I just wanted to add my vote to the campaign, being supported by fab cyclist Chris Boardman, over threats to cut funding for cycling and walking promotion in Scotland. The campaigners and environmental groups argue that a funding cut of about a third by the Scottish government will be hugely detrimental to health and carbon emission reduction targets. Let’s not forget that the government is still saying that it’s committed to reducing car use.

It strikes me as obvious that if Scots are encouraged to cycle or walk more, then they’ll use their cars less. This is surely one of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly ways to reduce carbon emissions – and also has the added advantage of reducing rising obesity figures.

As Tom Ballantine, of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, is reported as saying: “The decision to cut funding to support low carbon transport measures such as active travel is deeply worrying.

“A number of parliamentary committees have echoed our concerns that the budget and spending review is not aligned with Scotland’s climate change ambitions.

“The government must now step up and fully fund all of the measures set out in its own plans to meet our climate change targets.”

Apparently, the Scottish government has been quick to defend its record on investment in cycling and walking. A spokesperson said that the government has spent £80m on active and sustainable travel since 2007… and “substantially expanded” the cycle networks.

He added: “There is no question that we would like to spend more but we have a 36 per cent cut to our capital budget and we have to live within the resources that we have.”

A campaigning rally in Edinburgh today was supported by the Olympic and Tour de France cyclist, Boardman. I agree with Chris Boardman’s quote. He said: “To get people on their bikes, and make sure Scotland plays its part in addressing climate change, there needs to be proper investment in cycling infrastructure.”