CYCLING is an increasingly popular activity in Scotland, with people taking to two wheels not just for fun or physical fitness, but also as a low-cost and environmentally-friendly way of commuting to and from work.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pandemic played a prominent role in boosting the number of Scottish cyclists, prompting a staggering increase of 47% between March 2020 and 2021. However, this rise in numbers seems unlikely to turn out to be just a passing fad prompted by lockdown boredom, and it is possible that many of those new cyclists will opt to stay with the sport in the years to come.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Active Travel In Aberdeen
Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s cycling hubs, with many people using their bikes as a way of getting to work, as well as for recreation or to boost their fitness. In Aberdeen, even more so than in other Scottish cities, a significant percentage of cyclists also rely on two wheels in order to make less of an impact on the environment.
This interest in cycling has led to several developments across the city, with new facilities being created and existing routes updated to improve safety as part of Aberdeen’s Active Travel Strategy.
Back in 2020, councillor Sandra Macdonald explained that:
“Through our Active Travel Strategy, we have committed to examining where we can improve infrastructure facilities for pedestrians and cyclists while balancing the needs of people who travel in vehicles. We have carried out several schemes to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in communities, and also the city centre.”
To date, while some elements of the city’s new cycling infrastructure have already been completed, other features are still being developed, and there are more improvements in the pipeline. These include the completion of an off-road riverside cycling path that runs from the Bridge of Don to Dyce.
Cycling Safety
With its network of cycle routes, dedicated cycle lanes, and on-street parking options, Aberdeen is clearly taking the improvement of its cycling infrastructure seriously, although the cycling community still feel that standards could be higher.
However, issues such as cycling accidents and bike theft remain significant problems here, as they are across the UK – so much so, that a programme called Operation Close Pass was rolled out across Britain to crack down on motorists who pass cyclists with insufficient room to spare. Road accidents involving cyclists are worryingly common, with thousands injured each year.
If you have been a victim of a close pass or any other form of road accident while you were cycling, and it wasn’t your fault, then there are options available. You can make a cycling accident claim using the help of a no win, no fee legal service such as Quittance. You may be entitled to compensation as well as recompense for damage to your bike and any financial losses incurred as a result of your accident.
As well as accidents, bike theft is an ever-present threat in Aberdeen; while cycle lockers are available, there are limited numbers of them around the city, so most cyclists have to resort to sturdy locks which can be broken by a determined thief.
What’s The Verdict?
Laudable efforts have clearly been made by Aberdeen’s Council to make the city more cycling friendly, and improve the cycling infrastructure.
However, for the time being at least, it seems there is still room for improvement, both when it comes to the available facilities, and to ensuring the safety of those who traverse the city on two wheels.
