West Lothian Council delivers

Environmentally-friendly transport

 

Registration is now open for freshnlo Pedal for Scotland 2010!

freshnlo Pedal for Scotland is now open for registration for 2010 - and this time there are three options to choose from.

Scotland?s biggest bike ride just got even bigger, as you can now pick from three rides:

Challenge Ride: The classic 51 mile Glasgow to Edinburgh Challenge.
Sportive Ride: A 100 mile Glasgow to Edinburgh route aimed at the keen road cyclist.
Family Ride: A short off-road ride for families, youngsters and new cyclists.

Find out more about each ride here: pedal for scotland (new window)

Sustainable travel in West Lothian

There are many ways of travelling to and within West Lothian without the need to take the car. For short and urban trips, walking and cycling are viable travel choices and for longer journeys, there are good public transport services that connect the towns in West Lothian with each other and the neighbouring districts and Glasgow/Edinburgh. Car-sharing is another option that allows cheap, flexible and sustainable travel where walking, cycling and public transport are not the best options.

Car sharing

Car sharing is an environmentally-friendly and economic way of travelling where public transport is not the most practicable option.  It's easy too!  Simply register with Tripshare West Lothian; it is a safe way of finding a car share partner.  For information on car sharing or finding a walking or cycling buddy visit www.tripsharewestlothian.com (new window)

Travel planning

What is a travel plan?

A travel plan is a package of measures and initiatives that aim to reduce the number of single-occupancy car journeys by providing people with a greater choice.

This choice can include car-sharing schemes, improved cycling and walking facilities, better bus services, restricted car parking allocations, travel information or incentive schemes. It can also mean flexible-working practices such as remote access, home working and video conferencing.
 
Travel plans come in all shapes and sizes but the most common ones are workplace travel plans, residential travel plans, school travel plans and personal travel plans.
 
Why do we need a travel plan?

A Travel Plan has the potential to generate a number of benefits. Amongst many, it can:

· Achieve carbon reduction and other environmental gains by promoting and adopting more sustainable modes of transport;

· Help the local community by reducing traffic on roads and helping to improve public transport services;

· Provide financial savings by reducing the need to travel using single occupancy car journeys;

· Contribute towards a healthier workforce by promoting active travel and less stressful modes of travel; and

· Contribute towards a more productive workforce by reducing the need to travel and providing the opportunity to work whilst on route to a destination.

The council currently has an existing travel for the Civic Centre in Livingston and is working on another plan for County Buildings in Linlithgow.

Workplace travel plans

For advice on travel planning for bigger organisations and companies, please contact Lisa Black at the Southeast of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) on 0131 524 5159 or lisa.black@sestran.gov.uk

Public transport

West Lothian's central location between Edinburgh and Glasgow means that it is already very well served by rail, and the reopening of the Airdrie to Bathgate line will make train travel even more attractive. In addition, there are many local bus services that connect the communities in the district and serve the rural hinterland.

The Traveline journey planner is an easy to use tool that gives up-to-date and accurate information on public transport and proves that there are more ways of getting from A to B than the car. Why not give it a go now?

Traveline journey planner (new window)

More information on public transport can be found in the Public and Community Transport section of this website.

Walking and cycling

Walking and cycling are the cheapest, healthiest and most environmentally-friendly ways of travelling. Particularly in towns, they are also often the quickest way of getting around. For more information on cycling and walking facilities, information and contacts, please visit the cycling and walking sections of this website.