5-1 : Likelihood of respondents cycling more in the future 25 23 Ebike Conventional cycle 20 n = 41 Number of respondents 15 13 13 11 10 5 4 4 3 2 2 0 0 Very likely Likely Unlikely Very unlikely Don't know How likely to cycle more? Although this is a relatively small survey sample the responses indicate the positive impact of using E-bikes on future physical activity levels. Renting E-bikes was most popular with an older demographic as 75% of those who rented the bike were aged 45 or over. The E-bikes were also beneficial to individuals who had health issues or were in older age groups. The extra power provided by the E-bikes enables users to participate in physical activities, i.e. cycling in the Cairngorms that they may not otherwise have been able to do. 24 Sustrans Scotland: walking and cycling outcomes Sustrans' Scottish Government Grant 2012 – 2015: Second Interim Report September 2014
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