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Go Bike! Strathclyde Cycle Campaign
Archive

Go Bike was previously known as the Glasgow Cycling Campaign. As such we produced "Bike for a Better Glasgow" which we have reproduced below.

Bike Plan for a Better Glasgow

WHAT WE PROPOSE

Improving facilities for cyclists should be part of an overall, integrated transport plan for Glasgow.

• Traffic calming, such as that already done in Partick, should be made city-wide. The speed limit should be lowered to 20mph. As the average speed of a car in traffic is about 10mph, what’s to be gained from doing 30?
• Bridges are important in any transport network. We propose that action be taken to make crossing the Clyde safer for cyclists. The four road bridges should each have a cycle lane, and the four pedestrian bridges be made shared use pedestrian/cycle facilities.
• Cycle Lanes already exist in some places. There should be a comprehensive network. There is great scope for cycle lanes on roads parallel to the motorway, such as Alexandra Parade and Paisley Road West.
• Junctions are a major source of danger for cyclists. All junctions should be examined and improved, starting with the twelve shown on the map overleaf. Junction improvement can be as simple as altering traffic lights from 3 to 4 phases (sorely needed at the top of Byres Road), or more involved, with advance stop lines and special traffic lights for cyclists.
• Public Transport has its role too. With bikes already carried free on Strathclyde trains, highly convenient and efficient journeys are possible. This is good, and should be better advertised. Both local and Scotrail trains should have special places for bikes.
• Secure park and ride facilities should be provided at underground stations, and bike lockers at mainline stations.
• Workplace Facilities should be encouraged. All new buildings should have bike parking spaces, and showers and changing rooms.
• Bike Racks need to be everywhere. The Region has made a good start, but many more racks are needed.

WHAT THE BENEFITS ARE

• Freedom to move. A city safe for cyclists is a better place for everyone. A bike friendly Glasgow will be quieter, cleaner, healthier and safer. It will be easier to cross the road, easier to breathe and more friendly.
• Children will benefit. 20 years ago most children walked to school alone. Now many parents feel they must drive them to school as the roads are so dangerous. This is counterproductive. It should be safe for children to walk or cycle to school.
• Old people, who grew up when cycling was a common and ordinary means of transport, are discouraged from cycling by modern traffic. They should be able to ride without fear.
• Congestion relief. Stand beside any busy road in Glasgow and watch what goes past. Most cars carry only one person. This is appallingly inefficient in terms of energy and space. Most journeys made by car are short, the majority under five miles, and a large proportion under two miles. These short trips can easily be made by bike.
Cycling uses 1/10th the road space of car travel, 1/50th of the energy, causes no pollution and in urban areas is faster.
The existing road system in Glasgow could accommodate everyone in the city if they travelled by bike. There simply isn’t enough space for everyone to use a car. Bike provision is very cheap. The whole of Glasgow could be traffic-calmed and made bike friendly for less than the £51 million cost of the planned M77 through Pollok Estate.
• Air Pollution. Motor vehicle exhausts are now the main source of air pollution, contributing 50% of CO2 and other noxious gasses. This has caused a marked rise in asthma and other lung complaints.
• Health. Regular cyclists live an average of 10 years longer than those who don’t take exercise. You only need to do a few miles a day to reap the benefits.
• Public Safety will improve. Bicycles don’t kill people. Cars do.

Cycling Today

Cycling in traffic isn’t as dangerous as it looks. The BMA have calculated that there is only one death for every ten million miles cycled. You can minimise your risk by following these basic rules.

1. Make sure your bicycle works properly, in particular the steering and brakes. Alloy rims will let you stop far better in the wet than steel ones.
2. Learn basic bike control before you go on the road. Practice, in a safe place, stopping quickly, turning, and moving off from a standstill.
3. When cycling, keep looking and listening. Watch for car doors opening, cars turning left across your path, potholes, broken glass and spilt oil.
4. Remember you have every right to be on the road. Don’t cower in the gutter, move out from the kerb and you’ll be given more room. Making eye contact with drivers is a good idea.
5. Know where you are going. Don’t dither about in the middle of junctions. Walk across junctions if you are unsure. If you are lost, stop and get on the pavement.
6. Don’t carry bags on your handlebars, or wear flappy clothing that could catch in the wheel.
7. Always use lights at night. Reflective clothing is also helpful.
8. Don’t scare pedestrians. It gives cyclists a bad name.

How to make things better

Join Go Bike and continue to campaign for a Better Glasgow. See join Go Bike for details.