1. Dunbar area residents have access to local sustainable transport information
As we get to know people in schools, businesses and local groups, they also get to know about us and that we are a useful source of local transport information. We provide sustainable transport information though our office, train station, local shops. e.g. our pedestrian route maps, giving access to existing timetables from local operators and distributing our new combined train/bus timetable. We also provide useful transport links on our website.
2. Local and national groups have the evidence they need to lobby for sustainable transport improvements
The issues highlighted in our surveys have been fed into a web-based aspirational framework to lobby for improvements. This, together with information regarding future strategies for improvements and local authority schemes is all available in one easily accessible resource.
Our survey data is being used at every opportunity to provide input and local information to the local authority and the recent national review of rail services, but also to support bus users’ campaign for better services, the local woodland group for their path network, and a Living Streets initiative on healthy neighbourhoods.
3. Local groups and individuals have access to high-quality local maps for all purposes
Our pedestrian and public transport maps were delivered to every household in the area and are available from local outlets, as well as being prominently displayed at the train station.
We will make the base maps available to local groups wishing to promote activities in the area on the rational that if people know about all the facilities on offer locally, they will be less inclined to travel further afield. Our maps have been used by Dunbar Primary School to produce leaflets promoting safe walking routes and we are working with Cycling Dunbar and Dunbar Community Woodland Group to publish leaflets containing recreational routes.
4. More local people are considering reducing their use of private cars
Our programme of surveys raised our local profile, and the surveyors reported good feedback and interest in our work. At events the surveys provoked much discussion about sustainable transport and local travel problems. We made efforts to interview all areas of the community, from children to pensioners, urban to rural.
Other studies have shown that the act of completing the travel diary can make people think about their car usage and reduce it, especially for short journeys.
5. Local people can join a carsharing club, thus removing the need to own a private car.
We brought together the many interested parties, and applied for start-up funding to make the carshare club a reality. SpareWheels Dunbar is now incorporated as a Community Interest Company and will launch with two cars in April 2011. Carsharing clubs have been shown to considerably reduce members’ car use.
6. Local people can join a bus users group to voice their concerns on public transport provision
With our support, Rural East Lothian Bus Users group was established to looby for improvements to the local bus services.
7. Local people can access cycle training and learn bike maintenance skills
Our new project ‘What’s Stopping You?’ aims to get local people on their bikes by providing incentives, running Dr Bike sessions and cycle training for adults and children. The project attracted £3350 additional funding from Cycling Scotland.