Ramblers Scotland today welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government's Physical Activity Implementation Plan ‘A More Active Scotland – Building a Legacy from the Commonwealth Games”, but raised concerns that the goals will not be achieved without a change in transport policy and increased funding for walking and cycling.
Dave Morris, Director of Ramblers Scotland said: “We are very pleased to see the launch of ‘A More Active Scotland’ which is a key step in delivering the 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy. We welcome the long term approach taken by the government for a 10-year plan with milestones after 1 year and 5 years. By 2024, Glasgow and other Scottish cities need to be as good as the best in Europe in terms of active travel, with walking or cycling being the easiest and the first choice for short journeys.
“However, it is difficult to see how this step-change in behaviour will be achieved without a similar fundamental change in the Scottish Government’s transport policy and budget. The current level of spending on walking and cycling, at around 1% of the transport budget, will not deliver the proposed increase in physical activity levels across the board. We would like to see the government emulate the City of Edinburgh Council’s commitment to 5% of its transport budget on active travel, with an increase of 1% year on year. It is only by this long term financial commitment that any real, accelerated change can be delivered, to the benefit of everyone’s health. Otherwise we will be stuck in the slow lane and the government’s statement that ‘The Games provide us with an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate our work on helping to increase the number of Scots who are involved in sport and physical activity’ will be no more than wish full thinking.”
Dave Morris added: “The Commonwealth Games legacy will only be delivered if all government departments are on board. The First Minister must ensure that all are pulling in support of those ministers and officials who are leading the efforts to make Scotland a world leader in physical activity and sport by 2024.”