GoBike

© bikeyface.com

Research has found that the majority of people think it is too dangerous to cycle on roads, with nearly two thirds of all people feeling this way and 48% of people who already cycle agreeing. This road danger is felt more strongly than most by women and as people get older (1).

It is clear that the design of our roads, and this perception of safety is the single biggest factor on how roads and streets are used. Here in Glasgow, we might think of Buchanan Street as being a place full of people moving around on foot or by wheelchair, Great Western Road as a place full of fast moving cars, Union Street as busy with buses, and Byres Road having a combination of all three. Unfortunately at the moment, there is nowhere in Glasgow that could be described as busy with bicycles. In the first of three blogs on the design challenges people on bikes face, our member Rachel is going to focus here on the challenges of cycling on roads that are busy with cars and buses. Continue reading “Road Design Challenges for People on Bikes (1) – Cycling on Busy Roads”

Byres Road – once a vibrant and eclectic place to visit, shop & congregate is in gradual decline. Street stalwarts such as The Sentry Box Toy Shop have been forced to close their doors & small indie businesses are struggling to survive.

Media reports & public debate often cite lack of parking spaces as a factor. Elsewhere Carnaby Street in London, the Latin Quarter in Paris, Stroget in Denmark & our very own Buchanan Street are bustling – but very much catering for people rather than vehicles.

Consultations on the proposed redevelopment of Byres Road are nearing completion. However will slight tweaks to the status quo really provide it with the transformation locals, visitors and businesses need? Continue reading “Guest Blog – The Business Case for Byres Road”