New research has revealed that 30 per cent of Perth road users have committed to cycling more as the coronavirus restrictions continue to ease.
And 74 per cent are planning to walk more frequently within Fair City roads post-lockdown.
The findings by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland also state that 96 per cent of pedestrian casualties happen in built-up areas and that you are seven times as likely to kill a pedestrian if you hit them at 30mph rather than at 20.
It comes after local group Perth Area Living Streets (PALS) said speeding was still “rampant” in the city, especially on straight roads around the centre, despite a temporary 20mph limit being imposed.
The new speed limits are designed to make it safer for citizens to walk and cycle, lessening the need for public transport to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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The findings of the survey marked the launch of a nationwide campaign with the message for all road users: In Town, Slow Down.
The campaign will run across multiple channels and remind drivers to consider other road users and drive at an appropriate speed in built-up areas.
Katharine Melville of campaign group, ByCycle, feels the current COVID-19 road measures in Perth have highlighted how the city could look with more space given to pedestrians and cyclists.
She said: “For many years ByCycle has supported the adoption of a 20mph speed limit and we welcome the new limit in Perth.
“Feeling at risk on the road has always been cited by cyclists - even experienced ones - as a reason against cycling more, particularly for routine cycling to work, school or shopping.
“We have all grown up with the idea that motor vehicles take precedence.
“COVID-19 and the temporary measures in Perth have given everybody the opportunity to see how our city could look, with space given to pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists.
“Although ‘In Town, Slow Down’ sounds good as a slogan, the best measures in other cities seems to be to slow the motorist down naturally with changes to road infrastructure, and hopefully this will be the norm for the future plans of a ‘golden route’ through Perth as phase one for Perth People Place.
“ByCycle was also an advocate for a previous campaign called ‘Bike Polite’.
“‘We need to look out for each other’ is a watchword for all of us be we motorists, cyclists or even dog walkers.”
Road Policing Area Commander, chief inspector Neil Lumsden at Police Scotland, says everyone has a duty to make roads safer.
He continued: “Driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions - which includes other road users being present - is important and can reduce the chances of being involved in a crash.
“The speed limit should not be seen as a target, it is the maximum speed you should do and doesn’t mean you should sit at that speed if the network is busy with other road users.
“Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware that roads will be busier and to cross at designated points as well as adhering to relevant parts of the Highway Code.
“There is room for everyone on our roads and we encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other.
“We all have a duty make our roads a safer place.”
