We will continue to support delivery of an affordable and sustainable system of public transport services to meet the needs of Shetland. We will support the development of alternative solutions such as active travel and mobility as a service that encourages positive travel choices.
These will evolve with the availability of alternative fuels and technologies and will complement other transport modes to form part of an integrated transport network. The network will support our community outcomes of achieving climate change targets, reducing inequality, improving public health and enabling access to essential goods and services, employment, education and health care, as well as other opportunities to ensure inclusive economic growth and healthy communities.
The council is working on a Strategic Outline Programme that will define the three-to-five year plan of projects and interventions to deliver on the Active Travel Strategy 2021-26.
Implementation activity during 2022 has included the completion of eight settlement audits with a further eight underway from October 2022. Route design is also underway for three routes based on audits.
A pipeline of projects is in development, including the development of a cycling strategy and a feasibility study for a Lerwick to Scalloway cycling link. A ‘Love to Ride’ behaviour change initiative is also in progress.
The Shetland Active Travel Network Strategic Outline Programme was approved by ZetTrans and Shetland Islands Council in March 2023 and progress on the delivery of the Active Travel Strategy will follow this year.