The manifesto asks political parties to give priority to walking, wheeling, and cycling in the Holyrood election next year.
The manifesto calls for five commitments: increased investment, long-term funding, improved infrastructure, better integration with public transport, and enhanced road safety. These actions can transform our communities, create healthier environments, and make active travel accessible to everyone.
Research shows strong public backing for active travel projects. Our Attitudes Survey revealed that 91% of people consider feeling safe while walking or wheeling alone as important. For children, there was a strong desire for more traffic-free paths and quiet routes, at 84%, as shown in Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index.
Kevin Lafferty, our Chief Executive Officer, stressed the importance of walking in the active travel landscape:
Walking and wheeling are the easiest ways for people to travel actively. They can help reduce health and transport inequalities and connect communities. When people walk for short trips, they improve their own health and wellbeing.
They also contribute to creating more vibrant local economies and cleaner environments. This manifesto is an opportunity to make sure everyone in Scotland, regardless of background or income, can travel safely on foot, by wheelchair, or bike in their daily lives.
The manifesto highlights the need for long-term investment, with a request to allocate at least 10% of the transport budget to active travel funding. It also emphasises the importance of making streets safer by lowering traffic speeds and implementing the pavement parking ban.
Kevin added,
In 2021 we saw record levels of investment for active travel. Since then, we’ve seen that impressive results can achieved with commitment and funding. Such as the incredible paths for active travel in local communities, delivered with support from our Ian Findlay Path Fund.
We need to maintain this momentum to ensure more people can travel actively. It will bring lasting benefits to Scotland's health, economy, and environment.
For more information download the Joint Active Travel Manifesto for 2026.