LIVE THREAD

Just a couple of minutes until we start Scotland's Cycling and Sustainable Travel Hustings, in partnership with @POPScotland.

We'll be live tweeting here - please do join in using #ScotCyclingHustings

If you'd like to easily compare the party promises on cycling from manifestos published so far, check out our simple guide http://bit.ly/3arSby3 

Our independent hustings chair this evening is @LadyCatHT, chief reporter of @Glasgow_Times, columnist for @heraldscotland and regular cyclist

Our policy manager @JimDensham kicks off #ScotCyclingHustings

- Cycling has grown 47% in Scotland in last 12 months
- Lack of safe space for cycling consistently reported as major barrier
- If cycling is truly going to be for everyone - we need the right infrastructure

Sally Hinchcliffe from @POPScotland outlines the Pedal on Parliament manifesto - including increased funding, proper road design and safer motor vehicle speeds

Each party spokesperson has two minutes to outline their party's manifesto commitments for cycling...

Firstly @MathesonMichael for @theSNP:
- One positive from last 15 months is number of people using active travel
- Critical that we now lock in these benefits and progress
- Govt set up Spaces for People programme to help people to cycle and walk

@MathesonMichael continued...
- SNP have committed to providing bike to every schoolchild who can't afford one

Next up @GrahamSMSP for @ScotTories
- Budget must reach 10% of transport budget in next parliament
- Wants to cycle training offered for all adults and children
- Wants Active Nation Commissioner to have additional powers and budget

@markruskell for @scottishgreens
- Will bring back bill for 20mph limit in urban areas across Scotland
- Need complete transformation in transport system for green recovery
- Want seamless integration between modes of transport for longer journeys

@markruskell continued....
- Wants to see social prescribing to encourage more people to walk and cycle for health
- Wants 20% of transport budget to active travel by end of next parliament

Finally Jane Ann Liston for @scotlibdems
- Better road surfaces needed
- Active travel paths must be prioritised for ice and snow clearance
- Cycling and walking must be made the easy option
- More support for e-bikes
- Cycle training for every child & adult

The panel is discussing the importance of active travel for a green recovery for Covid
@GrahamSMSP suggests changing people's habits away from driving, which requires infrastructure. Active travel also crucial for tackling climate change

@markruskell says to tackle climate change you need system change. Many people are locked into car use. Need to make it easy for people to change. It's also about the health agenda - recovery from Covid and other health conditions

Jane Ann Liston - behaviour change is very important, but this is shifting people away from “norms” of daily life, which is challenging #ScotCyclingHustings

@AlexRowleyFife - Active travel important – so is public transport. Need a joined up strategy. Gives example of schools with car parks, encouraging driving. Local partnerships crucial to create culture change

@MathesonMichael: Active travel one part of puzzle. In post-Covid world travel patterns will change – we need to shift people from cars to public transport & active travel. Needs political leadership, gives example of opposition to Workplace Parking Levy

Next topic - how to make safe space for cycling, walking and wheeling? #ScotCyclingHustings

Chair asks @GrahamSMSP about @ScotTories manifesto including road widening & abolition of parking charges

Says cars are not disappearing & balance is needed. Wants segregated infra for walking & cycling to make people feel safe. Doesn’t see it as cars vs bikes – can have both

How will SNP make roads safer?
@MathesonMichael: Road infra still of critical importance to country – people still need to make car journeys. Electric cars not enough – need change in behaviour. Gives examples of removing heavy traffic from targeted towns by building bypasses

@AlexRowleyFife - Road surfaces must be improved. Not one size fits all across Scotland. Reflects on massive impact of congestion charging in London. If a party says 'you can't use your car' they probably won't get elected

@markruskell - can't have segregated infra on every street. Wants national 20mph limit in urban areas with national awareness campaign. This now being introduced in Wales. Evidence shows area-wide 20mph limits do reduce casualties

Audience question - cycling currently very middle class pursuit, how do we get more working class families cycling?

@MathesonMichael - need to make sure active travel infra & programmes do not exacerbate inequalities, but target hardest to reach communities

@MathesonMichael gives example of Bikeability targeting lower income communities, and social housing providers bringing in measures to support active travel.

Women in Scotland cycle less than men, but also less likely to have access to a car. What are the additional barriers facing women?

@MathesonMichael - getting people more involved in active travel, must address barriers facing all. Happy to look at policies to support women

@MathesonMichael continued - if we don't get infrastructure right, we won't get more people active

Jane Ann Liston on barriers to women cycling. Didn't cycle as an adult until 40s. Bikes can be unfashionable

@GrahamSMSP - wants to see Bikeability in every school, which means skilling teachers too. Doesn't agree that cycling in middle class pursuit. Says better off areas in Glasgow are receiving infra while less well off areas aren't

@markruskell - School training and bike culture important. On barriers to women - listens to what @leecraigie_ says. Bespoke programs targeting women are important

@AlexRowleyFife - Abuse of women when cycling an issue. On investment - commitment needed. Investment creates employment. Local councils need support with budgets slashed

Question on supporting rural cycling. @scotlibdems: more key routes between rural communities. Maintaining rural roads. @ScotTories: road maintenance...linked to funding for councils.

On rural cycling: @MathesonMichael: pressures on council funding from UK Govt funding restrictions. Need dedicated cycle infrastructure in & between rural areas

@AlexRowleyFife: Dedicated rural routes needed. Planning rules are barrier here

@markruskell: Too many routes not completed. Compulsory purchase orders are key.

How much funding is your party committing for active travel?

@scotlibdems: Not sure - but better to have lower target & actually deliver

@ScotTories: 10% of travel budget

@ScottishLabour: 10%

@theSNP: 10%

@scottishgreens: 10% rising to 20% in next parl

@JimDensham closes by urging people to get involved by:

1. Asking your MSP candidates to pledge their support for cycling http://bit.ly/2Q8KmGB 

2. Join @POPScotland's national day of action this Saturday https://pedalonparliament.org/ 

Thanks to all our panellists, and everyone who attended to hear the debate and show their support for cycling, active travel and public transport

#ScotCyclingHustings