In 2024-25 Transport Scotland is directing funding through Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) to deliver a programme of behaviour change and access to bikes, with the aim of increasing the mode share of local, everyday journeys made by walking, wheeling or cycling rather than by private car.
The funding is to be delivered under four broad themes:
- Active Schools
- Active Workplaces
- Accessibility and Inclusion
- Capacity & Capability Building
2024-25 Evaluation Report
In 2024–25, the HITRANS People and Place programme funded and supported over 20 projects across the four strategic themes identified by Transport Scotland. Projects ranged from cycle parking infrastructure to behavioural interventions, all designed to increase walking, cycling, and wheeling. Collectively, these initiatives engaged thousands of participants, improved cycling and walking facilities, and helped build a more inclusive active and sustainable travel culture across the region.
Programme Overview
Programme Themes:
1. Active Schools & Young People
2. Active Workplaces
3. Accessibility & Inclusion
4. Capacity & Capability Building
Delivery Partners:
Local Authorities, health boards, National Park Authorities, community organisations, and private sector partners.
Scope:
Projects delivered across the HITRANS region, including Highland, Moray, Orkney Islands, the Western Isles and Argyll & Bute, with an emphasis on inclusive access and sustaining behaviour change.
Overall Reach:
· 14,000 participants across age groups from preschool to 50+
· Strong engagement from schools, workplaces and community groups
· New or upgraded infrastructure (bike parking, adapted bikes, counters) installed in more than 30 locations
Key Outputs:
· 80+ inclusive cycling sessions delivered
· Over 2,900 total attendances at cycling initiatives
· 130 bikes refurbished and rehomed either free or at low cost
· Workplace travel plans implemented in NHS and private sector
· Engagement with over 8,000 employees
Thematic Analysis
Active Schools & Young People
· Common initiatives: Bikeability training (Learn to Ride & Bikeability Level 1), learn to cycle sessions, school infrastructure like shelters, walking challenges.
· Outcomes: increased cycling to school (eg. West End Primary in Elgin: 3% –> 10%), improved road safety awareness among pupils, expanded access to inclusive cycling.
Active Workplaces
· Common initiatives: Bike reuse schemes, adaptive cycling equipment, volunteer training.
· Outcomes: Increased bike usage and safety awareness, better understanding of staff commuting patterns, infrastructure upgrades (e-bike charging, lockers), supporting modal shift.
Accessibility & Inclusion
· Common initiatives: Bike reuse schemes, adaptive cycling equipment, volunteer training.
· Outcomes: Increased access to cycles, trained volunteers, high engagement in community-led schemes like SPIN and Dunoon Community Development Trust.
Capacity & Capability Building
· Common initiatives: Installation of active travel counters, Play Streets programme, regional infrastructure delivery.
· Outcomes: Better data for planning and evaluation, community empowerment, improved stakeholder collaboration.
Case Studies
Outfit Moray – Inclusive Cycling & Bike Revolution
Delivered 113 sessions with over 2,900 participants, including 566 in Additional Support Needs (ASN). Demonstrated measurable increases in inclusion, safety, and continued engagement with cycling.
https://outfitmoray.com/bike-revolution-delivery/
Travelknowhow – Lifescan Staff Travel Planning
Surveyed 227 staff (38% response rate), identified key barriers and opportunities, and delivered facilities upgrades and planning support for increasing active travel to work.
https://www.travelknowhowscotland.com/
SPIN Project, Aviemore – Bike Reuse Programme
Refurbished & sold 48 bikes and provided 34 refurbished bikes free to those in need. Empowered volunteers with formal training and qualifications, saved 520kg of waste, and expanded access to affordable transport.
Lessons Learned
- Access to bikes is essential; free or low cost access to bikes and adaptive equipment increases uptake dramatically.
- School engagement is a gateway: Early engagement builds lifelong habits and normalises active travel.
- Workplace support needs to go beyond surveys: Facilities and visible encouragement matter.
- Community-based organisations are well placed to reach a wide demographic across the community.
- Monitoring infrastructure is critical to measure changes in travel behaviour over time, but Local Authorities often lack the capacity to install counters and analyse the data.
Funding Breakdown
Mobility Hubs: 40%
Transport Integration: 20%
Smart Travel Choices: 12%
Access to Bikes: 8%
Living Streets Programme: 8%
Capacity Building: 7%
Cycling UK Projects: 5%
Resource Support & Delivery: 5%
The full report will be available here from 12th September.
Further pages relating to People and Place Programme
Active Travel and Sustainable Transport Behaviour Change Strategy
Funding for Active Travel Infrastructure Projects in the Community and Workplace
HITRANS Active Travel Update Partnership Meeting April 2025
HI-BIKE E-bike share scheme for Inverness and Fort William