By Nikki Moorhouse
What’s happening in Active travel this March?
Wow, how did it become March already? It certainly feels like it has come around fast this year. Fortunately though this time of year brings with it lots of potential. There is a hint of warmer weather accompanied by longer days, delivering a promise that Spring is on its way. Further, we can now see more light at the end of the COVID tunnel, with the ‘stay at home’ message easing somewhat as we enter into April. What promising news!
There is a few weeks to go till then though. So to keep us all motivated and engaged we decided we would dedicate this Active Travel (AT) blog for March to explore what’s happening in the AT scene. Below we have outlined some key interactive AT events which you can get involved in during March. So take five minutes, read on and sign up to what- ever takes your fancy. All events are free and are open to all, so be sure to spread the word.
Local AT events/ initiatives
- Online event: Transforming Union St Dundee into a pedestrian street
This event will showcase the development of Union St in Dundee as a pedestrian only space. Cllr Mark Flynn, Convener of City Development at Dundee Council, will be describing the process and its outcomes. Daryl Gaffney du Ploys from Serendipities Cafe will speak about the impact of the changes on the businesses in the street. The talks will be followed by questions and discussion.
When & Where: Thursday 18th March, 17:00 – 18:00 GMT
How: Go the Eventbrite page and sign up
- Online event: Cycle Advocacy Network for Scotland
The event will be an introduction to how the Cycle Advocacy Network (CAN) supports local campaigning, how CAN fits with Cycling UK work in Scotland, and helping to put cycling on the Holyrood election agenda. Find out more about CAN here.
When & Where: Wednesday 31st March, 19:30 – 21:00 GMT
How: Go the Eventbrite page and sign up
National AT events/ initiatives
- Switching Gears Festival, Transition
Have you ever thought that cycling wasn’t for you? Or have you got a question about inclusivity and accessibility? Transition is proud to announce that we will be hosting a festival promoting just this, along with several other universities and colleges around Scotland. Join us as we bring together a fascinating series of daily interactive sessions to share the joys of cycling for everyone at higher and further education. To keep up to date with the latest news follow us on the Switching Gears Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @SwitchGearsFest
When: 22nd -26th March 2021 (various speakers)
Where: All sessions are online. A full breakdown of speakers can be found here
How: Simply head to the Eventbrite page to book as many speakers as you would like
- Active Commute Club, Sustrans
Throughout the month of March Sustrans are encouraging everyone to RE-IMAGINE THEIR DAILY COMMUTE. Whether you are still commuting or working from home take the time to get more active, connect with the outdoors and re-establish the boundaries between your work and personal life. Follow #ActiveCommuteClub
How: Try walking, wheeling, jogging, or cycling, instead of driving.
When: All through March 2021
Where: Follow Twitter @SustransScot and #ActiveCommuteClub, where you can find podcasts, music playlists & plenty of new suggestions to keep you motivated. And don’t forget to share your story.
- Scottish Walking Awards, Paths For All
The first-ever Scottish Walking Awards are being run by Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All, Living Streets Scotland and the National Walking Strategy Delivery Forum to celebrate all the people and organisations that are working to support walking and wheeling* in Scotland.. There are many categories of people that they are aiming to focus in on. So if you know someone who has made a difference to walking in your local area- read on. Their impact may be worthy of an award. Further information can be found here . Follow #scottishwalkingawards
When & Where: Nominations can be made online until 31st March 2021
How: Complete this form
On a final note: we are always looking for engaging content for our AT blog. If you have anything of interest you wish to share around active and sustainable travel in your local area we would love to hear from you. Get in contact via transition@st-andrews.ac.uk
