Annabelle Ewing's Active Travel Campaign in Ochil and South Perthshire

Annabelle Ewing has made active travel a central pillar of her campaign for Ochil and South Perthshire, arguing that better walking and cycling infrastructure can transform rural and small-town life across the region. Her proposals focus on safer routes, improved connections between villages, and integrating active travel with existing public transport.

The Scottish National Party candidate brings legal training and years of parliamentary experience to this agenda, treating infrastructure investment as both a public health measure and an economic driver. In communities stretching from Clackmannanshire to Kinross, she has met with residents frustrated by car dependency and the limited alternatives available.

Australia offers useful parallels here. In Melbourne, decades of investment in trams and separated cycling corridors have reshaped how residents move around the inner suburbs. Sydney's growing network of protected cycleways shows what sustained political will can achieve, while Brisbane's riverwalk demonstrates how dedicated paths can revitalise formerly car-dominated spaces. Yet Australian cities also illustrate the challenges of distance and car-centric planning that regional Scotland continues to face.

Ewing's approach draws on these international examples while remaining grounded in local geography. The Ochil hills, the Devon valley, and the towns of Alloa, Tillicoultry, and Auchterarder each present distinct transport challenges requiring tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies.

Building Connected Communities Through Better Paths

One of Ewing's core proposals involves upgrading the network of paths linking smaller towns to larger hubs. Many villages currently lack safe walking or cycling connections to rail stations, forcing residents into cars for journeys of just a few kilometres.

Her campaign highlights successful models from Brisbane's riverwalk system, where dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths have improved access along the waterfront. Ewing argues that similar investment along the Forth valley and the A91 corridor could reduce congestion while supporting local businesses and tourism.

Practical measures include better lighting, surface improvements, and clear signage. These relatively low-cost interventions can make a significant difference to whether people feel safe choosing to walk or cycle, particularly during winter months when daylight is limited and weather conditions deteriorate.

Cycling Networks and Rural Accessibility

Cycling infrastructure forms a key plank of the vision. Ewing advocates for protected lanes in town centres and quieter rural routes connecting farming communities to market towns. The constituency's varied terrain, from flat carselands to winding hill roads, demands different solutions in different locations.

In Perth, Western Australia, planners have invested heavily in riverside cycling paths that double as commuter routes. Ewing points to such examples when discussing how Ochil and South Perthshire could link attractions including Stirling and the Ochil hills into coherent cycling tourism offerings.

Her legal background informs careful attention to access rights and landowner concerns, seeking balance between traditional access arrangements and modern recreational use.

Walking Routes and Everyday Journeys

Beyond leisure, Ewing emphasises walking as a practical mode of transport. Short trips to schools, shops, and healthcare facilities make up a significant share of journeys in the constituency, and many could be walked if conditions were safer and more welcoming.

Australian road safety research consistently shows that lower speed limits in residential areas reduce casualties while encouraging active travel. Ewing supports similar traffic calming measures in village centres, drawing on evidence that protected crossings and reduced vehicle speeds make walking viable for older residents and families with young children.

The campaign has identified specific locations where dropped kerbs, better crossings, or pavement widening would unlock everyday walking journeys currently made by car out of necessity rather than choice.

Health and Environmental Benefits

The health case for active travel underpins much of the policy push. Regular physical activity through walking or cycling reduces risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and poor mental health, pressures that affect rural Scotland disproportionately.

Environmental benefits complement these health gains. Reduced car journeys cut emissions and improve air quality in built-up areas. With Scotland committed to ambitious climate targets, Ewing frames active travel as essential infrastructure for meeting those goals.

This focus on community wellbeing connects active travel to broader party thinking on preventive health and social care. The SNP's vision for Scotland includes significant investment in keeping people healthy and active, as outlined in the national care service plan, which recognises that active, connected communities are fundamental to reducing long-term pressure on health services.

Comparing Travel Options for Ochil and South Perthshire

Travel Mode	Carbon Emissions	Health Benefits	Cost to User	Suitability for Short Trips
Walking	Zero	High	Low	Excellent
Cycling	Zero	High	Moderate	Excellent
Bus	Low	Moderate	Low	Good
Car	High	Low	High	Limited

The comparison highlights why Ewing prioritises walking and cycling infrastructure. Both modes offer maximum health benefits at minimal environmental cost, making them ideal for the many short journeys that characterise rural and small-town life in the constituency.

Local Campaign Events and Resident Input

Ewing's team has organised a series of walkabouts and cycle rides across the constituency to gather feedback directly from residents. These events have identified priority projects including a continuous path along the River Devon and better connections between Tullibody and Alloa.

Campaign materials include detailed maps showing proposed routes and consultation opportunities. The approach mirrors successful Australian campaigns where politicians actively use the infrastructure they advocate for, demonstrating both commitment and practical knowledge of local terrain.

Voters can sign up for updates and find volunteer opportunities through the campaign website, ensuring the active travel agenda remains shaped by those who will use it daily.

A Long-Term Investment in Scotland's Future

Ewing positions active travel not as a niche concern but as mainstream economic and social policy. Every kilometre of safe path built is an investment in public health, tourism, and community cohesion across Ochil and South Perthshire.

Her track record in Westminster and Holyrood demonstrates consistent advocacy for these issues. As Scotland moves toward implementing new transport frameworks and funding mechanisms, Ewing argues that the constituency deserves its fair share of investment to ensure rural communities are not left behind in the transition to cleaner, healthier travel.

Support the campaign by signing up for updates, donating, or volunteering your time. Together, residents can build a constituency where walking and cycling are the natural choices for everyday journeys, creating a healthier, more connected Ochil and South Perthshire for generations to come.