Question reference: S5W-28875
- Asked by: Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 5 May 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 15 May 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice it is offering to cyclists regarding (a) safely accessing roads and pavements and (b) complying with the law and social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer
The primary source of guidance to all road users in Scotland, including cyclists, remains the Highway Code. This sets out all legal obligations for cyclists, as well as advice on safe practices. The Code encourages cyclists to be considerate of other users and to clearly indicate their intentions to other road users. There are now additional challenges as a result of physical distancing measures to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, and we therefore encourage all road users to be extra vigilant during these times.
Road Safety Scotland (RSS) is encouraging all road users to help reduce the strain on the emergency services during the coronavirus pandemic by taking extra care when making essential journeys. These messages are posted regularly on RSS and Transport Scotland social media channels.
Scottish Ministers have also provided additional guidance regarding physical distancing on the Scottish Government website and Transport Scotland delivery partners have been active on social media and other channels amplifying those messages. The guidance can be accessed at the following location: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/