THERE is a resurgence in cycling. More and more people in Glasgow are recognising the importance of bikes and the countless benefits that cycling can bring for their health, wealth and environment.

Cycling has proven that it is the safest, most efficient and cost effective way of getting around we have.

Cycling Scotland data from the automatic cycle counters recorded a 47% increase in cycling journeys across Scotland between March 2020 to March 2021. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has harmed many sectors of the economy, it has been transformative for cycling.

Annual sales figures from the Bicycle Association show the bike boom with growth by 45% in sales of cycles and cycling accessories. The UK bike market generated £2.31 billion in sales during 2020. The boom is expected to continue, with sales of electric bikes likely to keep rising. It is predicted that the sales of e-bikes could triple by 2023. For all the excitement around electric cars, the most significant innovation is e-bike use in our city.

This is a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of local bike services which Greens want sustained through the city’s economic recovery plan. Today, you can lend your support by celebrating Local Bike Shop Day and joining activities which encourage people to get involved in cycling.

We can ensure that more dedicated cycle paths are provided on a permanent basis as this is most successful approach to maintaining people’s interest in cycling. As a lasting legacy of the pandemic, a comprehensive approach to the provision of segregated bike lanes will facilitate cycling access within Glasgow. This is especially important for the cyclists who started using a bike during lockdown because of the pop up lanes funded by the Space for People programme.

Following the example of Berlin, Budapest, Paris, and Rome, our roads should be repurposed for safer cycling and a network of separate cycle lanes integrated into our city’s transport infrastructure.

Glasgow must do everything possible to reduce traffic congestion and ensure people do not chose to drive more. Cycling continues to provide an effective means of transport linked to low risk of transmission of the virus.

Cyclists can help avoid significant congestion from more traffic and reduce the damage caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions, and poorer air pollution.

Transport is at the heart of the city’s economic recovery. Van use for businesses is rising due to increased home deliveries. This is contributing towards higher numbers of, and larger, vehicles driving on residential streets. There is increased road danger and the risks of a collision.

To promote health and wellbeing, we can support a reduction in car and van use for trips through investment in the bike industry.

We have to improve the way we transport goods and services for business by bike.

Introduction of local e-cargo schemes is leading to progress in the reduction of the use of motor vehicles. The promotion of alternatives such as e-cargo bikes for the last-mile delivery is essential.

Cycling has great potential to provide employment and help us transition to a greener economy.