HALF A MILLION FOR MEDIA MISSES POINT OF CYCLING CONCERNS
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and co-convener of the Scottish Parliament's cross-party group on cycling, says the government's announcement of almost half a million pounds for a marketing campaign to encourage "mutual respect" between cyclists and motorists misses the point.
Alison said:
“I've long said we need to see a culture of tolerance so we can share road space safely. Mutual respect between people on bikes and people in cars is essential but it needs to be matched with meaningful improvements in infrastructure.
"A lot of frustration could be avoided if we made cycling a mainstream consideration when repairing or upgrading our roads, both in our towns and cities and in rural areas between communities. Awareness-raising has a role to play but I'd rather this money was spent on the infrastructure that would make a real difference to the daily commute.
“In two weeks thousands of people are expected to Pedal on Parliament in the hope that the Scottish Government has listened to the growing calls for investment in cycling. By throwing money at yet another media campaign it's hard not to conclude that ministers are still missing the point."