Over 30 locations in Scotland see 30% increase in cycling
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.
Cycle journeys increased by at least 30% at 34 monitored sites between winter 2023–24 and the same period in 2024–25, with the rise seen across a wide range of locations, from rural paths to busy urban routes.
Notable year-on-year increases were recorded in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands.
The data, gathered from over 800 automatic cycle counters across Scotland, was analysed by Cycling Scotland, the national cycling charity.
Other areas showing strong winter cycling growth include Inverclyde, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, South Lanarkshire and Stirling, with Cycling Scotland noting that commuter patterns in many areas support the idea that people are using bikes not just for leisure, but to get to work and school.
Nick Montgomery, Monitoring and Development Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: “To see significant winter to winter increases in cycling is very promising, especially as the growth is close to locations that have seen improvements for cycling in recent years. The peaks in cycling recorded during morning and evening rush hours also show that people are using these routes to get around by bike for everyday journeys, such as travelling to and from work.
“What we see from the data is that where local authorities are investing in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, there are big increases in people travelling by bike. Future improvements would support even more people to benefit from cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way of getting around.”
In the Highlands, the B9152 road between Aviemore and Carrbridge saw one of the biggest local increases, with 1,469 recorded bike trips along the route in January, February and March 2025, up from 963 in the same period the year before, indicating a 53% rise.
Sally Devlin who lives in Aviemore and cycles to work each day, said: "It can often be, if not always, quicker to travel around Aviemore by bike. We have a good network of smooth off-road trails and quiet roads off the main street which means you get to your destination quicker, enjoy nature and stay away from traffic when getting from A to B. I no longer drive to work, and even though it's just a five-minute cycle you feel so much better for getting outside, and a happy team means happy customers.”
Convener of The Highland Council and Badenoch & Strathspey Councillor, Bill Lobban said: “We are encouraged by the growing levels of cycling in Aviemore, which reflect both local enthusiasm and a wider shift towards healthier and more sustainable travel choices. Aviemore’s unique location within the Cairngorms National Park makes it an ideal setting for active travel, and it’s clear from the statistics that residents and visitors alike are embracing cycling for both recreation and everyday journeys.”