Draft Active Travel Strategy 2 (ATS2) Consultation
People power is needed to help steer active travel in East Dunbartonshire.
The Council is seeking views on its draft Active Travel Strategy 2 (ATS2) – a 10-year plan to help to make walking, wheeling or cycling the first and natural choice for local everyday trips.
Consultation is taking place between 5 October and 15 November 2026. Please read on for background information and a link to an online survey.
A series of drop-in sessions are also being held across East Dunbartonshire – see below for details.
For background on ATS2 – including benefits, barriers and Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Active Travel Strategy (ATS2) page.
Supporting documents are available to view/download at the foot of the page and there are also links to Delivery StoryMaps and an interactive map.
Introduction
The Council has a target for the East Dunbartonshire area to reach net zero emissions by 2045. Creating the conditions to support additional active travel is a core part of achieving this target, particularly since transport is the highest emitting sector in Scotland.
Active travel is sometimes viewed simply as cycling, but its definition is wider and includes ‘walking and wheeling’ – getting around while using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames, pushing prams/buggies and more.
The draft ATS2 sets out the policies and actions required to drive forward ‘modal shift’ – moving from one form of transport to another – and how to best apply the National Transport Strategy’s Sustainable Travel Hierarchy (see pic).
ATS2 will also help to deliver the Council's transport needs and wider policy objectives relating to:
- Climate and Environment
- Health and Wellbeing
- Equality and Inclusion
- Inclusive Growth and Local Economy.
Engagement to date suggests public support for proposed measures set out within this ATS2.
Extensive input and evidence was gathered through the 2021 Active Travel Discussion and re-affirmed through more recent engagement, which informed the four key themes for active travel policy and actions:
- Walking and Wheeling Network – high-quality, accessible walking and wheeling routes that connect key trip generators in towns and villages
- Connectivity Corridors – safe on-road cycling infrastructure or development of People First streets along main routes that connect places people want to go
- Behaviour Change – initiatives that give people of all ages and abilities the confidence and capabilities to switch their local everyday journeys to active travel
- Green Active Travel Networks – a series of interconnected routes linking towns and villages to the countryside and quality recreational open space.
Mission
The mission of ATS2 is that…
“Walking, wheeling or cycling will be the first and natural choice for local everyday trips”
Creating the conditions to support enhanced active travel will play a vital role in improving environmental, health and wellbeing outcomes for residents, as well as those working, studying in and visiting East Dunbartonshire.
Priorities
In addition to the mission, eight priorities have been developed to help deliver the widest possible benefits for individuals and communities in East Dunbartonshire.
The priorities of ATS2 will closely align with the Transport Planning Objectives (TPOs) of the Local Transport Strategy (LTS).
The eight priorities proposed in ATS2 are:
Increasing modal shift
1.Provide safe and easy access to everyday places
2. Improve integration between active travel and public transport.
Reducing inequalities
3. Empower and encourage all groups of people to walk, wheel and cycle more.
Reducing emissions
4. Improve active travel opportunities to and through areas where air quality issues may pose risks to the public and, in particular, children (for example schools and town centres).
Facilitating sustainable economic growth
5. Make East Dunbartonshire an attractive place for active travel to generate more sustainable business for the local economy.
Improving health
6. Improve physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing by providing better opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling for travel to work/school, and for leisure and exercise purposes – including enhanced access to areas of green space.
Improving safety
7. Ensure vulnerable road users, including those walking, wheeling and cycling, are safe on East Dunbartonshire’s road network
8. Ensure surfaces are of a high standard so appropriate paths and routes can be safely accessed and enjoyed by all.
Consultation
The Council is seeking views on the draft ATS2 between 5 October and 15 November 2026.
There are a variety of ways for you to get involved.
Survey
Please use this form to give your views.
In addition, drop-in sessions are being held:
- Mugdock Country Park (meeting room in Courtyard) – Thursday 15 October 2026, between noon and 4pm
- Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Thursday 22 October 2026, between 3pm and 7pm
- Lennoxtown Library – Tuesday 27 October 2026, between noon and 4pm
- Bishopbriggs Library – Thursday 29 October 2026, between 2pm and 6pm
- Milngavie Library – Wednesday 4 November 2026, between 1pm and 5pm
- Bearsden Community Hub (Lesser Hall) – Monday 9 November 2026, between 3pm and 7pm.
All responses received during the consultation will be taken into consideration during the preparation of the finalised version of ATS2.
If you have any questions or want to request materials in a different format or language, please email sustainability@eastdunbarton.gov.uk