Cyclists
Aberdeenshire’s Local Transport Strategy and Walking & Cycling Action Plan both set out the Council’s strategy to increase cycling for both recreational use and as an alternative to the car for commuting, leisure and other travel. Not withstanding these aims, we must not forget that cyclists are one of our most vulnerable groups when it comes to safety.
Increased cycling means increased exposure to risk, which in turn could lead to an increase in accidents. We must therefore ensure that we improve safety to a greater extent to counteract any additional road safety risk as a result of increased cycling. Improved safety will have the additional benefit of encouraging even more cycling.
Chart 7 shows that the targets, when applied to cyclists, have all been met in 2004.
The fact that this is being achieved against a background of a national increase in cycling shows that our efforts are proving effective.
Aberdeenshire Council will continue to:
- develop off-road cycle routes – particularly in rural areas
- expand the urban cycle route network
- pursue cycle-friendly road design
- carry out safety audits on all new projects involving cycling
- promote the road safety message for cyclists
- work with SUSTRANS and other groups to promote cycling in Aberdeenshire
