GLASGOW'S environment boss has praised plans from the Scottish Government to give councils £10 million to introduce 'pop-up' measures to provide greater space for cyclists and pedestrians during the current lockdown.

It follows spikes of up to 215 per cent in the number of people cycling as their daily form of exercise in areas across Scotland, while car use is down by 75 per cent.

Glasgow City Council said earlier this month it is looking at ways to create temporary additional pavements and cycle paths as more people are out on bikes and walking during lockdown.

Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “This announcement is a very positive step forward.

“We now have a strong endorsement for the use of temporary measures for walking and cycling that support physical distancing.

“The clear expectation is that local authorities put forward bold, ambitious plans and we are already working hard to identify the projects in Glasgow that we can implement quickly.

“Physical distancing is going to be a fact of life for some time to come, even as lockdown starts to ease.

“One of the obvious consequences of lockdown is that the reduction in vehicle traffic has encouraged more people to walk or cycle as a way to get around.

“As restrictions are lifted, it is vital that people have the space they need to walk and cycle safely and still keep their distance as a way to stifle covid-19.

“We will look closely at the new government guidance to understand how we may be supported in implementing these measures and seek to secure the available funding as soon as possible.”

The announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Matheson has been welcomed by Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS).

John Bynorth, EPS Policy and Communications Officer, says: “It’s great to see Scotland following the lead of cities like Milan and Berlin and pushing ahead with temporary ‘pop up’ measures and infrastructure to encourage social distancing for the many cyclists and pedestrians who have poured onto our streets in recent weeks.

“Public opinion will help councils determine whether the ‘pop-up’ pedestrian and cycling infrastructure could be kept in place after the current crisis is over.

"The debate over private vehicle use, which has fallen by 75 per cent during lockdown, and upsurge in cycling – which is up 35 per cent compared to February’s levels - will hopefully increase public support for longer-term measures to encourage active travel that will bring rapid improvements in air quality.”