Compared to our European counterparts, enthusiasm for cycling in Scotland is somewhat deflated.

Transport and environmental groups have repeatedly called on the government and councils to make cycling a priority, looking to Scandinavian models to improve infrastructure, road safety and eventually get Scots back in the saddle.

Going by raw statistics, cycling as a main mode of travel in Scotland is highest in Dundee, Edinburgh and Orkney.

Nathan Kaczmarski, Cycling Scotland, said, “Great progress has been made getting more people cycling in many of Scotland’s cities.

ADVERT

“With sustained investment in infrastructure, cycle training and other initiatives to encourage and enable all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling, Cycling Scotland is confident that more and more people in Scottish cities will choose to cycle.”

According to Cycling Scotland’s 2016 annual report, the percentage of people who cycle as a main mode of travel in Scotland was 1.4% in 2014, an increase from 1% in 2013.

Here is breakdown of the figures impacting cyclists in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with analysis from charity Sustrans, which helps enable people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys they make every day.

Study found high percentage of residents concerned for cycle safety. Sustrans

Cycling as a mode of transport: <0.5%

ADVERT

Households with access to bikes for private use: 33.2%

Residents who cycle to work usually: 2.2%

Number of cycle-friendly schools: 10 (2562 pupils)

Warning areas: 0

With one of the lower cycle rates in Scotland, Aberdeen has attempted to get residents back in the saddle with various cycling initiatives including the Aberdeen Cycle Forum, Becycle and Cycle Grampian.

In the year 2013-2014 the city council spent £590,088 to improve cycling – a cut of more than £5000 from the previous year.

A recent study found people were put off cycling in Aberdeen due to safety fears – 95% of those who do not cycle believe safety concerns are a barrier and 93% say the attitude of other road users puts them off.

ADVERT

Sustrans verdict: “Deeside Way improvements have enhanced access and the local authority has very ambitious plans to improve cycling in Aberdeen city centre, in particular on Union Street.”

In five years city has raised cycling rates from the lowest to highest in Scotland. Sustrans

Cycling as a mode of transport: 4.2%

Households with access to bikes for private use: 25.5%

Residents who cycle to work usually: 4.2%

Number of cycle-friendly schools: 1 (786 pupils)

Warning areas: 0

In a 2011 report, Dundee City Council announced 1% of journeys taken were by bike – nearly a third less than the Scottish average and half the level achieved in Edinburgh.

The figures were particularly surprising considering low levels of car ownership in the city – 41% of Dundee households do not have access to a car for private use and 51% of the adult population do not have a driving licence.

Cycling Scotland revealed this year that Dundee had attained one of the highest cycling rates in Scotland, with cycling reaching 4.2% of the city’s modes of transport in 2014.

The city’s cycling infrastructure will get a £162,00 boost, announced on Monday, with plans for lowered kerbs and footway improvements, pedestrian access and cycling network improvements, pending approval from the city’s development committee.

Sustrans verdict: “In Dundee, use of the National Cycle Route greatly increased with the arrival of the V&A Museum of Design.”

Edinburgh is the only city to work in partnership with UK charity Sustrans. Sustrans

Cycling as a mode of transport: 4.2%

Households with access to bikes for private use: 37.7%

Residents who cycle to work usually: 8.7%

Number of cycle-friendly schools: 19 (10,212 pupils)

Warning areas: 2 (Dalmahoy Road and Haymarket)

Edinburgh is the only Scottish city to collaborate with Sustrans to assess cycling developments within the region.

The last Bike Life Edinburgh report in 2015 showed the city has about 7% of commuting trips being made by bike, with ambitions to up the figure to 15% by by 2020.

It also showed around 74% of Edinburgh residents want more spent on cycling, and the average amount people wanted to see invested from national and local transport budgets in cycling is £23 per person per year.

A point which may well be supported by Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger who was spotted cycling on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic during a visit earlier this year.

Sustrans verdict: “Edinburgh has a very well-developed strategy and the routes, as well as enabling journeys in and around the city centre, link many attractions such as the Gallery of Modern Art.”

Cycle network increased from 80 – 310km in past six years. Sustrans

Cycling as a main mode of transport: 0.6%

Households with access to bikes for private use: 22.1%

Residents who cycle to work usually: 2.1%

Number of cycle-friendly schools: 8 (3101 pupils)

Warning areas: 0

Glasgow has made efforts to raise its cycling profile in recent years, having spent £15m on the network since 2008, with local charities including Soulriders, Common Wheel, Free Wheel North and Bike Station facilitating access.

In the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the city also launched a £6m bike hire scheme, Nextbike, which made 400 new bikes across 31 locations in the city available for public use. This increased to 41 locations within a year of launch.

The city aims to be Scotland’s most cycle-friendly city by 2025 – but campaigners say Glasgow City Council still has a lot of work to do.

Sustrans verdict: In terms of improvement to cycling access, Glasgow is “developing a clear strategic approach.”