SBC formally adopted our first Active Travel Strategy and Delivery Plan, following approval at full Council and a 10-week public consultation.
Consultation
The consultation attracted responses from individuals and organisations across the region, demonstrated strong community support for making active travel, such as walking, wheeling, and cycling, the natural first choice for everyday journeys.
The aim of promoting active travel is to create more flexible, accessible, and sustainable ways of getting around, helping people move away from relying solely on private cars. This not only helps people save money on fuel and vehicle upkeep, but also boosts health and wellbeing, strengthens community connections, reduces congestion, and lowers emissions.
Key Consultation Highlights:
- Broad Engagement: 301 responses
- Active Lifestyles: 68% of respondents travel actively more than three times per week.
- Strong Support: 69% agree or strongly agree the strategy will encourage active travel; 76% support the strategic objectives.
- Inclusive Approach: Respondents represented a wide age range, from under 18s through to over 65s.
- Positive Feedback on Themes: Each of the four strategy themes—Connecting People and Places, Behaviour Change, Encouraging and Motivating, and Research and Monitoring—received over 70% positive agreement.
Strategy Updates Based on Feedback:
- A clearer explanation of the strategy’s purpose.
- The inclusion of running and jogging under active travel.
- A greater emphasis on multi-modal** journeys and collaboration with public transport.
- Additional references to the Scottish Borders and the rail network.
- Revised and more concise strategic objectives.
- Enhanced focus on children, young people, women, and girls.
- New Active Travel Campaign—RIDONKULOUS—highlighted.
- Closer alignment with regional partners such as SEStran and the South of Scotland Strategic Action Group on Transport.
This first Active Travel Strategy marks a key milestone for how active travel will be developed and delivered within the region over the next 10-years. Having a dedicated Active Travel Strategy allows us to access additional resources to further expand the active travel offering for all residents.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
“We are grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation. The feedback has helped us shape a strategy that is ambitious, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of our communities. We look forward to working together to make active travel the easy choice for all.”