Cycling Scotland cautiously welcomes Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill

Scotland’s Parliament has been consulting on its Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill, designed to place a legal duty on public bodies to ensure policy development and implementation is in line with sustainable development and wellbeing, together with the establishment of a Commissioner.

The Bill’s key aim is to address inequity in quality of environment experienced in Scotland, which affects people’s life chances and health.

Noting that “short terms wins are too often prized over long-term strategy”, Sarah Boyack MSP (introducing the bill) said: “What is becoming clear is that we need to work together across every area to meet our targets and make that work coherent.

“This consultation builds on research by Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA) and the calls from individuals and organisations who are ambitious about what Scotland can achieve when we work cohesively.”

The Bill echoes work in Wales, where a Future Generations Commissioner has been established thanks to the Well-being of Future Generation (Wales) Act 2015.

Cycling Scotland has declared itself partially supportive of the bill, making recommendations before the bill is voted on to be enshrined in law: “This proposal could have a positive impact on future generations because of its potential to support us toward net zero and sustainable development goals. The potential outcomes of cleaner air and a reduced number of private vehicles on the roads will benefit all generations and specifically those who are most vulnerable.

“This act has the potential for reducing ageism through intergenerational collaboration. It could be used to begin discussions between generations on the environment, active travel and placemaking.

“If linked to the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy and the 20% reduction in car kilometres goal, this act will have a positive impact on vulnerable road users who will feel safer to walk, wheel and cycle.”

Cycling Scotland also pointed to successes in Wales, where the Future Generations Commissioner has built positive partnerships and “has encouraged consideration and expansion of active travel through her work”.

The pro-cycling body also encouraged proposals to give the  Commissioner powers similar to the one in Wales: “With the power to conduct reviews into public bodies on future generations needs, to research and to advise ministers.”

Read more on Cycling Scotland’s response to the Bill here.