Case studies

Although the Bells bridge, which marks a meeting point between 3 important national routes in Scotland, has been open for a number of years, its connecting routes have been recently regenerated resulting in the bridge becoming a safe and attractive part of a thriving city. The improvements to the route have been associated with significant increases in usage of this part of the NCN between 1998 and 2004.

What does the local community think?

The additional use highlighted by the statistics below shows how the local community benefited, they wouldn't be using the route unless it made a difference to their lives:

• 39% increase in cycling trips per annum from 1998 to 2004

• 197% increase in pedestrian trips

• 261% more children making trips

• 364% Increase in the number of women using the route

• 19% of users are now from black and minority ethnic groups, as opposed to less than 2% in 1998

• The proportion of route users who could have used a car increased by 94%

• 20% of trips are for commuting, shopping or other utility purposes