This Digest contains only one new consultation but it’s a big one, from Transport Scotland and there is a surprising amount of feedback, finishing with the excellent news that Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council have been successful in gaining funding for their cycling village. The picture heading this Digest shows the proposed new bridge over the Clyde, see Item 3.11.
Contents
Section 1: Current Consultations
- Glasgow, ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, TODAY, Tuesday 06 August, 1pm or 2:30pm, with on-line comments closing on 18 August.
- Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August
- Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September
- **NEW** Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October
Section 2: Forthcoming Consuitations
- Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August.
Section 3: Consultation Feedback
- Pollok Country Park – Project Update
- WalkCycleVote/RNIB workshops
- Glasgow City Council (Garscube Road)(Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls) Order 201
- THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, Consultation on future policy development of taxi and private hire car licensing
- Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July
- Battlefield Proposals (Streets for All) update
- The Glasgow City Council (Broomfield Road) Traffic calming scheme 20__
- The Glasgow City Council (Sunnybank Street) Traffic Calming Scheme 20__
- Proposals for Upgrading of Elmbank Street, Pitt Street and Holland Street
- World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green
- International interest to build first opening bridge over the River Clyde
- Yokecoco win funding for Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village
Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for action or responses
1.1 Glasgow, ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, TODAY, Tuesday 06 August, 1pm or 2:30pm, with on-line comments closing 18 August.
We gave all the information for these 2 events, which take place TODAY, in Digest 39, Item 2.2.
If you wish to attend either of the sessions then you should book; here’s the link.
In a further email, dated 23 August, there was this information:
| “THE PACE IS PICKING UP ON GLASGOW CITY CENTRE’S “AVENUES”! The pilot project to make Sauchiehall Street more accessible and people-friendly is now in place, and design and consultations have been progressing on Argyle Street, Trongate, Sauchiehall Street precinct, Cambridge Street and the ‘Underline’ over the last year. You can see the initial drawings for all those at www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues. Next up are initial designs for Renfrew Street, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street – the next exciting stage in an east-west cycle and pedestrian route across from Cathedral to Great Western Road. Designs for the final section, Cathedral Street, will follow in August… we’ll keep you posted on that. Initial plans and visualisations for Renfrew Street, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street are all online for public comment at glasgow.gov.uk/avenues. The deadline for comment is Sunday 18 August 2019. |
| WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? The £115million Avenues project is funded by Glasgow City Region City Deal. Between now and 2025, it will change the face of Glasgow city centre for everyone who lives, works or studies here, as well as all those who visit this great location to shop, eat and drink or enjoy a concert or theatre show. Key streets in the city centre will be redesigned to protect and prioritise space for cyclists and pedestrians, improve connectivity, introduce sustainable green infrastructure through attractive streetscapes, and improve the way public transport is accommodated. ” |
1.2 Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August
The details for this latest extension of the South City Way were given in Digest 38, Item 1.5 and we are looking forward to there being a continuous cycle route from Queen’s Park to the Merchant City.
We are concerned, though, at the lack of clarity in the TRO documents about the junction between Bridgegate and King Street. Our letter of response is here.
1.3 Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September
This consultation period is quite long; the full details were in Digest 37, Item 1.7 and our response is being prepared. It will be published before the closing date.
If you have perused the document and have any views, please do send them in to consultations@gobike.org
1.4 **NEW** Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October
Published just a few days ago on 31 July, here’s the latest big consultation from the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. This is one we all need to consider and submit our views.
Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations
2.1 Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August.
We published the details of this event in our last Digest, No 39, Item 2.3 and it will be held at Pollokshaws Library from 12 noon – 8pm. Do get along there if you can.
Section 3: Consultation Feedback
3.1 Pollok Country Park – Project Update
Before you go to the Consultation Event on the 22nd, do read this briefing note produced by Glasgow Life, outlining progress to date.
3.2 WalkCycleVote/RNIB workshops
Sally and Suzanne from Walk/Cycle/Vote have been working this year with people from the RNIB and have held workshops around the country, in Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh. Brenda, Iain and Tricia from GoBike attended the Glasgow event and discussed pertinent issues with people from RNIB. Walk/Cycle/Vote hope to follow up these recent sessions with a larger event in October, focusing on a combined response to the National Transport Strategy consultation has just been launched, see Item 1.4 above.
Here are the agreed outcomes of the Glasgow workshop:
- We’re still missing some users from this discussion who’ll have valuable input.
- Our cities would be safer for everyone if there were fewer private cars.
- We need to reduce car dominance of our streets if we are all to get the space we need.
- Kerbs are important with appropriate modifications for wheelchairs.
- Cycling infrastructure needs to be designed in a way that’s inclusive for everybody and doesn’t create barriers.
- Street clutter is a hazard.
- Cycle paths should be clearly distinguishable from pavement and roads by appropriate means.
- We want a clear delineation between cyclists and pedestrians.
- Side turnings should be squared off to make drivers slow down.
- Control boxes (on signal-controlled crossings) could vibrate as an alternative to the rotating cone which can be broken easily or simply not included on the box.
- We acknowledge that different groups of people will have different priorities based on their different needs. We should not allow people to divide and rule us.
So a good start was made in understanding and recognising that we have different needs but we all have a right to use our streets.
3.3 Glasgow City Council (Garscube Road)(Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls) Order 201
On 23 July we received this acknowledgement to our submission to the consultation on the proposals preparing for the construction of a 2-way cycle route on Garscube Road:
“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (GARSCUBE ROAD) (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROL) ORDER 201_
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Your support will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.
Yours sincerely
Steve Gray
Assistant Group Manager (Sustainable Transport)
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“
3.4 THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, Consultation on future policy development of taxi and private hire car licensing
On 23 July we received this brief acknowledgement of our submission on this consultation:
“Thank you for your consultation response, which will be considered by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee in due course.
Kind regards“
3.5 Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July
These events, which were detailed in Digest 38, Item 2.5 with further information on opposition to the proposals in Digest 39, Item 2.1, were held to gauge public views prior to the Traffic Regulation Order being finalised and issued.
City Council staff at one of the Dennistoun events reported that views were mixed, but there was certainly interest from members of the public.
Again, though, parking controls mean, to the City Council, changing streets from 2-way to 1-way to allow for the introduction of diagonal parking and ensure adequate clearance to the parked cars. Exemption for cycles is apparently generally vetoed by Police Scotland and the City Council continue to provide storage space for private vehicles on our streets rather than providing sufficient space for people to walk and cycle.
One would hope that by the introduction of parking permits demand for parking would reduce?
We look forward to the publication of the TRO with some interest.
3.6 Battlefield Proposals (Streets for All) update
Sustrans issued this update on 25 July and, once you are past all the pictures, there’s a wee survey for you to complete by 16 August – and there’s a prize draw!
3.7 The Glasgow City Council (Broomfield Road) Traffic calming scheme 20__
On 29 July we received this response to our submission on the proposal for traffic calming on Broomfield Road:
“Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the traffic calming proposals on Broomfield Road.
I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200 mm, with 1000 mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.”
Due to the width of the carriageway on Broomfield Road and the minimum width of the speed cushions being increased to facilitate buses, a 1m gap from either side of the kerbline was determined. A larger gap between the speed cushion and the kerb may encourage drivers to park partly in the gap and partly on the cushion, causing an obstruction for cyclists.
Regarding your request for a cycle lane to be introduced at this location, I can advise that the funding we have received for this location is from a traffic calming budget, therefore the introduction of cycle lanes at this location is not something that we would consider at this time.
Finally, it is anticipated the introduction of speed cushions will reduce vehicular speeds, which in turn lead to better road safety conditions for all road users including, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information please contact (name and contact details removed by GoBike)
Michael Brady
Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”
So there we have it: the budgets, and not just the staff, are in silos within the City Council. Why on earth don’t they think holistically and consider the best overall solution?
3.8 The Glasgow City Council (Sunnybank Street) Traffic Calming Scheme 20__
Correspondence continues on Sunnybank Street. You may remember that in Digest 38, Item 3.7 we published an exchange of emails where Glasgow City Council had confused the GoBike response on Sunnybank Street with that of either Ladyloan Avenue or Broomfield Road?
A further reply was received on 29 July:
“Dear Ms Fort
Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the traffic calming proposals for Sunnybank Street.
I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200mm, with 1000mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.”
The gap between cushions and the kerb may differ at each location depending on factors such as the width of the carriageway, the width, length and design of the cushions, any potential build outs or the location being a bus route.
I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information please contact (contact details removed by GoBike).
Michael Brady
Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”
When in a hole, it’s best not to dig any deeper! The distance between the speed cushion and the kerb is shown as 1.2m for Sunnybank Street, but only 1.0m for Broomloan Road above.
3.9 Proposals for Upgrading of Elmbank Street, Pitt Street and Holland Street
A consultation event was held on 24 July, of which we became aware at very short notice, but we now have some details. We have requested ongoing notification but here is what Holland Street might look like in the future!
There is more information on the consultant’s website.
We aim to keep you informed of progress.
3.10 World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green
The World Pipe Band Championships take place on Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July and Glasgow Life have informed local residents, including your Digest author, of closures to roads around the Green and restrictions on access to the Green itself.
Unfortunately, the information provided was inadequate when it came to cycling and thus the following email was sent:
“Sent: 26 July 2019 14:02
To: GL Culture
Cc: GoBike! Convenor
Subject: World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green
Hello,
As a local resident I have today received the neighbour notification for the forthcoming World Pipe Band Championships to be held on Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July.
Your letter, ref WPBC2019/HC informs me of motor vehicle restrictions but does not mention the National Cycle Network Route (NCN) that passes through the Green. You do, of course, refer to the riverside “path”, which is where the NCN runs but you do not give any alternate route for people who are cycling to work, to their place of study, on business or for leisure. This is one of the busiest cycle routes in Glasgow, used by people of all ages and all cycling abilities and it is critical, not just for this event, but for all events on the Green, that clear alternatives are posted well in advance.
Thus, could you, by return, send me the alternative route that you propose for the NCN so that I may make all our GoBike members and supporters aware of the change in their journey well in advance of the 2 days? It is not good enough for people to arrive at a point where their route is blocked and to be told by a steward that they must retrace their route and take a diversion.
I hope that by doing this, we will be able to reduce the frustration felt by people cycling through the Green and thus reduce the number of complaints that are received by yourselves; complaints that may be avoided by good planning.
It is disappointing that world class events on the Green are marred by lack of attention to detail. I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours,
Tricia Fort
for Consultations, GoBike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, www.gobike.org
A response was received a few days later, and here it is for you to judge its content!
| “Subject: | RE: World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green |
|---|---|
| Date: | Tue, 30 Jul 2019 08:49:13 +0000 |
| From: | GL WPBC <theWorlds@glasgowlife.org.uk> |
| To: | consultations@gobike.org <consultations@gobike.org> |
Dear Tricia,
Thank you for your email.
As per every event at Glasgow Green – both ran by Glasgow Life and private companies – diversion routes will be in place and well signed in advance.
On the Friday it is a minor diversion within the park.
On the Saturday there is a diversion (example cycling from West to East) from Saltmarket (at Albert Bridge), across the bridge and left on to Ballater Street. Continue straight onto King’s Bridge and right back onto the current Cycle Network 75.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get back in touch.
Kind regards,
WPBC Team “
Needless to say, a further message has been sent to Glasgow LIfe, but if you are trying to cycle in or near Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July, perhaps even trying to get to the “Worlds”, we can only apologise for not being able to get you clear information.
3.11 International interest to build first opening bridge over the River Clyde
We received this email from City Deal Renfrewshire on 31 July, giving us progress news on the proposed new bridge over the Clyde:
| “International interest to build first opening bridge over the River Clyde. Three international engineering teams are in the running to build the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde.T he crossing connecting Renfrew to Clydebank and Yoker forms the centre-piece of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project – a major infrastructure project to transform the Clyde waterfront. Jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the £90.7million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project includes a 184 metre-long, twin-leaf cable-stayed swing bridge accommodating vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and opening horizontally for passing ships. Following an initial selection stage earlier this year, Renfrewshire Council has now invited three bidders to participate in the detailed tendering stage of the procurement process. Who is bidding for the contract? ARC – a joint venture of Roadbridge and American Bridge supported by COWI as design partner, whose previous projects include the construction of the iconic Queensferry Crossing and the Tappan Zee Bridge over New York’s Hudson River A Balfour Beatty team, comprising Cleveland Bridge, Qualter Hall and consultants Atkins. They have delivered the Media City Swing Bridge in Salford and are currently replacing the Surf City Swing Bridge in North Carolina. Construction and civil engineering company GRAHAM, working with Hollandia and Ramboll – GRAHAM and Hollandia were both involved in the construction of the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin whilst Ramboll led the Design Joint Venture of the Queensferry Crossing. |
| More on the project: Leading engineering firm Sweco worked with Kettle Collective – the architects behind the Falkirk Wheel – to draw up initial designs for the bridge which draw on the area’s rich shipbuilding heritage. Also included in the project is more than 2km of new and improved roads and shared cycle and pedestrian routes, including connections into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland being developed next to Glasgow Airport. Each team has received the full tendering pack which comprises more than 750 documents and 300 drawings. It is anticipated the successful team will be appointed in early 2020 and construction is scheduled to start later that year and be completed in 2022. Local businesses are being encouraged to ensure they are registered on Public Contracts Scotland where sub-contractor opportunities will be published. For more information including reaction to this news, visit our website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal.“ |
3.12 Yokecoco win funding for Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village
Saving the best until last; here’s the excellent news that Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council, working in collaboration with Sustrans, have gained funding to progress their plans for transforming the area, see: https://www.facebook.com/yokecoco/ for all the details.
This is a wonderful achievement by the Community Council and local residents.
We first published details of the Traffic Regulation Order last year in Digest 12 and news of the initial public consultation events were given in Digest 9, Item 1.7 back in May last year, so people have been busy on this for a long time and the success is well deserved.
Your next Digest will be out with you in 2 weeks – who knows what news there will be?