Question Time — Scottish Executive — Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:15 pm on 30 March 2006.
To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting cycling as a means of travelling to work. (S2O-9500)
We will continue to core fund Cycling Scotland to promote cycling as a healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport. We will maintain cycling, walking and safer streets funding to local authorities. Earlier this month, we published guidance on regional transport strategies. The guiding principles include the provision and promotion of sustainable transport choices and the facilitation of access to jobs.
I am sure that the minister is aware of the article in that illustrious newspaper the Sunday Herald in which he was condemned for a
"'scandalous' 30% cut in funding for cycle lanes and other facilities".
Will he comment on that quotation, which I very much hope is not true? Will he set the record straight?
I am grateful to Mr Pringle for his helpful question. He is right—we attach considerable importance to investments in cycling. I am pleased to say that between 2005 and 2006, local authority funding has risen from £8.65 million