Triumph at the 2025 Scottish Transport Awards for our site
The National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme, an initiative launched by Sustrans in Scotland in April 2023, has been recognised for its significant impact on improving the usability of traffic-free cycling routes across the country. The programme was awarded the top prize for Excellence in Transport Accessibility at the 2025 Scottish Transport Awards [1].
The programme, funded and implemented by Sustrans, focuses on removing physical barriers such as bollards, chicanes, and steps that restrict access on the National Cycle Network (NCN) routes. This removal of barriers has made a significant difference, particularly for non-standard cyclists, including users of adapted cycles such as tricycles, handcycles, or other mobility aids that do not fit the standard bike profile [1].
By eliminating these restrictions, the programme enables a wider range of people to safely and comfortably use the National Cycle Network. The initiative is part of Sustrans’ broader effort across the UK to ensure the cycle network serves everyone, including disabled and non-standard cyclists [1].
The success of the National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme is not only a testament to Sustrans’ commitment to making active travel inclusive and accessible for all but also aligns with the Scottish Government's investment in active travel infrastructure and accessibility. Over half a billion pounds have been invested in walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements in recent years [2][3].
One of the notable projects funded by the National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme is the improvement of National Cycle Network Route 1 in Carnoustie, which uses intelligent traffic signals and detection technology to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians over cars [1].
The official opening of the improved routes was celebrated by partners and local residents in December 2024. The programme's success has also been recognised in other projects, such as the £17 million Roseburn to Union Canal project, which significantly enhanced public safety and access to greenspace, and won the Excellence in Transport Design award for the City of Edinburgh Council [1].
Fiona MacLeod, Sustrans' Director for Scotland, Cymru, and Northern Ireland, expressed pride in the organisation's success and the dedication of its colleagues. Sustrans partners with organisations and local authorities, such as Angus Council and the City of Edinburgh Council, to deliver these changes [1].
The National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme is just one part of Sustrans' wider work towards improving the National Cycle Network for everyone. The organisation collaborates with funders and decision-makers on a national and local level to make active travel safer and easier for more people across Scotland [1].
In addition to the Excellence in Transport Accessibility award, Sustrans won four awards at the 2025 Scottish Transport Awards, including a Highly Commended award for the Network Planning Tool, developed by Sustrans' mobility planning colleagues [1]. Dr Lee Muir and Neill Malone also received the award for Excellence in Transport Accessibility for their work on the programme [1].
Sources: [1] Sustrans (2025). National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme wins top award for Excellence in Transport Accessibility. Retrieved from [https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/national-cycle-network-accessibility-programme-wins-top-award-for-excellence-in-transport-accessibility](https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/national-cycle-network-accessibility-programme-wins-top-award-for-excellence-in-transport-accessibility) [2] Scottish Government (2023). Active Travel Fund. Retrieved from [https://www.gov.scot/policies/active-travel/](https://www.gov.scot/policies/active-travel/) [3] Sustrans (2023). Places for Everyone. Retrieved from [https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/places-for-everyone](https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/places-for-everyone)
The National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme, an initiative by Sustrans, not only focuses on cycling infrastructure, but also extends to finance, as the Scottish Government has invested over half a billion pounds in active travel and infrastructure improvements [2][3]. Moreover, the success of the programme has been recognized in other fields, such as sports, with Dr Lee Muir and Neill Malone receiving the award for Excellence in Transport Accessibility for their work on the programme [1].
The National Cycle Network Accessibility Programme, awarded for Excellence in Transport Accessibility, aims to make the National Cycle Network more accessible to a wider range of people, including non-standard cyclists [1]. This focus on accessibility also extends to public-transit, with the programme funding projects like the Roseburn to Union Canal project, which won the Excellence in Transport Design award for the City of Edinburgh Council and significantly enhanced public safety and access to greenspace [1].
