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Go Bike! Strathclyde Cycle Campaign

Why Go Bike?

Welcome to the Go Bike website! The campaign exists to promote cycling in the Strathclyde area of Scotland, and is active mainly within Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, and East Renfrewshire.

With the recent gales and floods in England, on top of the floods a few years ago in Scotland, when Paisley, Perth and Inverness were hit, global warming seems to be making its impact.

To help counteract this environmental threat, together with that from pollution from the all-pervasive motor vehicle, (for instance, the seven mile M74 extension, which is costed at £500 million, and includes a measly two miles of cycle track!!) we would like you to join Go Bike, subscribe to the Go Bike News email list (see join page for explanation) and help us take personal responsibility for effecting a modal shift away from the motor car, and towards cycling, walking and public transport. (See Glasgow City Council's current road proposals, including the M74 extension, East End Rat Run, Yoker Relief Road, Easterhouse Uplink, Northern Ring Road, Gartloch Getaway and Daldowie Diversion.)

Events

Go Bike holds meetings throughout the year to discuss cycling issues. See meetings for details. Anyone interested in improving cycling in the Glasgow area is welcome to attend.

Learn about our easy-paced cycle rides held each month, and what our campaign has achieved so far, by reading the on-line version of our newsletters. There are also links to other cycling organisations.

Glasgow Cycle Map

Go Bike, in association with Spokes Maps, has produced the all new Glasgow Cycle Map, launched in September 2007 as part of European Mobility Week.

The map is available in bike shops and book shops.

You may order by post by sending a cheque for £4.95 made payable to 'SPOKES' to:

Spokes Maps
St Martin's Church
232 Dalry Road
Edinburgh
EH11 2JG

See Glasgow Cycle Map for more details.

Subscriptions

Have you renewed your Go Bike Membership for this year? See Subscription Notice. Funds from subscriptions go towards paying for things like room hire for meetings, newsletter printing, and stationery.

News

See Cyclenation for National and International News, including Transport Policy, Law and Strategic Developments.

For Scottish news from Sustrans see Sustrans Scotland News, including Scottish Route Developments and Route Closures and Diversions.

Local News & Consultations

• Rutherglen Railway Station has free-to-use bike lockers outside the main Victoria Street entrance. Unlike lockers elsewhere, these can be used without booking or payment, and all that is needed is an ordinary padlock. However, notices on the lockers advise that they must not be used for overnight storage, so can only be used for day trips. One of the lockers was in use when we inspected them, while reports of the previous booked locker service was that take-up was very low.

• A newly surfaced path has been provided linking Burnfield Cottages to Robslee Drive, between Mansewood and Woodfarm. Illegal dumping has been reduced and the area now has better drainage. This provides a flatter route between Thornliebank Road and Rouken Glen Park, avoiding the hill on Orchard Park Avenue and the narrow section of the busy Thornliebank Road at Thornliebank Station. Go Bike is looking for a cycle route between Shawbridge Street and the path to the rear of Harriet Place, linking the White Cart Cycle Route to the Thornliebank Road bus lanes and thus onwards to the new path to Woodfarm.

• A new dropped kerb has been installed in Sannox Gardens, improving cycle access to Alexandra Park from the west. Go Bike has requested that a cycle route be created to the park along Townmill Road, Harcourt Drive and Coventry Drive.

• Go Bike had been promised by Glasgow City Council that cycle lanes removed upon resurfacing in Killermont Street and Royston Road would be reinstated within 28 days. Now more than 28 days later we are still waiting...

• A new Toucan Crossing has been provided across Seaward Street, although it is some distance to the north of the path it connects with to Kinning Park. A cycle lane has also been provided along the opposite side of Seaward Street, but stops short of the junction with Scotland Street.

• The new Tradeston-Broomielaw Foot/Cycle Bridge over the River Clyde in Glasgow opened on 14 May 2009, although the promised connecting cycle route from Eglinton Toll, via Salkeld Street and Tradeston Street has yet to be started. We've heard nothing about creating a route to the north, into the city centre. We suggest a contraflow cycle lane on Blythswood Street, between Cadogan Street and Holm Street, allowing cyclists to reach the bridge directly from the Bothwell Street area along reasonably pleasant streets. We are also seeking clarification as to where NCN 75 actually runs on the north bank of the river. The route previously ran alongside the Broomielaw roadway, but now could be on the cobbled riverbank quayside.

• Glasgow City Council is proposing to alter the one-way system in the Charing Cross area, in order to implement the Connect2 cycle route between Anderston and Kelvingrove Park. The plan includes:

  • one way streets in:
  • Sauchiehall Street (eastbound) between Claremont Street and Elderslie Street
  • Berkeley Street (westbound) between Elderslie Street and Claremont Street
  • Claremont Street (northbound) between Berkeley Street and Sauchiehall Street
  • North Claremont Street (northbound) between Sauchiehall Street and La Belle Place
  • Sandyford Place (eastbound) from its western extremity to its eastern extremity
  • a change in direction of the one way street in:
  • Elderslie Street between Sauchiehall Street and Berkeley Street to southbound
  • the introduction of a 24 hour bus lane along:
  • Sauchiehall Street between Royal Crescent (western entrance) and North Street
  • the introduction of the Connect2 cycle route along:
  • the south side of Berkeley Street between Elderslie Street and Brechin Street
  • the west side of Claremont Street between Berkeley Street and Sauchiehall Street
  • on a shared use widened west footway on North Claremont Street between Sauchiehall Street and La Belle Place
  • a contra flow cycle lane in:
  • Elderslie Street between Berkeley Street and Sauchiehall Street

  There is also a section of Connect2 cycle route (which will be a two-way cycle track segregated from the rest of the carriageway and the footway) on Elderslie Street between Berkeley Street and Kent Road, although this is not mentioned in the Council's letter.

  This not only allows the implementation the Connect2 cycle route over much of the route between Anderston and Kelvingrove Park, but also introduces a contraflow cycle facility to the one-way section of Berkeley Street between Claremont Street and Brechin Street, something which Go Bike members have been asking about for years.

  However, there are a number of banned turns, omissions and other items that we may object to. The reversal of the one-way direction in Elderslie Street would direct the main motor traffic flow from Bath Street further along Berkeley Street to Claremont Street, rather than Elderslie Street, and create a possible rat-run from Sauchiehall Street and Park Circus to the motorway via Elderslie Street (by-passing Newton Street), which some members may not like.

  The deadline for objections has now passed.

• We have been advised that Glasgow City Council has abandoned its plans to reopen the southern half of Sannox Gardens, next to Alexandra Park, to cycles. Apparently, the council considers it would be dangerous for cyclists to turn right into Alexandra Parade at this location.

• Part of the Strathkelvin Railway Path has been resurfaced between Strathblane and Lennoxtown. Tarmac replaces the previous rough stoney surface.

• Some work has now been completed on phase 2 of the Springburn Cycle Route, with new Toucan Crossings now in place on existing traffic signal controlled junctions on the Springburn Expressway. This phase will connect to the path from the city centre through Sighthill and extend the route to Springburn. The final stage will be to take Springburn Way and other minor roads to reach Stobhill Hospital and the city boundary. Go Bike has also asked the council for a branch from this cycle route along Petershill Road and Red Road to connect to the cycle lanes on Broomfield Road and Wallacewell Road. This could easily be achieved with cycle lanes on these relatively wide roads.

• Work has now started on the new Kirkintilloch Link Road, between the town centre and the M80 motorway. This has resulted in the diversion of the Strathkelvin Railway Path south of Woodilee. A whindust path has been provided across the Bothlin Burn from the original path. This path does not join the tarmac path to the town centre directly opposite on Woodilee Road, so cyclists need to cycle on this busy road for a short distance before turning right just after a bend.

• Part of the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath has been resurfaced in Kirkintilloch. A new firm but gritty surface has been provided in place of whindust. However, the whindust remains once out of the town area, and is suffering the usual effects of winter, i.e. waterlogging.

• Connected to the story below, Glasgow City Council is making plans for Glasgow City Centre. Gordon Street is the centre of many of the changes, with pedestrianisation proposed for the section between Renfield Street and West Nile Street, and semi-pedestrianisation for the section immediately west of Renfield Street. Go Bike is concerned about the impact this will have on city centre cycling, since cycling is not allowed in most other pedestrian precincts in Glasgow. Also under threat are the Hope Street contraflow cycle lane between Gordon Street and Waterloo Street, and the Jamaica Street contraflow bus lane between Howard Street and Argyle Street. Further pedestrianisation is proposed for Queen Street north of Ingram Street, for the east side of George Square, and for Trongate west of Candleriggs. Read more on what is proposed in this presentation and the notes for councillors.

• It has been reported in the papers that Glasgow City Council is looking at making West Nile Street in Glasgow City Centre into a cycle route, linking existing cycle routes on the north side of the city centre into provision around Central Station. This is a long-standing Go Bike request finally being taken seriously.

• If you are interested in mountain biking, see Glasgow City Council's plans for mountain bike circuits in the Cathkin Braes Country Park.

• Go Bike is supporting the Bike Polite campaign which has now launched in Glasgow. The aim is to encourage cyclists to obey the rules of the road, so we can hold the moral high ground when we call on motorists to do the same!

• Glasgow City Council plans to change roads around the SECC and introduce a gyratory system on part of Finnieston Street. Northbound traffic will be diverted around a box of road junctions, joining with the Clydeside Expressway on-ramp, before returning to Finnieston Street. We have a sketch map of the proposals for you to study. Go Bike sent an objection letter but the council advises "that the comments that you make relate to the layout of the road that has been previously agreed at the planning stage. This TRO is to facilitate the agreed layout and there are no plans to incorporate your suggestions." Agreed by whom? Isn't the TRO the mechanism through which to agree the plans with the public?

• We have received plans for the City Centre to Govanhill Cycle Route to be implemented in the Tradeston area of Glasgow. This route links the new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Clyde between Clyde Place and Broomielaw to the south side of Glasgow. Phase 1 consists of widened and segratated foot/cycleways on Centre Street and Cook Street, with cyclists continuing via Salkeld Street and Devon Place towards Eglinton Toll and Govanhill. Later work would see the route moved to Tradeston Street, once some M74 motorway-building work has been completed, and the route extended to Kinning Park and Pollokshields.

• Two road closures in the West End of Glasgow have been reopened to cycles after requests from Go Bike. Striven Gardens and Doune Gardens into Doune Quadrant in North Kelvinside is now open to cycles (with some finishing work to be done shortly), linking Raeberry Street to Queen Margaret Drive. These were on a list of road closures we'd like to see reopened to cycles that Go Bike compiled for Glasgow City Council. If you want a road closure reopened to cycles then drop us a line.

• We have been advised by Glasgow City Council of a short diversion of NCN 75 at Dalbeth, between Glasgow Green and Cambuslang, as a result of M74 motorway-building works. See leaflet.

• Spokes in Edinburgh has made a submission to the proposed Scottish Budget, calling for a 20 million pound Cycle Projects Fund to be set up - see the details on their website www.spokes.org.uk. It asks people to contact their MSPs in support of the proposal - nothing too detailed is called for - just state support and why people think that such a project could make a difference in their own area, and get more people to cycle for everyday journeys.

• The Airdrie to Bathgate cycle path closed on 19 October 2008. The path has been closed for the building of the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link. A new cycle path will be built alongside the railway. See this leaflet about the closure of the Airdrie to Bathgate cycle path.

• Go Bike is objecting to Glasgow City Council's proposal to increase the speed limit on various roads in the north east of Glasgow, including Avenue End Road and Robroyston Road. View the full objection letter here. The deadline for objections was 21 October 2008.

• Glasgow City Council is proposing to ban motor vehicles from the northern-most section of Monymusk Place in Drumchapel, at the point where the Garscadden Way path joins, due to problems with fly-tipping. Go Bike is supporting this, and is suggesting the same is done at Rogerfield Road near Easterhouse where there has already been a temporary road closure in place for some time.

• For Bike Week 2008, Go Bike compiled a factsheet containing details of Four Suggested Cycle Routes Around Glasgow.

• Go Bike has asked for paths at Port Dundas to be upgraded, forming a link between the Forth & Clyde Canal at Speirs Wharf and the Sighthill Park path network. A shallow set of steps needs to be ramped out, along with improving surfaces on the canal quayside. This would fill a gap in the cycle network by-passing the north of the city centre, complementing improved links to either side.

• The towpath of the western section of the Monkland Canal, between Drumpellier Farm Bridge and the new Drumpellier Lawns housing estate, has been upgraded to cycle path status. The path has been resurfaced throughout, and erosion under the Drumpellier Farm Bridge has been repaired. The upgrade includes a new woodland path linking to the housing estate. This creates a continuous cycle route from Calderbank and Coatbridge town centre to Drumpellier Lawns. Go Bike has asked for a path to link Drumpellier Lawns to the A752, with a new crossing, at Manse Road, near the boundary with Glasgow. From here it is possible to follow minor roads and paths into Glasgow.

• Go Bike submitted an objection to a Transport Scotland proposal to redetermine a path in Easterhouse for the use of pedestrians only. The path links Blairtummock Park and Swordale Place, and would make a useful link between parts of Easterhouse and The Fort shopping centre. It also features in Go Bike's "Monkland Cycleway" proposal which links Glasgow and Coatbridge. The redetermination order is part of a larger scheme to widen the M8, M73 and M74 between Easterhouse and Motherwell. As a result of our objection, Transport Scotland revised the order to permit cycling.

• Go Bike has received information on the upgrading of the Colleges Cycle Route in the University and Hyndland areas. New traffic calming features will be installed at an early date in the entrances to side roads, and parking controls will be altered on University Avenue and Clarence Drive once a Traffic Regulation Order has been promoted. A new cycle track linking the two sections of Turnberry Road will be built, along with the installation of upgraded cycle route signing.

• Our friends at the Warrington Cycle Campaign have published a book called Crap Cycle Lanes, featuring a selection of poor quality cycle lanes from around the country. Buy it direct from Eye Books.

• Sustrans has won lottery funding for its "Connect 2" project, which includes a scheme to "complete" the "Bridge to Nowhere" in Anderston and various links to Chatelherault and Strathclyde Country Parks in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse areas. For details, see the project's website at Connect 2 and our Connect2 page.

• Go Bike is currently persuing the issue of cycling through the Bridgeton Cross Bus Gate with Glasgow City Council. We hope that cycling will be allowed through the section of road linking London Road with Dalmarnock Road and James Street shortly, when the Dalmarnock Road Quality Bus Route traffic order is reviewed. The Council has found this item was actually omitted from the original traffic order.

  Go Bike has also asked for a contra-flow cycle lane on the one-way section of James Street, similar to those on West Nile Street and King Street, to allow more direct access for cyclists coming from Glasgow Green. This may be provided as part of Glasgow City Council's plans for cycle routes connected with the Commonwealth Games.

• Transport Scotland is promoting a major rebuilding of the M74/A725/NCN 74 junction Raith Interchange between Bothwell and Strathclyde Park. This scheme involves putting the A725 in an underpass under the roundabout and providing two cycle routes through the junction. One route connects Bothwell Bridge with Bellshill, while the other is the long-awaited implementation of NCN 74 (the Uddingston to Gretna cycle route) through the junction. However, it appears that the NCN 74 route was an afterthought tacked on at the last minute. It has the following faults:

  • Indirect route taking many twists and turns
  • The indirectness of the route is compounded by a loop ramp and a double-back ramp at the two footbridges
  • Five Toucan Crossings in another loop to get from one side of a road to the other
  • Several right-angled corners
  • The "main" route through the junction as it is designed is the Bothwell Bridge to Bellshill route, not the Uddingston to Strathclyde Park NCN 74 which will easily be the more popular of the two

  Many of these faults could be avoided by moving the position of one of the proposed footbridges to cross the roundabout slightly further round or taking a different route around the roundabout. Go Bike met Transport Scotland to discuss this further but without success.

• Transport Scotland is also promoting a new motorway between Baillieston and Newhouse. This M8 project will add a six lane motorway alongside the existing A8 dual carriageway, making a 10 lane monster route feeding into Glasgow. This will cause increased traffic on Edinburgh Road, due to the inevitable increased congestion on the existing M8. This is acknowledged by Glasgow City Council's proposed Baillieston to Daldowie road link, which is planned to displace some of this increase in traffic onto the proposed M74 northern extension.

  There is to be a cycle route between Baillieston and Eurocentral, but this will be indirect, utilising at times muddy woodland tracks not suitable for commuter cyclists (e.g. going to Strathclyde Business Park), and will not extend as far as Newhouse. It also crosses the busy A752 and A752/A8 sliproad on the flat at Kirkwood. Go Bike has already lodged an objection to this plan.

• See the Weekly List of Planning Applications from Glasgow City Council. Check to see if any planning applications give you cause for concern. If so, and they relate to cycling, let us know.