A submission in this category should demonstrate
A submission in this category should demonstrate
A submission in this category should demonstrate
Entries in this category need to demonstrate how particular policies and projects have improved the street environment. Examples of initiatives for this Award include environmental enhancement schemes, pedestrian schemes or parking and warden policies. Before and after photographs help the Judges with this category.
Alternatively, a cycling strategy may form the basis of a submission for this category or an individual scheme, which has brought significant benefits. Increased numbers of people cycling or reduced cycle casualties are two ways that you could document the success of your work.
Entries in this category need to demonstrate how particular policies and projects have improved the street environment. Examples of initiatives for this Award include environmental enhancement schemes, pedestrian schemes or parking and warden policies. Before and after photographs help the Judges with this category.
Alternatively, a cycling strategy may form the basis of a submission for this category or an individual scheme, which has brought significant benefits. Increased numbers of people cycling or reduced cycle casualties are two ways that you could document the success of your work.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2024 HITRANS: Go - Hi and Motability Mobility Credit Pilot
2023 Aberdeenshire Council: The Aberdeenshire Bothy
2022 Joint winners: Cyclehoop Ltd & Glasgow City Council
2020 City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme
2019 Aberdeenshire Council, Integrated Travel Town Masterplan Project Approach
2024 HITRANS: Go - Hi and Motability Mobility Credit Pilot
2023 Aberdeenshire Council: The Aberdeenshire Bothy
2022 Joint winners: Cyclehoop Ltd & Glasgow City Council
2020 City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme
2019 Aberdeenshire Council, Integrated Travel Town Masterplan Project Approach
City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh’s Accessibility Commission
In a national first, Edinburgh City Council launched an independent Accessibility Commission in March 2024 to improve the inclusivity of public streets and spaces. The Commission provides strategic advice and holds the Council accountable for embedding accessibility across all design, communication, and engagement practices. Key outcomes are structured around three themes: inclusive design principles, accessible communications, and meaningful engagement with disabled people. Its first major milestone was the creation of a Work Plan to guide priorities and actions. With 20 member organisations including Euan’s Guide, Lothian Buses, and Inclusion Scotland, the Commission represents a wide range of voices. It draws on lessons from the city’s Poverty and Climate Commissions and aims to use data and KPIs to measure impact. Its work is already shaping local delivery and has the potential to influence national accessibility standards.
City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh’s Accessibility Commission
In a national first, Edinburgh City Council launched an independent Accessibility Commission in March 2024 to improve the inclusivity of public streets and spaces. The Commission provides strategic advice and holds the Council accountable for embedding accessibility across all design, communication, and engagement practices. Key outcomes are structured around three themes: inclusive design principles, accessible communications, and meaningful engagement with disabled people. Its first major milestone was the creation of a Work Plan to guide priorities and actions. With 20 member organisations including Euan’s Guide, Lothian Buses, and Inclusion Scotland, the Commission represents a wide range of voices. It draws on lessons from the city’s Poverty and Climate Commissions and aims to use data and KPIs to measure impact. Its work is already shaping local delivery and has the potential to influence national accessibility standards.
City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh’s Accessibility Commission
In a national first, Edinburgh City Council launched an independent Accessibility Commission in March 2024 to improve the inclusivity of public streets and spaces. The Commission provides strategic advice and holds the Council accountable for embedding accessibility across all design, communication, and engagement practices. Key outcomes are structured around three themes: inclusive design principles, accessible communications, and meaningful engagement with disabled people. Its first major milestone was the creation of a Work Plan to guide priorities and actions. With 20 member organisations including Euan’s Guide, Lothian Buses, and Inclusion Scotland, the Commission represents a wide range of voices. It draws on lessons from the city’s Poverty and Climate Commissions and aims to use data and KPIs to measure impact. Its work is already shaping local delivery and has the potential to influence national accessibility standards.
Community Transport Association
Community Development Programme
In response to rising unmet transport needs, CTA Scotland launched a proactive community development programme in 2023. Moving away from reactive support, CTA prioritised outreach and capacity-building to grow community transport across Scotland. The programme delivered 21 bespoke “Intro to CT” sessions to over 250 individuals from 75 communities, leading to 12 new services being launched—often in areas with little or no public transport. These services now help combat social isolation, improve access to employment, healthcare, and education, and offer alternatives to car use. CTA’s model is scalable, sustainable, and rooted in local empowerment, supporting rural, island, and urban communities alike. The programme strengthens the sector’s resilience and long-term social value through volunteer engagement, environmental benefits, and reduced transport poverty.
Community Transport Association
Community Development Programme
In response to rising unmet transport needs, CTA Scotland launched a proactive community development programme in 2023. Moving away from reactive support, CTA prioritised outreach and capacity-building to grow community transport across Scotland. The programme delivered 21 bespoke “Intro to CT” sessions to over 250 individuals from 75 communities, leading to 12 new services being launched—often in areas with little or no public transport. These services now help combat social isolation, improve access to employment, healthcare, and education, and offer alternatives to car use. CTA’s model is scalable, sustainable, and rooted in local empowerment, supporting rural, island, and urban communities alike. The programme strengthens the sector’s resilience and long-term social value through volunteer engagement, environmental benefits, and reduced transport poverty.
Community Transport Association
Community Development Programme
In response to rising unmet transport needs, CTA Scotland launched a proactive community development programme in 2023. Moving away from reactive support, CTA prioritised outreach and capacity-building to grow community transport across Scotland. The programme delivered 21 bespoke “Intro to CT” sessions to over 250 individuals from 75 communities, leading to 12 new services being launched—often in areas with little or no public transport. These services now help combat social isolation, improve access to employment, healthcare, and education, and offer alternatives to car use. CTA’s model is scalable, sustainable, and rooted in local empowerment, supporting rural, island, and urban communities alike. The programme strengthens the sector’s resilience and long-term social value through volunteer engagement, environmental benefits, and reduced transport poverty.
Lothian Buses
Strut Safe
Lothian’s 2024 partnership with Strut Safe has added an innovative layer of late-night safety. Strut Safe is a volunteer-run helpline offering reassurance to individuals—particularly women and vulnerable groups—walking or travelling alone at night. Available Friday to Sunday, the service stays on the phone with users until they reach their destination safely. Lothian promoted the initiative through bus screens, events, and student fairs, increasing public awareness and boosting volunteer numbers. The collaboration has not only enhanced safety but inspired other transport providers across the UK to follow suit. It’s a strong example of how Lothian integrates socially responsible practices into its operations, making public transport more inclusive and supportive for all.
Lothian Buses
Strut Safe
Lothian’s 2024 partnership with Strut Safe has added an innovative layer of late-night safety. Strut Safe is a volunteer-run helpline offering reassurance to individuals—particularly women and vulnerable groups—walking or travelling alone at night. Available Friday to Sunday, the service stays on the phone with users until they reach their destination safely. Lothian promoted the initiative through bus screens, events, and student fairs, increasing public awareness and boosting volunteer numbers. The collaboration has not only enhanced safety but inspired other transport providers across the UK to follow suit. It’s a strong example of how Lothian integrates socially responsible practices into its operations, making public transport more inclusive and supportive for all.
Lothian Buses
Strut Safe
Lothian’s 2024 partnership with Strut Safe has added an innovative layer of late-night safety. Strut Safe is a volunteer-run helpline offering reassurance to individuals—particularly women and vulnerable groups—walking or travelling alone at night. Available Friday to Sunday, the service stays on the phone with users until they reach their destination safely. Lothian promoted the initiative through bus screens, events, and student fairs, increasing public awareness and boosting volunteer numbers. The collaboration has not only enhanced safety but inspired other transport providers across the UK to follow suit. It’s a strong example of how Lothian integrates socially responsible practices into its operations, making public transport more inclusive and supportive for all.
McGill’s Bus Group
McGill’s / RNIB Scotland ‘Swap With Me’
McGill’s has rolled out the impactful ‘Swap With Me’ training initiative in partnership with RNIB Scotland. This immersive programme helps drivers understand the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted passengers by simulating different eye conditions. Conversely, visually impaired participants gain insight into the driver’s perspective. Over 140 McGill’s drivers have taken part, with new recruits receiving this training as part of their induction. The initiative has improved empathy, enhanced service quality, and boosted driver retention. Plans are in place to expand the scheme across all McGill’s training academies by end of 2025. This initiative strengthens accessibility through staff understanding, setting a strong industry precedent.
McGill’s Bus Group
McGill’s / RNIB Scotland ‘Swap With Me’
McGill’s has rolled out the impactful ‘Swap With Me’ training initiative in partnership with RNIB Scotland. This immersive programme helps drivers understand the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted passengers by simulating different eye conditions. Conversely, visually impaired participants gain insight into the driver’s perspective. Over 140 McGill’s drivers have taken part, with new recruits receiving this training as part of their induction. The initiative has improved empathy, enhanced service quality, and boosted driver retention. Plans are in place to expand the scheme across all McGill’s training academies by end of 2025. This initiative strengthens accessibility through staff understanding, setting a strong industry precedent.
McGill’s Bus Group
McGill’s / RNIB Scotland ‘Swap With Me’
McGill’s has rolled out the impactful ‘Swap With Me’ training initiative in partnership with RNIB Scotland. This immersive programme helps drivers understand the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted passengers by simulating different eye conditions. Conversely, visually impaired participants gain insight into the driver’s perspective. Over 140 McGill’s drivers have taken part, with new recruits receiving this training as part of their induction. The initiative has improved empathy, enhanced service quality, and boosted driver retention. Plans are in place to expand the scheme across all McGill’s training academies by end of 2025. This initiative strengthens accessibility through staff understanding, setting a strong industry precedent.
Network Rail
Access for All Projects with Story Contracting
In just 12 months, Network Rail and Story Contracting delivered five transformative Access for All schemes at stations across Scotland, benefiting over 2.4 million passengers annually. Enhancements included new lifts, accessible footbridges, and platform access at Port Glasgow, Dumfries, Uddingston, Anniesland, and Carstairs. These projects were tailored through consultation with disabled passengers and tackled complex engineering challenges, such as integrating features into heritage station designs. Alongside the physical upgrades, the team delivered over 500 hours of community volunteering and education initiatives, including school STEM workshops and accessible play spaces. This work has significantly enhanced independent travel and community engagement across the rail network.
Network Rail
Access for All Projects with Story Contracting
In just 12 months, Network Rail and Story Contracting delivered five transformative Access for All schemes at stations across Scotland, benefiting over 2.4 million passengers annually. Enhancements included new lifts, accessible footbridges, and platform access at Port Glasgow, Dumfries, Uddingston, Anniesland, and Carstairs. These projects were tailored through consultation with disabled passengers and tackled complex engineering challenges, such as integrating features into heritage station designs. Alongside the physical upgrades, the team delivered over 500 hours of community volunteering and education initiatives, including school STEM workshops and accessible play spaces. This work has significantly enhanced independent travel and community engagement across the rail network.
Network Rail
Access for All Projects with Story Contracting
In just 12 months, Network Rail and Story Contracting delivered five transformative Access for All schemes at stations across Scotland, benefiting over 2.4 million passengers annually. Enhancements included new lifts, accessible footbridges, and platform access at Port Glasgow, Dumfries, Uddingston, Anniesland, and Carstairs. These projects were tailored through consultation with disabled passengers and tackled complex engineering challenges, such as integrating features into heritage station designs. Alongside the physical upgrades, the team delivered over 500 hours of community volunteering and education initiatives, including school STEM workshops and accessible play spaces. This work has significantly enhanced independent travel and community engagement across the rail network.
Project Centre
Tackling Pavement Parking in Edinburgh
Project Centre, working with NSL and Edinburgh City Council, led the rollout of Scotland’s first enforced pavement parking ban in 2024. Using a Red/Amber/Green (RAG) assessment framework and GIS mapping, over 5,000 roads were surveyed and prioritised for action. The initiative, driven by safety concerns for wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and families with buggies, resulted in a significant drop in contraventions and complaints within months. Daily parking notices dropped from 17 to 12 and complaints halved. Public outreach campaigns supported awareness and compliance. The model is now being adopted by other Scottish councils, demonstrating clear, positive outcomes for pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Project Centre
Tackling Pavement Parking in Edinburgh
Project Centre, working with NSL and Edinburgh City Council, led the rollout of Scotland’s first enforced pavement parking ban in 2024. Using a Red/Amber/Green (RAG) assessment framework and GIS mapping, over 5,000 roads were surveyed and prioritised for action. The initiative, driven by safety concerns for wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and families with buggies, resulted in a significant drop in contraventions and complaints within months. Daily parking notices dropped from 17 to 12 and complaints halved. Public outreach campaigns supported awareness and compliance. The model is now being adopted by other Scottish councils, demonstrating clear, positive outcomes for pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Project Centre
Tackling Pavement Parking in Edinburgh
Project Centre, working with NSL and Edinburgh City Council, led the rollout of Scotland’s first enforced pavement parking ban in 2024. Using a Red/Amber/Green (RAG) assessment framework and GIS mapping, over 5,000 roads were surveyed and prioritised for action. The initiative, driven by safety concerns for wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and families with buggies, resulted in a significant drop in contraventions and complaints within months. Daily parking notices dropped from 17 to 12 and complaints halved. Public outreach campaigns supported awareness and compliance. The model is now being adopted by other Scottish councils, demonstrating clear, positive outcomes for pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Sustrans
National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme
WINNER
Sustrans’ Accessibility Programme is transforming Scotland’s National Cycle Network by removing physical barriers that exclude wheelchair users, adapted bike users, and families with buggies. Following a 2022/23 audit identifying over 4,000 access issues, Sustrans launched a public dataset and grant fund. In 2023/24, 437 barriers were removed—almost triple the target—with substantial increases in path use recorded (up to 54%). The programme focuses on low-cost, high-impact redesigns and shares best practice nationally and internationally. It works closely with accessibility partners to assess impact and inform design. This work is delivering measurable improvements in inclusivity, mobility, and access to active travel infrastructure across Scotland.
Sustrans
National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme
WINNER
Sustrans’ Accessibility Programme is transforming Scotland’s National Cycle Network by removing physical barriers that exclude wheelchair users, adapted bike users, and families with buggies. Following a 2022/23 audit identifying over 4,000 access issues, Sustrans launched a public dataset and grant fund. In 2023/24, 437 barriers were removed—almost triple the target—with substantial increases in path use recorded (up to 54%). The programme focuses on low-cost, high-impact redesigns and shares best practice nationally and internationally. It works closely with accessibility partners to assess impact and inform design. This work is delivering measurable improvements in inclusivity, mobility, and access to active travel infrastructure across Scotland.
Sustrans
National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme
WINNER
Sustrans’ Accessibility Programme is transforming Scotland’s National Cycle Network by removing physical barriers that exclude wheelchair users, adapted bike users, and families with buggies. Following a 2022/23 audit identifying over 4,000 access issues, Sustrans launched a public dataset and grant fund. In 2023/24, 437 barriers were removed—almost triple the target—with substantial increases in path use recorded (up to 54%). The programme focuses on low-cost, high-impact redesigns and shares best practice nationally and internationally. It works closely with accessibility partners to assess impact and inform design. This work is delivering measurable improvements in inclusivity, mobility, and access to active travel infrastructure across Scotland.