Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.5°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Transport / Survey reiterates cycling safety worry

SEGREGATION from vehicle traffic and safety remain key barriers to people cycling more in Shetland, a recent survey has reiterated.

Meanwhile 42 per cent of people responding to the survey said their transport patterns have changed since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The online survey was carried out by transport partnership ZetTrans earlier this year.

It was undertaken to inform the development of a new Shetland transport strategy.

A survey on internal transport received 1,036 responses, and another on external travel had 580.

When it came to cycling, 65 per cent of respondents said a lack of segregation from traffic was a “major factor” in preventing them from cycling more.

Feeling safe and a lack of opportunity to cycle when going somewhere such as work, shopping or socialising also featured highly.

The safety issue is nothing new in Shetland, with reminders often made in the past to drivers about keeping their distance from cyclists.

Meanwhile for public buses service frequency, the range of destinations and the time of the last bus were the main issues behind people not using them more.

The Bressay shopper bus on the Bressay ferry. Photo: SIC

Weekend timetables were also a barrier to more people using inter-island ferries.

The price of tickets was the main factor when travelling by air on inter-island flights.

When it came to external travel, around one third of people completing the survey said they flew off Shetland every six months.

Visiting family/friends and leisure trips were more common than journeys for work, with Aberdeen the most popular destination.

Half of people said they always, or nearly always, drive to Sumburgh Airport and park.

The cost of flying, however, was regarded as the main barrier to more people heading south on the plane.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

For the NorthLink boat, a similar number of people (36 per cent) said they travelled south every six months.

Most people said they drive to the ferry terminal in Lerwick.

More than half of respondents said they had occasions where they were unable to book their vehicle on the ferry, and nearly 70 per cent had the same problems with a cabin.

Cost was again highlighted as a barrier, as was a shortage of on-board accommodation.

Meanwhile four in ten respondents said their travel patterns have changed due to the Covid pandemic.

Many people said there was an increase in walking, and some reported less travel by car or ferry.

Outside of the surveys a series of discussions have been held with various organisations and council departments about transport.

This has included engagement with NHS Shetland, VisitScotland, the council’s roads department and the National Farmer’s Union.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.