Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email Us
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp

By Sustrans | 20 December 2021 | TAGS: Research and learning, Walking, Cycling

Launched in May 2020, Spaces for People provided emergency funding to local authorities, transport partnerships and health boards.

The funding was made available to create spaces for people to physically distance during the pandemic and to improve road safety for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

An initial evaluation of the measures which were put in place has revealed:

  • a 25% increase in pedestrian use where Spaces for People measures (such as pavement widening) were introduced, compared with control sites
  • 50% of local people support the 20mph limits introduced in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, Stirling and Angus, whilst a further 27% feel neutrally about them.
  • 48% of survey respondents in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, Stirling and Angus reported an increase in the time they spend walking for leisure and exercise.
  • 94% of survey respondents in Aberdeen City agreed that the Spaces for People measures have made it easier to walk or cycle.
  • 2 million people live within ten minutes’ walk of Spaces for People measures
  • 178 interventions were installed within the first two months of the programme and 316 were installed by the end of the first six months

Find out more about the measures success and how they are working to make the measures permanent on the Sustrans website here.

Latest News

How Victoria Park Infant School used the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey to spark conversations and drive change

By GM Moving | 12 September 2025

We often hear from teachers about the challenges of understanding what truly motivates children to be active, this is one School's story of what they're doing to overcome that challenge.

Kicking off movement at L&Q Trafford schemes

By L&Q | 10 September 2025

Ahead of Falls Prevention Week, L&Q share how their chair-based classes support residents' strength, balance and mobility, supporting them to live well.

Active Together: Football and Friendship in Leigh

By GM Moving | 01 September 2025

Here's a strong example of GM Moving’s wider vision: creating positive movement experiences for everyone in Greater Manchester, rooted in community, equity, and joy.