A SURVEY which took place in Forth Valley has found more than half of Scots want more active travel investment.

The biggest ever assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in cities and towns across the country has shown that most people in Scotland (55 per cent) would like to see more government spending on walking, wheeling, and cycling.

The Walking and Cycling Index, which is published today, Wednesday, May 18 by walking and cycling charity Sustrans, also found that people walk or wheel more frequently than any other mode of urban transport.

The survey results come from Scotland’s seven cities: Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Perth, the largest number of Scottish cities ever featured in this study.

Results showed 21 per cent of people in Scotland cycle at least once a week.

The survey also found that 64 per cent of people in Scotland would like more government investment in public transport.

Stewart Carruth, interim director at Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the 9,681 people in Scotland who gave us their time to take part in this assessment.

“Walking and wheeling should be the most accessible and desirable form of transport.

“It’s of huge importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.

“The evidence is clear – the people of Scotland want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to.

“They want to travel in environmentally friendly ways and don’t want outdated and unmaintained pavements, crossing points that make walking and wheeling unsafe or inaccessible, and vehicles parked on pavements getting in their way.”

Stewart added: “People also want to see more government spending on walking, wheeling, and cycling.

“We must ensure that everyone feels safe cycling around their cities and urban areas, and we will continue working with local authorities to improve cycling and walking infrastructure for everyone.

“I hope these survey results will help local decision-makers ensure walking, wheeling, and cycling is prioritised in each area of Scotland.”

Visit sustrans.org.uk/walkingcyclingindex to read the report.