CUTS to the budget for walking and cycling projects have been branded “bad news” for health and the environment.

Shona Robison, finance Secretary said there would be additional cuts to the active travel budget on top of £188m worth of savings, part of a £500m package of measures.

Campaigners said the move was short-sighted as active travel spending saves money in the long term.

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Robison said the moves were needed to balance the books in the face of “enormous and growing pressure on the public finances”.

But Cycling groups have warned it will lead to targets on walking and cycling not being met.

Scott Runciman, Scotland advocacy lead at Cycling UK, said: “The decision from the Scottish Government today to further weaken funding for cycling and walking is bad news for the nation’s health, economy and environment. 

“Today's cut to this year's active and sustainable travel budget follows the disappointment of the government not meeting its long-term spending commitment in its previous budget.

“Evidence has shown that investment in active travel projects like cycling and walking infrastructure saves money in the long term and can be one of the most cost effective and impactful health interventions a government can make.

"Without a 10% commitment to invest in active travel projects, Scotland will also struggle to meet its targets to increase walking and cycling and reduce unnecessary car journeys.”

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The Scottish Government says there will be £23.7m of savings from the Active and Sustainable Travel budget. 

(Image: newsquest)

Glasgow has seen a big increase in segregated bike lanes across the city to create more safe routes for cycling. 

Mr Runciman added: “Cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh have already used active travel funding to build cycle routes and have seen big increases in the number of people cycling. Thanks to these cuts, improvements will likely now stall.”