Town centres dominate this issue – one in South Lanarkshire (visualisation in featured image, above) and no less than eight in East Renfrewshire! Elsewhere, North Lanarkshire’s consultations continue and South Ayrshire looks at car parking. Glasgow has a few projects in both the West End and in the north of the city – one of the latter links with East Dunbartonshire.

On 26 March a vigil was held for Una Brandreth, who was killed while cycling in Bearsden a week before. The petition to improve road safety in the area now has over 2,000 signatures.

Section 1: Current Consultations
(in date order for responses)

1.1: North Woodside Road (Outdoor Public Space)

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: This started as an idea from Websters Theatre for a temporary public events space in the cul-de-sac outside their building. It was put forward for a council programme called Animating Spaces but has since become part of the wider Connecting Woodside project. The latest plans feature a path, dropped kerb, cycle hire station and rain garden. The street is a useful link between the Kelvin Way and Great Western Road (and doesn’t currently have a drop kerb). While the plan might seem modest, removing two car parking spaces to fit it in might still get a negative reaction from some in the West End.
Featured: Digest 75, 1.1 (originally as “Websters Theatre – A New Public Space at Kelvinbridge”).
Website links: N Woodside Rd storymap and N Woodside Rd survey
Deadline: 12 April 2024.

1.2: Conservation Area Consultations (Coatbridge/Cumbernauld)

Council: North Lanarkshire.
Subject: Two consultations about lesser known Conservation Areas. The Coatbridge one is either side of Blairhill train station and the other is in Cumbernauld Village (the original settlement north of the town centre). While not directly related to cycling, the last few survey questions mention traffic and development.
Website links: Coatbridge: Blairhill and Dunbeth Conservation Area Consultation and Cumbernauld Village Conservation Area Consultation.
Deadline: 12 April 2024.

1.3: A803 Stage 2

Council: East Dunbartonshire (and Glasgow CC/City Deal).
Subject: The A803 includes Springburn Rd and Kirkintilloch Rd between North Glasgow and Bishopbriggs. Consultation in 2022 (with Atkins) led to three route options (by Arcadia).
Option 1 – bus lanes (mostly southbound) with nothing for cycling.
Option 2 – some southbound bus lanes and a shared path for walking/cycling. Except near Bishopbriggs town centre it zigzags off into a ‘quietway’ cycle route. Then back to a shared path before it gives up at Hawthorn St.
Option 3 – some sections of 2-way cycleway in north Bishopbriggs then shared path/quietway again until Hawthorn St (where it “will tie into a proposed cycle route that Glasgow City Council is developing”). However, what would happen in the meantime? Alternatives would include using grass verges/upgrading existing paths or actually taking road space from the A803 dual carriageway. However, EDC doesn’t offer those options.
A drop-in event has already taken place.
Website links: A803 Stage 2 storymap and A803 public consultation page (with downloads of plans for Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3).
Deadline: 21 April 2024.

1.4: Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan

Council: South Lanarkshire.
Subject: One of Scotland’s biggest towns gets a radical rethink to reduce retail and reintroduce residences. The same team who did East Kilbride’s plans are looking at potential demolition of both the New Cross and Regent shopping centres (and maybe the former Baird’s and M&S buildings). However, initial plans keep the 4/5-lane A723 around the south-eastern edge of the town centre, which severs it from neighbouring areas (Barncluith and Silvertonhill). The Masterplan material mentions active travel but very few images have cycle lanes. There are some inventive ideas but many cluttered shared spaces, which could do with some kind of segregation (like rows of trees, to take inspiration from the historic ‘Great Avenue’). The only current cycle route in the town centre (between Hamilton Central station and Strathclyde Park) is mostly paint, except a short stretch of shared path on Leechlee Rd protected by a hedge. The masterplan process is a golden opportunity to push for cycleways like recent ones in Glasgow or East Kilbride town centre.
Drop-in events (remaining):
4 April, 10am–4pm – Former Quiz shop unit, Regent Shopping Centre (Regent Way).
5 April, 10am–4pm – Asda, Palace Grounds.
Website links: South Lanarkshire View article, Hamilton Masterplan website and Hamilton Masterplan survey.
Deadline: 28 Apr 2024.

1.5: Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: Former ‘Cycling Village’ bid by YoKeCoCo (big Sustrans funding winner back in 2019). Since the pandemic it’s been rebranded as a GCC ‘Connecting…’ project.
Phase 1 – Yorkhill North includes previous plans for Radnor St, Haugh Rd, Gilbert St and Sandyford St (between Kelvin Way and SWG3). Another 2-way cycleway up Yorkhill St would link to infrastructure on Old Dumbarton Rd (behind the Kelvin Hall).
Phase 2 – widen footways along Kelvinhaugh St and add 1-way cycleways at the wide Argyle St junction.
Phase 3 – add bidirectional cycleways on Derby St to link from Kelvinhaugh St, across Argyle St and Sauchiehall St, to Kelvingrove Park.
Phase 4 – look at Corunna Street and Minerva Street (near Exhibition Centre train station). Also, there will be changes to car parking provision to better match the number of spaces and permit holders (currently two of the latter on Kelvinhaugh St for 203 spaces!).
Drop-in event: Thursday 18 April 2024 at 3.30–7pm in The Pyramid at Anderston, 759 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8DS.
See below for related Liveable Neighbourhoods projects and Traffic Regulation Order.
Website links: Connecting Y&K storymap and Connecting Y&K survey.
Deadline: 28 Apr 2024.

1.6: Yorkhill to Anderston: Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: The above Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove work means the Liveable Neighbourhoods projects focus on Anderston (and part of Sandyford). These include adding some cycleways to the West City Way and tweaks to other sections. So, there’s a new cycleway for the quieter bit of Argyle St between the Buttery and Pyramid, near St Patrick’s Primary School. Some raised tables removed and the Elderslie St/Argyle St corner is remodelled. New 1-way cycleways go north of St Vincent St with a revised crossing on Elderslie St. Also, Kent Rd would get a 1-way section and some greenery. However, there are no upgrades for Berkeley St – the bus boarder and junctions at Elderslie St and Claremont St (near the Gaelic School) are untouched. North Claremont St is still disrupted by building work but it’s hard to follow the logic of the rest. Hopefully, the joint consultation event will provide some answers (18 April, as above). Also, these works raise questions about the level of provision in other LN areas.
Website links: Yorkhill–Anderston LN storymap, Anderston LN survey and Yorkhill to Anderston consultation (on GCC’s LN webpage).
Deadline: 28 Apr 2024.

1.7: Prestwick parking consultation 2024

Organisation: Ayrshire Roads Alliance (on behalf of South Ayrshire Council).
Subject: Proposals to add further streets to an existing residents car parking permit scheme around Main Street, Prestwick. The new town centre streets added at the northern end of the area include Berelands Road, Mieklewood Avenue and Links Road. The latter is part of NCN7, along with Station Rd and Kirk St.
Website links: Prestwick parking consultation webpage.
Deadline: 03 May 2024.

1.8: East Renfrewshire Town Centres

Council: East Renfrewshire.
Subject: Further consultation about eight East Ren town centres: Clarkston, Eaglesham, Giffnock, Barrhead, Busby, Neilston, Newton Mearns and Thornliebank. The last phase collected suggestions about changes to each place. Some of the most popular options are now available to choose in ‘Final verification surveys’. Questions are grouped under headings: ‘Roads, transportation and active travel’, ‘Buildings, retail and meeting spaces’ and ‘Green space and path networks’.
Featured: Digest 121, 1.14 (and 112).
Website links: East Renfrewshire Town Centres Commonplace site.
Deadline: 05 May 2024.

1.9: Flourishing Molendinar

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: A project started by St Paul’s Youth Forum and their On Bikes team. Their original base is on Langdale St, Blackhill which had one of the first Spaces for People streets created during lockdown. More SfP streets followed on Royston Rd, Provanmill Rd and Cumbernauld Rd before the wider project was taken over by Glasgow City Council. These (very) detailed draft plans would make those protected lanes permanent and add a new public space in the middle of Langdale St (on a block with no houses facing onto it). Also, they’d add crucial connections to places like Smithycroft High School, taming junction 12 of the M8 motorway in the process.
Public Drop in Events: Wednesday 24 / Thursday 25 April 2024, 3pm – 7pm.
Molendinar Community Centre, 1210 Royston Road, Glasgow G33 1HE
Website links: FloMo poster, FloMo plans sheet 1, FloMo plans sheet 2 and FloMo plans sheet 3.
Deadline: 13 May 2024.

Section 2: Consultation Feedback

2.1: South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership meeting – 25 March 2024

Subject: SLCP members include councillors, officers and external groups like Sustrans, Camglen Bike Town and GoBike. The main presentation was about the finished active travel studies for Clydesdale (split into three areas). The council now has active travel studies covering the whole of South Lanarkshire.
The other main presentation was about funding changes – Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has had its capital budget cut to zero. Also, funding that used to come via Sustrans is changing to direct funding from Transport Scotland. This has affected some ongoing projects but it looks like TS funding may go towards work around the new Hairmyres station (which goes to planning soon).
Updates included Bike Town planning expansion into East Kilbride, following their work there on bikes for refugees (with EK Integration Network) and tours of the new cycling infrastructure.
Also, some success for GoBike – following consultation, SLC are looking at an alternative route up from the Raith Interchange on Laighlands Rd/Bothwellpark Rd (instead of the steeper Langside Rd).

Section 3: Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders

3.1: East Dunbartonshire TROs

Subject: Order about disabled car parking spaces.
Website links: East Dunbartonshire TROs.

3.2: Glasgow City TROs and Traffic Calming

Subject: Traffic order for North Hanover St and Kyle St – in advance of works for the Avenues project. TRO plans show 2-way lanes are due to go on the eastern side of N Hanover St then a diagonal crossing will take them to the northern side of Kyle St (to connect with the new Sighthill bridge). A GoBike response raised several issues, especially about junctions/future connections including George Sq, Cathedral St, Cowcaddens Rd and Dobbies Loan. The GCC response answered some of our points but seemed to misinterpret others. Unfortunately, as GoBike are still quite stretched, we didn’t manage to get back to them before the public TRO went out. Deadline: 19 April 2024.
Other ongoing TRO consultations include Yorkhill Area/Radnor St and Duke St/John Knox St. The page also lists recent ‘made’ orders for St George’s St/Clarendon Place and the North East Active Travel Routes (NEATR).
Website links: GCC Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders and GCC Proposed Traffic Calming Schemes.

3.3: North Lanarkshire TROs

Subject: Changes to restrictions in Airdrie at the pedestrianised part of Graham St and on Wellwynd (next to New Wellwynd Parish Church). Deadline: 19 April 2024.
Website links: Graham Street and Wellwynd, Airdrie – Traffic Regulation (Consolidation) Variation Order.

Section 1: Current Consultations

(in date order for responses)

1.1: Scottish Government – Review of permitted development rights – phase 2 consultation

This review of permitted development rights (PDRs) covers two areas you may be interested in providing your views on to government:

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure – making it easier to install EV chargers in our communities.
• Changes of use in centres and other locations – making it easier to change building use which could have benefit in creating 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The biggest issue in this consultation is that we want more EV charging points and they should be easier to install. But (and its a big BUT) EV chargers must not be located in places which block pavements or cycle lanes. Sounds obvious, but there are plenty of examples of bad practice. For example, see my response to this tweet.

Question 15 is the key question to respond to on this. It asks ‘What conditions and limitations would need to be placed on any additional PDR for EV charging infrastructure in roads? Please explain your answer’. Here are a few points I suggest you make:

• More EV charging infrastructure on Scotland’s roads as one of the solutions to decarbonising transport.
• Limitations must be set so that EV chargers are not located on footways, footpaths or cycle ways.
• EV chargers for cars, vans and other EV vehicles should be in the carriageway or take space from the carriageway. For example, through a build out of the footway into the carriageway. (There may be some exceptions where a footway/pavement is wide enough to accommodate chargers.)
• EV charging points on footpaths and footways often leave insufficient space for pedestrians to safely pass. Furthermore, they can be hazardous for blind, partially sighted and disabled people.
• EV charging points should not be installed where their cables could obstruct future cycle tracks, since charging points cannot be relocated easily.
• PDRs should extend to EV charging for e-bikes so that councils and other bodies can install e-bike charging facilities at new or future cycle parking infrastructure.

Closes 3 August 2022.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Transport Scotland is developing a new Cycling Framework and Delivery Plan for Active Travel which is the follow up to the Cycling Action Plan. This will be very important for driving forward action on cycling so will be a highlight of a digest sometime in the autumn.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

None this month

The overall verdict? Improving, but could do better, much better. Let’s start with some good infrastructure:

The filtered school access on Kenmure Street, allows pedestrian and cycle access to the schools, but no cars. Just on the other side of Pollokshaws Road we also cycled along the new school-related cycle track in Cuthbertson Street. The next step must be to make the surrounding streets in Pollokshields and Govanhill safe for children to walk and cycle to school? Let’s hope so.

The contraflow on Allison Street, the section where all other traffic is diverted left into Hollybrook Street, has been there a long time, but was never implemented properly until recently. Given that contraflow cycling on one-way streets is generally recognised as good cycling design practice, it’s about time we had much more in Glasgow to shorten journey times and help us avoid busy detours on main roads

London Road cycle way

Here’s the eastern end of the London Road cycle way, nice and wide, with a good surface and a joy to cycle on. However, if travelling east along London Road from the city note that the existing cycle lane only starts at Bridgeton. It meets up with the uni-directional lanes installed earlier in the pandemic at Fielden Street (just past the Police Station). These recent lanes have a break at each set of traffic lights and stutter past Parkhead Stadium, where the armadillo separators were removed to prevent football supporters tripping over them (or so we were told).

However, the biggest drawback to this shiny new route at Mount Vernon is the 2.5 km length with no cycle protection at all from the end of the pandemic lanes to this new one!

The traffic lights at the foot of Daldowie Road (leading to Boghall Road) include a cycle phase but, note to designers: only half our group got through on one phase! The rest of us had to cycle back over the sensor to get the cycle phase going again. A second sensor or a longer phase please!

Currently the new section is not full of leaves and other bits of vegetation, as the sections of cycleway nearer to the city are. Is this the result of kerb separation rather than armadillos, or has this new section been swept?

What else did we see on our tour?

Shared footways! The section on Aikenhead Road between Allison Street and Calder Street is particularly bad. Garden gates, driveways and big hedges all help to reduce visibility. Shared footways really do belong in the Ark of cycle infrastructure.

Footpaths: we went, as we often do on Andy’s rides, on two footpaths, neither of which was well-maintained. The first was from Daldowie Road through to the Baillieston terminus of the Number 2 bus route. Surprise, surprise there was no dropped kerb at either end! The second was in Queenslie, from Bartiebeith Road to join onto other, better-maintained paths that lead to the pedestrian/cycle bridge over the M8 near Glasgow Fort. Both of them are useful routes, but not very welcoming.

We cycled on the cycle lane on Cumbernauld Road, near Hogganfield Park. It was recently upgraded from cycle lanes marked by paint only, and well-used for car parking, to armadillo-protected. Then we went on the very new bi-directional lane on Royston Road. Both of these improve things for cycling, but attention to detail please! While we might have to put up with raised sections at bus stops, why should we have to splash through a pool of water either side of them? A bit of attention to drainage is required.

Notably, the Royston Road lane just stops at Siemens Street! What is one supposed to do there? It’s a strange start or end point for a journey.

There was lots more to see and yes, things are improving – slowly. However, we still need attention to detail and continuity through junctions.

Here’s a link to the route if you wish to repeat today’s tour: https://cycle.travel/map/journey/255344

The one hundredth issue of the Digest is perhaps a moment to reflect on what’s happened in the past nearly four years. While things could always be better, there is more cycling infrastructure in place now than there was then. Projects like Spaces for People, Connecting Woodside or the East Kilbride Active Travel Network have gone in the ground (even if the rest of the South City Way hasn’t).

Around three quarters of those issues were written by the previous editor, Tricia Fort, who deserves a lot of credit for establishing the Digest (especially as it used to cover national issues too). Digest 1 in January 2018 mentioned work starting on the Sauchiehall St Avenue, just as events are due for the next phase along the precinct…

Forthcoming consultations:

Glasgow Avenues consultation events:

• Sauchiehall Precinct and Cambridge St – Tues, 30 November 2021, 19:00 – 20:30
• Argyle St, west (Central station to M8) – Thurs, 2 December 2021, 19:00 – 20:30

Provisional plans seen by GoBike didn’t match current standards in the updated Cycling by Design guidelines. Please attend if you can to speak up for better quality cycle lanes.

Contents
(new/updated items in bold – link jumps to article)

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. SEC Arrival Hall & Minerva St pedestrian/cycle bridge (planning application)
2. George Square: City Centre Traffic Management Order 2010 (Variation No. 31)
3. Draft Parking Management Plan (EDC)
4. Draft Glasgow Transport Strategy: framework – Deadline extended
5. Pollok Park: Off Road Parking Places Order 2016 (Variation No.1)
6. Braidcraft Rd & Brockburn Rd TROs
7. Hyndland, Hughenden And Dowanhill West, Traffic Management/Parking Controls
8. Ayr Road (South) Active Travel Improvements 
9. Dennistoun to Cranhill Liveable Neighbourhoods
10. Govan to Kingston Liveable Neighbourhoods
11. Langside to Toryglen Liveable Neighbourhoods
12. Ruchill to Cowlairs Liveable Neighbourhoods
13. Raeberry St Quietway (Connecting Woodside)
14. Ayr Road (North): Spaces for People, Phase 2
15. Helensburgh to Garelochhead active travel route

Section 2: Consultation Feedback

1. Site South of Beith Street/Crawford Street/Rosevale Street (planning application)
2. GAIA Construction Update
3. Local Development Plan newsletter (EDC)

Section 1: Current Consultations
(in date order for responses)

1.1: SEC Arrival Hall & Minerva St pedestrian/cycle bridge (planning application)

Organisation: Scottish Event Campus.
Area: SEC and Minerva St, Finnieston.
Subject: Part of the wider redevelopment plans for the SEC, is this proposal for the pedestrian/cycle bridge from Minerva St (at Exhibition Centre train station). It will have the same footings north of Stobcross Rd, so will keep its hazardous 90º corners but add tight 180º turns on new internal ramps inside an ‘arrival hall’ building (starting roughly where the current ‘kink’ is, south of Stobcross Rd). The bridge is supposed to be a core path – these plans seem to put that in doubt.
First covered: Digest 99, Item 1.5.
Website links: SEC Arrival Hall & Minerva St bridge planning application.
Deadline: 25 November.

1.2: George Square: City Centre Traffic Management Order 2010 (Variation No. 31)

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: Order to make Spaces for People temporary measures permanent in George Square. These include walking/cycling only areas on the west and east sides of the square and at the junction with Hanover St. Also, the southern side is restricted to bus, taxi and cycles from 7am–7pm. There are other restrictions and disabled parking bays on the streets next to the square plus a few restrictions on parts of West Nile St.
First covered: Digest 99, Item 1.6.
Website links: George Sq map, George Sq City Centre TRO Report, George Sq press notice, George Sq Statement of Reasons.
Deadline: 26 November.

1.3: Draft Parking Management Plan

Council: East Dunbartonshire.
Subject: A “coordinated, operational plan for parking management.” Consultation ends this month – see above ‘plan on a page’ for details.
First covered: Digest 97, Item 1.6.
Website links: Draft parking management plan consultation page and survey.
Deadline: 30 November.

1.4: Draft Glasgow Transport Strategy: Framework

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: “The new transport strategy will be city-wide, and provide a framework for investment and decision-making on transport issues up to 2030.” Note: specific transport projects won’t be covered until the ‘Glasgow Transport Strategy: Spatial Delivery Framework’ in 2022.
First covered: Digest 98, Item 1.7.
Website links: Glasgow Transport Strategy page, Draft framework document (39MB!), GTS ‘Story Map’ (some parts load slowly or are broken), GTS online survey.
Deadline: 3 December (extended).

1.5: Pollok Park: Off Road Parking Places Order 2016 (Variation No.1)

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: Off road car parking in Pollok Country Park. Digest 73, Item 3.4 covered the new access road and car park plans for the park. This order affects the current car parks, presumably ahead of work starting. The Burrell Collection is due to reopen after refurbishment in 2022.
Website links: Off road parking plan-Burrell, Off road parking plan-Nether-Pollok, Off road parking plan-Riverside, Off road parking report, Off road parking order, Off road parking notice.
Deadline: 10 December.

1.6: Braidcraft Rd & Brockburn Rd TROs

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: Braidcraft Rd & Brockburn Rd, Pollok (west of Pollok Country Park).
Subject: Traffic Order to help make Spaces for People temporary infrastructure permanent. Both roads are dual carriageways – ‘soft segregation’ was added to a lane each way on both. There’s been a reaction against the lanes including a banner and a petition.
Website links: Braidcraft Rd plan, Braidcraft Rd report, Braidcraft Rd press notice, Brockburn Rd plan-1, Brockburn Rd plan-2, Brockburn Rd report, Brockburn Rd press notice, Braidcraft Rd/Brockburn Rd statement of reasons.
Deadline: 10 December.

1.7: Hyndland, Hughenden And Dowanhill West, Traffic Management/Parking Controls

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: Clarence Drive in the West End (between Crow Rd and Hyndland Rd).
Subject: Traffic Order to help make Spaces for People temporary infrastructure permanent. Existing painted lanes had been plagued by car parking so ‘soft segregation’ was added in late 2020.
Website links: Clarence Dr plan, Clarence Dr report, Clarence Dr notice, Clarence Dr SoR.
Deadline: 23 December.

1.8: Ayr Road (South) Active Travel Improvements

Council: East Renfrewshire.
Area: Ayr Rd south from Newton Mearns.
Subject: Build a replacement shared-use path on the north/west side of Ayr Road, between North Hillhead Road and the M77 overbridge.
First covered: Digest 97, Item 1.7.
Website link: ERC Ayr Road South consultation page.
Deadline: 24 December.

1.9: Dennistoun to Cranhill Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: From Dennistoun (including Necropolis), Milnbank, Haghill, Riddrie, Carntyne to Cranhill.
Subject: The first of two further LN consultations using Commonplace maps and the Place Standard tool. The ‘8th Coolest Neighbourhood in the world’ has issues with traffic and rat running that weren’t solved by the half hearted Spaces for People ‘LTN’. Haghill and Riddrie seem to have been spared a new dual carriageway but also have traffic issues. Along Edinburgh Rd there’s plenty of space for segregated cycle lanes to serve Carntyne, Cranhill and beyond. Over 250 comments so far since 17 Nov.
Website link: Dennistoun to Cranhill LN Commonplace map, Dennistoun to Cranhill Place Standard survey, Further details and events in Dennistoun Community Council article.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.10: Govan to Kingston Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: From ‘Greater Govan’ (including Cessnock, Kinning Park, Plantation) and Ibrox to Kingston.
Subject: The second new consultation area has had some redevelopment around Govan bus station and work is due to start on the proposed Govan to Partick footbridge. The Southern General/QEUH is Scotland’s biggest hospital but has no segregated cycle route. Neither does Paisley Road West or a proper connection under the M8 to the South West City Way on Shields Rd. So far, over 150 comments have been added since 17 Nov.
Website link: Govan to Kingston LN Commonplace map, Govan to Kingston Place Standard survey.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.11: Langside to Toryglen Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: From Langside (at edge of Shawlands) across Battlefield, Mount Florida and part of King’s Park to Toryglen (and Polmadie).
Subject: A really random Liveable Neighbourhood area, including busy Langside and empty Polmadie. Plans for Battlefield Rest and the South City Way extension were delayed by local residents who somehow missed the consultation. In Toryglen, work to connect up new paths in Malls Mire has been continuing. There’s not much active travel infrastructure in between except the experimental lane on Aitkenhead Rd (and maybe Cathkin Cycle Speedway track). Over 350 comments so far since 29 Sept.
First covered: Digest 96, 1.4.
Website link: Langside to Toryglen LN Commonplace map, Langside to Toryglen Place Standard survey.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.12: Ruchill to Cowlairs Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: North of the canal from Ruchill (at edge of Maryhill) across Possilpark, Hamiltonhill, Rockvilla, Craighall, Keppochhill and Port Dundas to Cowlairs (plus Sighthill Park).
Subject: The edges of this area have been redeveloped with active travel routes along the canal. Nearby Sighthill is being completely rebuilt including a segregated cycle route on St Rollox Dr. However, that ends at Cowlairs and neighbourhoods like Possilpark and Ruchill have a lot of derelict sites. The Spaces for People lanes on Hawthorn St have added a west-east cycle route. Less than 100 comments have been added to the map since 29 Sept.
First covered: Digest 96, 1.5.
Website link: Ruchill to Cowlairs LN Commonplace map, Ruchill to Cowlairs Place Standard survey.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.13: Raeberry St Quietway (Connecting Woodside)

Area: Raeberry St, North Woodside (west of Maryhill Rd).
Subject: Part of Connecting Woodside with junction redesigns at either end of the street and new secure cycle parking. The Maryhill Rd end is narrowed and the crossing moved to make a direct link to Trossachs St (towards Garscube Rd and the canal). Car parking bays are set by the new North Kelvinside/Woodside RPZ.
First covered: Digest 99, Item 1.12.
Website link: Raeberry St Quietway ‘storymap’, Raeberry St plans PDF, Raeberry St survey.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.14: Ayr Road (North): Spaces for People, Phase 2

Council: East Renfrewshire.
Area: Ayr Rd through Newton Mearns.
Subject: Phase 2 consultation about replacing the phase 1 cones with light segregation.
First covered: Digest 91, Item 1.5.
Website link: ERC Ayr Road Phase 2 Commonplace page.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.15: Helensburgh to Garelochhead active travel route

Council: Argyll and Bute.
Area: Gare Loch east shore (A814/B872).
Subject: Active travel route between Helensburgh and Garelochhead (by Faslane naval base).
First covered: Digest 95, 1.5.
Website link: Helensburgh to Garelochhead active travel consultation.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

Section 2: Consultation Feedback

2.1: Site South of Beith Street/Crawford Street/Rosevale Street (planning application)

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: Greenspace, south of Beith St, Partick (north of Clydeside Expressway).
Subject: A long-running planning application for flats, as covered in Digest 50, Item 3.7. There had been some confusion about appeals and technicalities so GCC have sent a letter to try and clarify the situation. The gist is it’s still “approved in principle”, subject to conditions, with detailed plans to follow at some point.
Website link: Beith St letter.

2.2: GAIA Construction Update

Council: East Renfrewshire.
Area: Glasgow Airport Investment Area.
Subject: Update about East Ren’s flagship City Deal project, including the pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Black Cart river.
Website link: GAIA Newsletter November 2021, GAIA webpage.

2.3: Local Development Plan newsletter (EDC)

Council: East Dunbartonshire.
Subject: Update about EDC’s Local Development Plan 2 and other planning issues.
Website link: EDC LDP2 newsletter.

As the 2020 Paralympics take place in Tokyo, how is Glasgow looking towards its own global event: COP26? Currently, the city council has a new, short notice consultation about suspending public access rights. You may have seen GoBike banners on the subject or media coverage of support from Scotland’s new Active Travel minister – Green MSP, Patrick Harvie. It’s also a last call for the survey on Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone.

It’s a final fling for a handful of consultations around Glasgow (and one in Renfrewshire). There’s a bit longer for a few others – a new survey on secure cycle parking in the city centre and the last leg of East Dunbartonshire’s Active Travel Discussion.

Your author is also going on holiday so the next Digest may or may not be in its usual slot or by its usual writer…

Contents
(new consultations in bold – link jumps to article)

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow City Council – Low Emission Zone consultation (ends 2 Sep)
2. Glasgow City Council – COP 26 Section 11 Order: Suspension of Public Access Rights (ends 3 Sep)
3. Rosemount Development Trust – Royston Road Masterplan (ends 3 Sep)
4. Glasgow City Council – Inner East Strategic Development Framework (ends 3 Sep)
5. Renfrewshire Council – Improving Barshaw Park Junction, Paisley (ends 5 Sep)
6. Queens Cross Housing Association – Woodside Making Places: Planning Application (deadline: 6 Sep)
7. NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde/Sustrans – Gartnavel Active Travel Feasibility Study (ends 10 Sep)
8. East Renfrewshire Council – Ayr Road (A77): Spaces for People, Phase 2
9. East Dunbartonshire Council – Active Travel Discussion (ends 28 Sep)
10. Glasgow City Council – Secure City Cycle Parking Survey (ends 3 Oct)

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

None this time.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council – TRNSMT Festival and Access to NCN75
2. North Lanarkshire Council – Bellshill Gateway & Cycle Facilities project
3. Glasgow City Council – London Rd Spaces for People lanes at Celtic Park
4. East Renfrewshire Council – Proposed Local Development Plan 2
5. Glasgow City Council – Auldhouse Area Traffic Management Order

Section 1: Current Consultations
(in date order for responses)

1.1: Glasgow City Council – Low Emission Zone consultation

It was Digest 90, Item 1.3 when we first mentioned this consultation about phase 2 of the Low Emission Zone in Glasgow city centre. Phase 1 applied to local buses only. Phase 2 will include all motor vehicles driven into the zone area between the M8, river and High St (unless exempt, like Blue Badge holders).

The LEZ area is smaller than the City Centre Air Quality Management area, which includes the M8 and parts of Bridge St and Royston Rd. There are only two other AQMAs in Glasgow – Byres Rd/Dumbarton Rd and Parkhead Cross – since the city-wide AQMA was revoked in 2016. Further background is on Glasgow’s Local Air Quality Management pages.

The area the LEZ covers is one of the questions asked in the survey. Enforcement is another – it’s only due to start in June 2023 (or 2024 for people who live in the city centre).

When enforcement does start, fines will escalate for repeat offences (doubling each time within a 90 day period).

The city council have sent GoBike a few reminder emails about this one, which suggests they’re not getting the level of response they were looking for. If you want to influence the shape of the zone (literally) or when it kicks in, see the Glasgow LEZ consultation page, LEZ consultation document and LEZ online survey. Closes on Thursday 2 September.

1.2: Glasgow City Council – COP 26 Section 11 Order: Suspension of Public Access Rights

This is about main active travel routes being closed during October/November around the COP26 climate conference at the SEC. The ‘exclusion zone’ would cover a large area from Ferry Rd to Finnieston St and bridges in Anderston. The cycling diversions will be much longer and less safe than the parts of NCN7 and the West City Way that they replace. GoBike started a petition about keeping routes open (for Glasgow residents only). We also proposed changes to the council’s plans.

See our blog about the closures for more in-depth information and our social media for updates. GCC access rights consultation ends Friday 3 September.

1.3: Rosemount Development Trust – Royston Road Masterplan

This debuted last time in Digest 93, 1.5. It’s about regenerating the western part of Royston Rd. It’s a part of the City Centre AQMA but not in the LEZ. That doesn’t seem to be mentioned while speeding, litter and other issues are. Equally, the project phases outlined in board 6 don’t include cycling at all. Surely it has to be part of the solution, especially with On Bikes’ Flourishing Molendinar project (Digest 92, Item 1.2) just up the same road? This Royston Rd project and theirs both need safe active travel connections to the city centre and Sighthill.

If you know the area at all, please put the case for cycling infrastructure. See the Royston regeneration survey and information boards (ends Friday 3 September).

1.4: Glasgow City Council – Inner East Strategic Development Framework

Another SDF (and another AQMA – Parkhead Cross) first covered in in Digest 90, Item 1.4. ‘Inner East’ is an arbitrary area made up by the council, who’ve decided Parkhead is the main place East Enders want to get to. While the Forge Shopping Centre is important for many, there’s an assumption here that all roads lead to Parkhead (including phase 3 of the East End Regeneration Route dual carriageway). A train station for Parkhead gets a few mentions but that’s what the East End Local Development Strategy said back in 2008. Active travel is mentioned a lot but road-building still seems to be central.

There are many more assumptions (“locals prefer to drive to the forge”) and errors in this SDF. The maps seem rushed, especially the Bridgeton map with two wrong train stations superimposed on it.

On a more positive note, there are a few mentions of permeability. One is about the paths through the Meatmarket site (under construction at Duke St/Bellgrove St) and there are other examples not in the document, like Riverside Dalmarnock.

The council talks up some recent developments by GCC and partners like Clyde Gateway, who have built a lot in the East End in the last decade or so (and do include cycle parking in their developments). However, people have to cycle through the car park of Red Tree, Shawfield as CG didn’t reconnect the path properly between NCN 756 and the Smartbridge (despite being asked). GCC also missed an opportunity to add protected cycle lanes in its Calton-Barras Action Plan (CBAP). So, there are still lessons to be learned.

See the Inner East consultation page for link to the SDF survey (ends 3 September).

1.5: Renfrewshire Council – Improving Barshaw Park Junction, Paisley

In Digest 93, 1.7 we mentioned the plans to improve safety for cycling at Barshaw Park junction. Option 3 had segregated cycle lanes on all roads, while options 1 and 2 only had them on the main road. There was some local hostility to the plans on Facebook – while not surprising on that platform, the plans will need support to progress.

See the Barshaw Park junction community survey to rate the options (ends 5 September).

1.6: Queens Cross Housing Association – Woodside Making Places: Planning Application

Woodside Making Places is a wide-ranging project for the area around St George’s Rd and Braid Square, near Garscube Rd. The previous consultation was in Digest 79, Item 1.4 (and an earlier stage in Digest 65, 3.1). This latest development wasn’t publicised much but was in a Glasgow Live article about Queens Cross Housing Association submitting a planning application.

It’s application 21/02266/FUL for “Renewal of public realm, gardens and greenspaces, including streets and lighting, with comprehensive green infrastructure improvements.” These include some playparks and a lot of tree planting. The most interesting part for GoBike is the ‘Quietway’ cycle route in the plan for North Woodside Road.

The red tarmac makes it look like a Dutch ‘bicycle street’ (where bikes have priority and cars are ‘guests’). Whether or not it will work that way remains to be seen. However, N Woodside Rd is a residential street, which is already filtered to the west at the junction of Maryhill Rd and Hopehill Rd (as featured in Digest 93, 3.3).

N Woodside Rd’s eastern end will link to segregated cycle lanes on St George’s Rd, which are part of the Connecting Woodside Project (and lead to the protected junction at Garscube Rd). So, it should be an important link for the wider area.

There was also due to be an improved path south to Phoenix Rd and the planned ‘Underline’ cycle route below the M8 between New City Road and Cambridge St. However, M8 emergency repairs are underway on the Woodside Viaduct so those Avenue works are being pushed back even further; potentially for a few years.

Deadline for any comments is 6 Sep. See the Woodside Making Places website for more background about the project.

1.7: Sustrans – Gartnavel Active Travel Feasibility Study

This project first came up in Digest 60, Item 3.3 and most recently in Digest 90, Item 3.2. Several GoBike members know the area and engaged with early ideas for the site. A site visit took place in July, when GoBike member Caroline met with the design consultants, ERZ Studio.

The initial proposals from that process are now out for consultation:

• Three shared/side-by-side walking/cycling routes across the site.
• Two new gates created in existing site wall.
• Adjusting crossings at main road junctions.
• Pedestrian precinct/plaza at main hospital buildings.
• Improving access towards Hyndland train station.
• Improving wayfinding signage.

The new northern gate would be next to the existing exit road (as above). However, the proposed eastern gate would open up access from a new location east of the Beatson, through the current stone wall, to Hughenden Lane (where you can see the chimney near the Beatson). This ‘Quietway’ would be an alternative route between Hughenden and Crow Rd, avoiding the very busy Great Western Rd. While it meanders a bit, it should also link to the more direct Shelley Rd (to the north, alongside Bingham’s Pond).

The scope of the project seems to have grown slightly from NHS-owned land to include crossings but not cycleways on the main roads themselves, like Gt Western Rd. Instead, the consultants asked about routes between NHS sites, like Gartnavel and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. One query was about a route via the soon-to-be-built Partick–Govan bridge to the QEUH; a mile longer than using the Clyde Tunnel (but might have less closures?).

For now, see the Gartnavel survey – ends 10 September.

1.8: East Renfrewshire Council – Ayr Road (A77): Spaces for People, Phase 2

Covered in Digest 91, Item 1.5, Ayr Rd through Newton Mearns is in a phase 2 consultation. It’s about replacing the phase 1 cones with light segregation, removing some segregation and adding parking bays. For examples of the segregation, maps and more details, see the Ayr Road Phase 2 Commonplace page. No obvious deadline on this one (but still seems to be open).

1.9: East Dunbartonshire Council – Active Travel Discussion 

What can we say about the EDC Active Travel Discussion that hasn’t already been said? There are two more online events left. See the Active Travel Discussion page – ends 28 September.

1.10: Glasgow City Council – Secure City Cycle Parking Survey

Back in Digest 88, in the Infra Update, we mentioned how GCC’s tweet about neighbourhood secure cycle parking drew comments about it missing out the city centre.

Recently, the council launched a survey about “secure cycle parking in the city centre at travel hubs and places of employment.” They want to find out the following:

“a greater understanding of travel patterns, frequency of travel, and what type of provision would appeal to those who require to park their bicycle in the city.

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.”

Cadogan St multi-storey car park used to have a bike parking area but it wasn’t the most welcoming place. Perhaps Glasgow could aim for facilities like this office development in Bristol or Manchester’s Cycle Hubs.

Considering the spate of bike thefts across the city during the pandemic, this seems like a good chance to ask for more secure bike parking. See the GCC city centre cycle parking consultation page and cycle parking survey – ends 3 October.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

None this time.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1: Glasgow City Council – TRNSMT Festival and Access to NCN75

In Digest 93, Item 3.4 we featured an email from GCC about the closure of NCN75 during the upcoming music festival. GoBike convenor Thomas tweeted about issues with the diversion route and replied to the council’s email. A further response from GCC sounds more constructive than before:

“To advise we are working to improve wherever possible the diversion route… which would hopefully make this route not only a suitable diversion for Major Events within Glasgow Green but also an optional route on a day to day basis.”

The council also wanted to organise a meeting between GoBike and council officers. They said: “we can walk the route highlighting where we will be making improvements”. Also, they would: “allow you an opportunity to speak directly with those planning/managing any works.” We wait to see the improvements but this new ramp was spotted on the route.

Lastly, GCC will “consider a short term working group to hopefully give an opportunity to facilitate improved joint working for the longer term solution to this particular challenge.”

Thomas will set up the meeting shortly and we hope to have further news.

3.2: North Lanarkshire Council – Bellshill Gateway & Cycle Facilities project

In Digest 92, Item 1.9 we featured initial plans for a proposed Velo Park and enhanced entrance to Strathclyde Country Park from Bellshill. A GoBike member was at a recent meeting between local groups and council staff. They’re from NLC’s new Greenspace Projects team, which will have responsibility for ‘Country Parks for the Future’ initiatives at Strathclyde Park (as well as Drumpellier Park in Coatbridge and Palacerigg Park, near Cumbernauld).

The officer clarified a few points, including that the planned mountain bike trails would only be in the north-east of the site. The paths around the South Calder Water would form a loop for walking and cycling as a local exercise route.

The team are looking at a few other issues like the underused hire bikes at the Watersports Centre (including some adapted bikes). Also, a potential cycle hub near Motherwell train station (perhaps in a building nearby).

A bid is due to go in to Sport Scotland by the end of August.

3.3: Glasgow City Council – London Rd Spaces for People lanes at Celtic Park

In Digest 90, Item 3.1, we covered the removal of the temporary ‘zebras’/’armadillos’ on London Rd outside Celtic Park and the Emirates. As well as contacting the council, some GoBike members put our message on London Rd itself.

GCC have taken a while to respond, perhaps because they had homework to do – according to their response…

“a survey of many similar sports facilities around the UK was undertaken and no examples of cycle segregation directly outside these facilities was found. Those that did have cycle facilities had a painted line only. GCC has improved on that by installing a ridged line to provide an audio and visual warning to drivers.

The Department explored alternative options including traffic delineator wands, such as those used on Great Western Road and a combination wand / armadillo design as currently used in Edinburgh City Centre. However, both of these also resulted in significant risk and possible increased risk in the case of the traffic delineator wand.“

The ‘combination design’ became a trip hazard on a high street in Cardiff. However, the above seems to rule out a ‘traffic delineator wand’ (temporary bollard) because it might be a risk.

Circumstantial evidence?

Several GoBike members were sceptical of the reasons given about ‘armadillos’ being a trip hazard. The council’s response says it depends on the circumstances:

“We do not consider that in normal circumstances armadillos represent a high risk trip hazard. However,… mass evacuation… (of) almost 60,000 individuals… would result in a tightly knit, panicked and distressed crowd. Under these circumstances, there would be little visibility of the armadillos and there is a significant concern of serious injury or fatality due to trips / falls and subsequent crush injury.”

There was a crush outside Celtic Park in 2018, where a few fans were injured. However, it was at the confined Janefield St side of the stadium, not the open London Rd side.

Apparently, the decision to remove was: “assessed in conjunction with advice from Police Scotland but no formal record has been kept”. There was no Equalities Impact Assessment “as this process is not appropriate for this type of alteration. None of the protected characteristics as outlined in the Equalities Act are negatively affect by the alterations.”

GCC talk about policy then make an interesting statement. “Designers have a duty under Construction Design and Management regulations to design out risk wherever possible.“

Lastly, they turn from the temporary Spaces for People project to mention the permanent East City Way route on London Rd. “We note your comment about the new East City Way and can confirm that the SFP project officers have discussed these issues with the East City Way officer with a view to designing out the risk as far as reasonably possible within the long term plans.” So, that seems to depends on the circumstances as well.

3.4: East Renfrewshire Council – Proposed Local Development Plan 2

We covered East Ren’s proposed Local Development Plan 2 in Digest 47, Item 1.4 in late 2019. It was submitted to the Scottish Government for its Reporters to consider in their 435-page report! It contains several mentions of GoBike, and our convenor Thomas (with his surname spelled correctly most of the time!).

One of these mentions – ‘(e) Schedule 6: Proposal D8.13: Netherlee to Giffnock’ – was about a potential feasibility study for a footbridge across the railway at Gordon Dr. The report shows there were two people in favour and 19 against so the proposal has been dropped (and will not be in any of their back yards). However, other measures GoBike supported will be included. The 22-page recommendation document details the text changes ahead of publication.

3.5: Glasgow City Council – Auldhouse Area Traffic Management Order

These measures for Auldhouse, in the Southside, appeared in Digest 92, Item 1.8. GoBike’s response made points about one-way streets and potential for contraflow cycling. The council sent a fairly predictable reply:

“…given the narrow carriageway widths and short lengths of carriageway within this self-contained residential area, contraflow cycle lanes were not deemed feasible. Unfortunately, I can therefore advise that cyclists will also be subject to the one way operations.”

GCC’s email goes on to say one-way streets will apparently “enhance road safety for cyclists”. Also: “parking restrictions at road junctions will remove potential obstructions by vehicles at lowered kerbs which will assist pedestrians, wheelchair users and push chairs in crossing the road.” There’s no mention of a joint decision with Police Scotland on enforcement.

A year ago the plans were very similar to what has happened elsewhere across the city; streets are redesigned to more safely accommodate motor vehicle parking with streets becoming one way to ALL traffic, including cycles. GoBike is a very strong supporter of contraflow cycling, which helps make cycling a very convenient way to travel, and we submitted this letter of objection to the plans.

The proposals were not implemented before Covid 19 struck and thus we were pleased when we saw the emergence of a new sub-section on the City Council’s website on 04 December: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/26417 and based on this information, one of our members drew up this plan of the area:

The local Community Council were not involved in the details of these proposals either, although they have made representation to the City Council on rat-running motor traffic in the area and related matters. Soon after the City Council released its plans, Dennistoun Community Council (DCC) put out this statement: http://dennistouncc.org.uk/2020/12/06/statement-on-traffic-and-streetscape/
DCC clearly recognises the limitations of the proposals and like GoBike, looks to build on them to ensure that Dennistoun does become a much pleasanter place.

On Tuesday afternoon, 08 December, we received this email from the City Council:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDREW BEGLIN, ASSISTANT GROUP MANAGER (PARKING SERVICES), neighbourhoods and sustainability

Dear Sir / Madam,

Please find attached a copy of the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order for the Spaces for People Dennistoun Area – Low Traffic Neighbourhood.  

I trust this information is of assistance.

Andrew Beglin
Assistant Group Manager (Parking Services), Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

There has been no consultation on this, although the City Council is well aware of GoBike’s views on the abundance of motor vehicles stored on our streets, the lack of cycle routes and the lack of contraflow cycling. Here’s the content of the Temporary Order:

“OFFICIAL
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
(DENNISTOUN AREA, LOW TRAFFIC NEIGHBOURHOOD)
(TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION)
ORDER 2020
Glasgow City Council in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991, and of all other enabling powers, hereby makes the following Order: –

1. This Order may be cited as “Glasgow City Council (Dennistoun Area, Low Traffic Neighbourhood) (Temporary Traffic Regulation) Order 2020”.
2. This Order makes it unlawful for any person to drive or cause or permit to be driven or park any motor vehicle, except authorised vehicles, on the following road(s):-
   Road Closures
3. Ark Lane – at its junction with Broompark Drive
   No Waiting at any time
4. Ark Lane – on both sides, from the extended south kerbline of Circus Drive southwards to the extended south kerbline of Broompark Drive.
5. Ark Lane – across the carriageway at its southern extremity
6. Armadale Street – on both sides, from the extended south kerbline of Alexandra Parade southwards to the extended north kerbline of Craigpark Drive.
7. Broompark Drive – on both sides, from the extended west kerbline of Dunchattan Street westwards to the extended east kerbline of Ark Lane
8. Broompark Drive – across the carriageway at its (temporary) western extremity
9. Meadowpark Street – on both sides, from the extended north kerbline of Roslea Drive northwards to the extended south kerbline of Finlay Drive
   Prohibition of Driving (except for Pedal Cycles)
10. Armadale Street (southwards) at its junction with Alexandra Parade
11. Armadale Street (northwards) at its junction with Craigpark Drive
12. Armadale Street (southwards) at its junction with Roslea Drive
13. Craigielea Street (northwards) at its junction with Craigpark Drive
14. Craigpark (northwards) at its junction with Craigpark Drive
15. Craigpark (southwards) at its junction with Onslow Drive
16. Ingleby Drive (eastwards) at its junction with Whitehill Gardens
17. Marne Street (northwards) at its junction with Craigpark Drive
18. Meadowpark Street (southwards) at its junction with Alexandra Parade
19. Meadowpark Street (northwards) at its junction with Duke Street
20. Meadowpark Street (northwards) at its junction with Roslea Drive
21. Whitehill Street (northwards) at its junction with Duke Street
22. Whitehill Street (southwards) at its junction with Onslow Drive
    One Way Operations (with Contra-Flow for Pedal Cycles)
23. Armadale Street (northwards) between Duke Street and Roslea Drive
24. Armadale Street (northwards) between Golfhill Drive and Alexandra Parade
25. Armadale Street (southwards) between Golfhill Drive and Craigpark Drive
26. Craigielea Street (southwards) between Alexandra Parade and Craigpark Drive
27. Ingleby Drive (westwards) between Meadowpark Street and Whitehill Gardens
28. Marne Street (southwards) between Alexandra Parade and Craigpark Drive
29. Meadowpark Street (northwards) between Craigpark Drive and Alexandra Parade
30. Meadowpark Street (northwards) between Garthland Drive and Ingleby Drive
31. Meadowpark Street (southwards) between Finlay Drive and Roslea Drive
32. Meadowpark Street (southwards) between Roslea Drive and Duke Street
33. Whitehill Street (southwards) between Roslea Drive and Duke Street
    
    OFFICIAL
    The Order will come into effect at 00:01 hours on Tuesday 8 December 2020 until 23:59 hours on Wednesday 8 June 2022.
    Given under the Seal of Glasgow City Council and signed for it and on its behalf by Andrew Beglin, Assistant Group Manager, Parking Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability on the First Day of December Two Thousand and Twenty.“

That’s a lot of information to take in but we understand that work is now under way to install all the necessary markings and signage so it should all become clearer. It’s expected that this work will be done by Christmas (yes, this year!) – a good Christmas present for anyone getting a new bike in Dennistoun, or even going out on an old one.

You will have noted that the Temporary Order expires on O8 June 2022, giving 18 months for everyone to get used to the new layout. There will be formal consultation, all being well, to make the arrangements permanent sometime in the spring of 2022. We’ll obviously need to be aware that some people aren’t too pleased with the arrangements – just see the comments to this Glasgow Times article from last Friday when the news first broke – and we will need to get the counter arguments in!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum, short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, please respond as soon as possible!
2. Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October
3. Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October
4. The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November
5. The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November
6. Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft Public Consultation, closes 01 December
7. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, new City Development Plan, closes 11 December
8. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, GoBike response
2. Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, newsletter, including new bridge over White Cart
3. Stockingfield Bridge diversion details
4. Glasgow City Council, Ruchazie Road speed cushion confirmation – and our question!
5. East Dunbartonshire Council, Local Development Plan Newsletter No 60

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum, short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, please respond as soon as possible!

This is a reminder of the blog that came out on 18 October. If you haven’t read it yet then please click here, read it and respond! The north east of the city needs you. The survey is quick and easy to do.

Responses are requested as soon as possible to meet Sustrans’ funding timetable.

1.2 Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October

This consultation from the City Council first appeared in Digest 70, Item 1.9. The survey is a must-do for active travellers, so please do give it a go by Friday.

1.3 Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October

This consultation featured first in our previous Digest, 71, Item 1.5 and here’s the GoBike letter in response. In the letter there is reference to the Stage One consultation letter that we submitted; we were not able to publish that response at the time but here it is now, for reference.

1.4 The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November

We know from the struggles of all under-represented groups that the use of language is important. In our case, some of the language used about cycling and those of us who cycle is very pejorative. This survey, taken from the Guardian newspaper, was in Digest 71, Item 1.6 and is well worth a few minutes of your time, if you haven’t already completed it. Here’s the link and you need to read a bit of text so that you can complete the very short survey.

1.5 The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November

Item 1.7 in Digest 71 gave the details for this consultation – a must for any cycling tenement dweller! Do please look at this link and get your views in.

1.6 Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft Public Consultation, closes 01 December

This consultation, first featured in Digest 69, Item 1.13 and it’s clear, with an average of 3 people per week being killed on Scotland’s roads that something needs to be done about road safety.
Here’s the link to the consultation information.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, new City Development Plan, closes 11 December

How good are our places? This is what the City Council wants to know, with this email from 21 October that GoBike member, Derek M, forwarded to us:

“Good afternoon 
Glasgow City Council is preparing a new City Development Plan and we want to hear your views on what it should say. We are working with our partners, The Future Fox to host an online engagement called Placebuilder. It is designed to help us understand the experiences and ideas of Glasgow’s different neighbourhood communities on what they think works, what could be better and what they would like to see change. 
The engagement will run from Wednesday 21^st October until Friday 11^th December 2020. If you click on the image below you will be taken to the engagement home page where you can choose to answer questions about your neighbourhood. Or if you are really interested in a specific issue in a specific place you can tag the map and tell us more.   

Here’s the link from the image. (The image, but not the link, copied from the email!)

We want to hear from all age groups including from younger people, and all backgrounds, circumstances, and locations so the Plan can reflect Glasgow’s diverse population. Understanding how everyday Glasgow works will help us create a Plan that leads to a better city experience as well as addressing the big issues we face like tackling climate change, helping to create more opportunities to work and improving health and wellbeing.

The Plan will also guide where we want new development to happen in order to make Glasgow a more healthy, liveable, and successful place. Things like the location of new housing and businesses, how we can improve our town centres or re-use vacant land and protect our important built and natural assets.

The new Plan will affect every neighbourhood in the Glasgow City Council Area and will guide how every part of the city should be developed in the future. We want this to be influenced by what you – the people of Glasgow, think about our city and what the local priorities for change are. By using the tools in this consultation we hope to get an understanding of how our different places need to be looked at in the new Plan. Your opinions will form an important part of the Plan’s evidence base which means it is responsive to our communities’ views and ideas. This is the start of the process and we will be taking more opportunities to speak to specific groups and gain ideas. It will take a number of years to gather all of the information and other evidence before we are able to share a draft plan but your comments and suggestions will help us prepare a Plan that reflects the priorities of all of Glasgow’s communities.   

Development Plan,
Development and Regeneration Services
Glasgow City Council231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
developmentplan@glasgow.gov.uk“

So do please get your views in.

1.8 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021

Here’s the email that we received from East Dunbartonshire Council on 22 October, bearing the news forecast in Digest 70, Section 2, Forthcoming Consultations:

“Dear Sir/ Madam,

East Dunbartonshire Council has published the proposed LDP2 and is notifying you of the representation period for the Proposed Plan, from Monday 19th October 2020 until Friday 15th January 2021. You have been sent this email because you have previously shown an interest in the development plan process.
The Proposed LDP2 sets out policies and proposals to guide land use change and improve the quality of development. It includes the following policies:
a development strategy, seven community policies and subject policies.

The Council is also consulting on the following related documents:
· Environmental Report
· Proposed Delivery Programme
· Proposed Sustainability and Energy Statement form
· Additional Site Assessments for Nine Sites Submitted During the Main Issues Report Consultation in 2019
· Habitats Regulations Appraisal

The Proposed LDP2 and the other related five consultation documents may be viewed on the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2
Due to the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic a hard copy of the LDP2 and the other documents will also be available to borrow in the following libraries as part of the Connect and Collect service, collection is by appointment only.
For further information on this service please check the East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust website https://www.edlc.co.uk/libraries/connect-collect, or telephone the following libraries between 10am and 1pm.
· Bearsden Library, 69 Drymen Road, Bearsden G61 3QT. Telephone 0141 777 3021
· Bishopbriggs Library, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs G64 2LX. Telephone 0141 777 3155
· Lennoxtown Library, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown G66 7JJ. Telephone 0141 777 3151
· Milngavie Library, Allander Road, Milngavie G62 8PN. Telephone 0141 956 2776
· William Patrick Library, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch G66 1AD. Telephone 0141 777 3141

If you would like to make a representation to the Council on the Proposed LDP2 a representation form and further information is available on the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2
The Land Planning Policy Team is also available to answer any enquiries by telephone and email, Monday to Friday 9am ? 5pm, on 0300 123 4510. Your representation should explain clearly and concisely your reasons for seeking a change to, or supporting, the Proposed LDP2 and you are encouraged to use the representation form. Your representation should be submitted by e-mail to development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or by post to: Land Planning Policy Team Broomhill Depot Kilsyth Road Kirkintilloch G66 1TP
Representations should be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 15th January 2021. “

Plenty for you residents of East Dunbartonshire to get your teeth into there!

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

No news again.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, GoBike response

Item 1.1 in Digest 71 highlighted the consultation on the location for the proposed new Monklands Hospital, which closed on 18 October. Of the 3 possible sites GoBike favours the Wester Moffat site, shown above and here’s our submission of 16 October explaining why. This site is definitely the best for active travel and public transport for the nearby population.

Here’s the acknowledgement that we received on 20 October:

“Monklands Replacement Project

Thank you for your email. This is confirmation that the project team have received your email and your feedback has been noted.

In the meantime, any updates will be published at www.monklands.scot.nhs.uk “

3.2 Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, newsletter, including new bridge over White Cart

Here’s the latest news from the Glasgow Airport Investment Area, received on 19 October:

“We wanted to draw your attention to the following update on the GAIA City Deal project …

As construction progresses at our Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, our contractor Wills Bros Civil Engineering, have issued the second GAIA newsletter which provides an update on progress of construction works on the project. You can view this from the related document section of our GAIA webpage at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/gaia.

Second issue of official newsletter for the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project.

This newsletter, which is the second in a series updates as the project progresses, includes: Project progress; Traffic management including lane closures required to allow construction to progress; Covid-19 safety measures; Community updates; and Next steps. You can download the newsletter from the related documents section of our GAIA project page at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/gaia.“

3.3 Stockingfield Bridge diversion details

Here we have the latest news, received on 19 October via Sustrans:

“From: Communications [mailto:Communications@scottishcanals.co.uk]
Sent: 19 October 2020 15:57
Subject: Stockingfield Bridge Update

Good afternoon,

I want to update you on progress of the new Stockingfield Bridge, which will not only reconnect the communities of Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill but complete the last link in the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath, bringing a major active travel improvement.

Unfortunately, as part of the construction of the bridge it is necessary to temporarily close a section of the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath between Ruchill Street in Maryhill and Stockingfield Junction from November 16, 2020 to approximately July 2022.

This will impact anyone walking or cycling the following routes:

• Bowling to Falkirk
• Bowling to Glasgow City Centre
• Falkirk to Glasgow City Centre

The canal will also be closed to boating traffic from November 1 to March 15^, 2021.

A 4.4km towpath diversion has been put in place for walkers and cyclists that follows the River Kelvin, avoiding the traffic-heavy alternative of Maryhill Road. The route, which has been agreed with Sustrans and Glasgow City Council, will be clearly marked and letters are being distributed to local residents by our contractor.

An area of ground adjacent to the canal is also being provided for local dog walkers during this closure period, which will also be well signposted.

As well as opening up a new access route for people living in Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill with the west end and city centre, the new bridge will allow walkers and cyclists to cross the canal at towpath level rather than having to drop off and negotiate the road tunnel at Lochburn Road before rejoining the path again.

The increased access to the canal and the design of the bridge structure with an integrated observation deck and landscaping on this currently underused site will encourage greater use of the canal.

As part of the development new traffic signals will also be installed on Lochburn Road to manage traffic through the Stockingfield Aqeduct.

If you require any more information, please get in touch.

Yours sincerely
Alasdair Hamilton
Technical Manager
Scottish Canals“

The River Kelvin path will be busy then; shame the City Council hasn’t installed cycle lanes on Maryhill Road yet, but, on the bright side, we do have a diversion.

3.4 Glasgow City Council, Ruchazie Road speed cushion confirmation – and our question!

Back in Digest 69, Item 1.10, we published proposals for speed cushions to be installed on Ruchazie Road. Here’s the letter of objection to this and 4 other schemes across the city that we submitted on 15 September.

Glasgow City Council confirmed by email on 20 October that the scheme will go ahead as proposed with 40 speed cushions and 26 bollards to be installed.

GoBike, on 24 October, submitted this question in response to the City Council:

“Hello,

Thank you for this response.

Many GoBike members ask about the effectiveness of speed cushions in reducing the speed of motor traffic and reducing collisions, both between motor vehicles and between motor vehicles and people. Thus could you please send me the results of your post-installation surveys so that we speed-cushion-sceptics may be reassured that the City Council is acting wisely to improve safety on our streets?

Many thanks“

We’ll let you know if and when we get a reply.

3.5 East Dunbartonshire Council, Local Development Plan Newsletter No 60

Here’s the latest newsletter from EDC, received on 21 October

In this newsletter:
 Have Your Say on the Proposed Local Development Plan 2
 Clydeplan Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy Consultation
 Electric Vehicles in East Dunbartonshire
 Guide for Home Businesses

_____________________________________________________

That’s it for now, but watch out for more news in 2 weeks and some forthcoming changes in our Digests!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, closes 18 October
2. **NEW** East Renfrewshire Council, Community online consultation on proposals for Barrhead South, closes 21 October
3. UK Department of Transport, Review of the Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October
4. Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October
5. **NEW** Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation NO.27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October
6. **NEW** The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November
7. **NEW** The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November
8. Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft public consultation, closes 01 December

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council, 01 October, confirmation of speed cushion installation on 6 schemes, Ladyloan Avenue, Muirhead Road, Gartocher Road, Maxwell Drive, Prospecthill Circus and Warriston Street
2. Glasgow Science Centre, Planning Application, acknowledgement of GoBike response
3. Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – October 2020 Newsletter
4. City Deal Renfrewshire, Glasgow Airport Investment Area – traffic management works second phase
5. Glasgow City Council, 08 October, confirmation of speed cushion installation on 2 schemes, Newlands Park and Greenfield Road Area
6. North Lanarkshire – East Airdrie Link Road: Active Travel Stakeholder Group, report of 30 July meeting
7. North Lanarkshire – City Deal funding approved for Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, closes 18 October

We are aware that Monklands Hospital in Airdrie is due to be replaced and a new hospital built at another site, at one of the 3 options shown above. These are, from left to right: Gartcosh, Glenmavis and Wester Moffat. We understand that active travel links will be considered, whichever option is selected – and the request is out for the public to give their views.

The information from NHS Lanarkshire is here:  https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/get-involved/consult-engage/monklands-engagement/
Here’s the email address for your submission: MRP.Team@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

If you live, work or are otherwise interested in this area, please do respond and get the active travel view in.

1.2 **NEW** East Renfrewshire Council, Community online consultation on proposals for Barrhead South, closes 21 October

2 years ago, on 24 October there was a consultation event for the Barrhead Travel Links, which we mentioned in several Digests, the last being Digest 21, Item 1.1. There is now an online consultation, which you may access here. It’s a very simple questionnaire, with just one box for your views, so will only take a few minutes of your time.

1.3 UK Department of Transport, Review of the Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October

This is the final outing for this consultation. It is hoped that you have read the blog we published on this topic. You still have time to do so – and do please respond. All the information is in this blog and we need to ensure that views from those of us who cycle, walk and perhaps even ride a horse, outnumber those commentators who maintain that they own the roads because they pay “road tax”. Here’s the letter, penned by Brenda with some assistance from Calum, that GoBike sent in last Tuesday.

We received this email acknowledgement for our submission on 09 October:

“Many thanks for submitting a response to the Highway Code consultation to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. Your views are very important to us and your comments will be considered when we undertake full analysis of all replies.

A summary of responses, including the next steps, will be published within three months of the close of the consultation.

Highway Code Review 2020
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR
Follow us on twitter @transportgovuk”

So don’t expect overnight changes then!

1.4 Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October

All the details for this online consultation were in Digest 70, Item 1.9 and here’s the link to how you may participate; it’s very easy to find out what the City Council is saying and to put in your views. Please do.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation NO.27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October

GoBike responded to the Stage One (limited) consultation on this back in March this year with this letter. We have now received the full public consultation with the following email that arrived on 08 October. Changes have been made since the initial proposals were issued:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS
NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CITY CENTRE) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010, (VARIATION NO.27) ORDER 202_

Further to my consultation email of 13 February 2020 regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant maps, statement of reasons and detailed report.

There has been some changes to the proposals which are specifically:

• The previous definition of Hanover Court has now been split into two sections namely North Frederick Street and North Frederick Path as per the attached plan;
• The previous proposed new electric vehicle only parking spaces on Bell Street, Bothwell Street, Collins Street, Holland Street, Ingram Street, Rose Street and Rottenrow East have been removed from the proposals;

Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX  or by e-mail to lestraffic@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 30 October 2020.

Yours faithfully

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

Here are the drawings that were attached to the email:

11.01-Publication-of-Proposals-Press-Notice-Advertised-09.10.2020
09.01_-_Draft_Report
08.01_-_Statement_of_Reasons
Publication-Douglas-Lane
Publication-Electric-Bays-Inner-Area
Publication-Electric-Bays-Outer-Area
Publication-Hanover-Court-renamed
Publication-Motorcycle-Bays
Publication-Proposed-Candleriggs-Development

This appears to be an improvement on the initial proposals, although there is no mention of the contraflow cycling for Candleriggs that was promised at Stage One, so we will be asking about that in the GoBike response.

1.6 **NEW** The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November

This is a fascinating survey and one that affects us all; the use of language in reporting what happens on our roads. GoBike member, Derek M, sent it in and here’s the link to the Guardian newspaper.

This is just one quote from the article:
There is excellent reporting out there – , but there is also less thoughtful output. For example, the majority (61%) of coverage of cyclists is broadly negative, focusing on road danger, criminality or bad behaviour, although studies have shown cyclists are generally far more law-abiding than motorists.

Do please read the article and put your thoughts in the short open-question survey.

It’s no doubt that it’s the use of pejorative language in the media that affects us all who cycle and could well be relevant in the recent suffering of GoBike member and ex-co-Convenor and Pedal on Parliament campaigner, Dave Brennan. See here for details from our sister organisation Cycling UK.

1.7 **NEW** The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November

This consultation, advised to us by GoBike member, John, and Cycling UK Scotland, relates to cycle storage for houses, tenements and on-street – a topic close to many people’s hearts. It’s Section 7 of this document that relates to active travel and it’s easy to fill in the survey section – if you agree with the proposals. Do please support this relaxation in planning requirements.

1.8 Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft public consultation, closes 01 December

This consultation first appeared in Digest 69, Item 1.13 and it’s certainly worth taking a look at the proposals. There’s quite a bit about improving road safety, but not a lot of detail about how it will be done. Indeed, training of motor drivers is outwith the current remit of the Scottish Government, but it is a move in the right direction.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

None that we have been made aware of, but plenty of current ones to keep you busy and the hint of one in our very last item, 3.7, below, concerning road links from Ravenscraig to Motherwell.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow City Council, 01 October, confirmation of speed cushion installation on 6 schemes, Ladyloan Avenue, Muirhead Road, Gartocher Road, Maxwell Drive, Prospecthill Circus and Warriston Street

Yes, the most-used photo of the year, more speed cushions confirmed for these 6 streets. The proposals have been approved as we first published them in Digest 66 and Digest 67 with the exception of:

• Muirhead Road: Proposed set of speed cushions situated at number 27/29 will now be situated at number 31
• Warriston Street: Proposed set of speed cushions situated at number 154 will now be situated at number 162.

The amended information is shown on these drawings:

RS.20.58-Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Full-view-after-consultation
Warriston-Street-Full-view-of-proposals-after-consultation

Sadly, no information is given as to why residents do, or do not, want speed cushions outside their house!

3.2 Glasgow Science Centre, Planning Application, acknowledgement of GoBike response

The consultation to reroute the cycle route past the Science Centre featured as Item 1.5 in Digest 69 and here’s the letter of objection that GoBike submitted on 15 September. This letter was based on a much longer and much more detailed letter that GoBike member, Brenda, had written and the funny thing is that there are only 2 public comments on the planning application portal – one from Brenda and one from GoBike! Thus, if public comment counts for anything, this planning application will be rejected ….

Here’s the acknowledgement letter that was received on 02 October.

3.3 Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – October 2020 Newsletter

Here’s the link to this month’s newsletter, received on 06 October.

3.4 City Deal Renfrewshire, Glasgow Airport Investment Area – traffic management works second phase

Here’s the update we received on 07 October:

Note that because of the nature of the works the bridge will be closed to people walking and cycling – it’s a popular route for cycling so do please be aware and plan your route accordingly.

3.5 Glasgow City Council, 08 October, confirmation of speed cushion installation on 2 schemes, Newlands Park and Greenfield Road Area

Here’s that photograph again confirming that we heard on 08 October that these 2 schemes will go ahead as proposed; details were first in Digest 66. Item 1.9 for Greenfield Road and Digest 67, Item 1.12 for the Newlands Park area. However we are informed that for the Newlands Park area “During the consultation process, it was highlighted by residents that they felt St Bride’s Road should be included within this scheme in order to avoid it becoming a potential rat run. I can advise that a standalone, formal consultation process will be undertaken for this location.” This demonstrates that the Council is listening to people who ask the right things!

3.6 North Lanarkshire – East Airdrie Link Road: Active Travel Stakeholder Group, report of 30 July meeting

In Digest 66, Item 3.3, was news of North Lanarkshire’s Active Travel Stakeholder Group and GoBike member, Derek Y, has now received minutes of the meeting of 30 July. There’s a lot of information included so if your leisure, work or general interest takes you into North Lanarkshire, do please have a look.

3.7 North Lanarkshire – City Deal funding approved for Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project

Here’s the latest, received on 08 October, from North Lanarkshire and the City Deal project that we have reported on before. Let’s hope that pressure builds for active travel in the area, with the current construction activity:

“Funding approved for Ravenscraig project

Investment of £61.9 million for the Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access (RIA) project has been approved by the Glasgow City Region Cabinet.

We are matching this with £65.3 million over six years to create new and improved transport infrastructure connecting Ravenscraig north to the M8 and south to Motherwell and the M74. A total of £127.2 million is therefore being invested.

This includes:

• a new dual carriageway from the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility to Motherwell, crossing the west coast main line railway, with new provision for walking, cycling and wheeling throughout;
• a new roundabout with traffic signals at Airbles Road and Windmillhill Street, connecting to the dual carriageway;
• completion of the dualling of Airbles Road; and
• the dualling of the A723 from Ravenscraig to the M8.

The RIA is a key component part of the council’s Plan Lanarkshire Orbital Route, combined with investment currently underway at Motherwell Town Centre Interchange and the future East Airdrie Link Road, to create a transformational road and infrastructure travel spine through North Lanarkshire.

The Pan Lanarkshire Orbital Route will improve connectivity from Motherwell to Cumbernauld across a range of transport modes and support better movement between towns and communities. It will create an active travel highway for cyclists, runners and walkers to navigate safely across the area. These plans will impact positively on the environment and road safety locally, removing traffic congestion points in neighbouring communities, such as the A73 at Chapelhall, and helping to improve air quality.

Within  the Ravenscraig site itself, the RIA is one of a number of infrastructure projects the council is working to deliver, including a new seven hectare park which is currently under construction and, working with Sustrans, plans for new cycling and walking links to Craigneuk, Wishaw and New College Lanarkshire Motherwell campus.

The regeneration of the overall Ravenscraig site is a key element of the council’s vision for the area, which will see £3.5 billion invested over the next 10 years, creating around 12,000  jobs and generating an additional £1 billionfor the local economy.

“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to invest in the future of North Lanarkshire, with a clear plan for economic growth,” said Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council.

“Ravenscraig is an important part of our long-term plan as it will bring new homes, schools, businesses, jobs and leisure facilities over the next 25 years. To achieve this, we must invest in new roads and active travel improvements, including cycle routes and public transport links – the Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project will deliver that.

“Overall, the Pan Lanarkshire Orbital Transport Corridor will transform the way we use our transport network, encouraging healthy active travel options, creating new opportunities for development and digital infrastructure along the route, and creating potential for low carbon energy networks.

“With the funding from Glasgow City Region City Deal secured, we can now move forward with this exciting new project to transform derelict land into vibrant new communities for the people of North Lanarkshire.”

UK Government Minister Iain Stewart said: “I am pleased the regeneration and transformation of Ravenscraig has reached another milestone. This project is essential to the future prosperity of the region and is a fantastic example of how the Glasgow City Region Deal is improving transport links and developing communities. 

“The UK Government has now committed more than £1.5 billion to City Region and Growth Deals across Scotland, creating jobs, opportunities, and sustainable growth.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The infrastructure created aims to meet the active travel needs of residents, alongside improving road infrastructure, to facilitate the regeneration of Ravenscraig and contribute to creating the environment for a healthy and vibrant community to thrive.

“The Scottish Government is a full partner in the Glasgow City Region City Deal, contributing £500 million over 20 years to the Infrastructure Investment Fund. This is a significant development within the Glasgow City Region Deal, demonstrating once again how Scottish Government investment supports transformative projects such as this.”

The next stage in the RIA project will be submission of a planning application for the southern connections to Motherwell and the M74, which will include a public consultation.

_______________________________________________________________________________

An interesting collection of consultations and feedback, the good, the bad and the ugly – wonder what there will be next?

This isn’t all about speed cushions, though, so do please read on.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. GoBike Digest Survey, should close today but now extended by 1 week to 25 August
2. Glasgow, Merchant City & Trongate Community Council, Merchant City Park petition
3. Scottish Government, Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group, closes Friday 21 August for written submissions but the survey is open until 30 September
4. Glasgow City Council, Gartocher Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
5. Glasgow City Council, Prospecthill Circus (Toryglen) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
6. Glasgow City Council, Ladyloan Avenue – Extension (Drumry) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
7. Glasgow City Council, Warriston Street (Carntyne)) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
8. Glasgow City Council, Greenfield Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 27 August
9. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Renewal of Planning Consent 17/00610/DC, Glasgow Harbour East At Castlebank Quay/Pointhouse Quay/ Yorkhill Quay Glasgow, closes 28 August
10. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Hermiston Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 08 September
11. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Muirhead Road (Baillieston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 09 September
12. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Newlands Park Area Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 09 September
13. **NEW* South Lanarkshire Council, Hamilton, Abercorn Drive and Chestnut Crescent, Traffic Calming, closes 11 September
14. UK Department of Transport, Review of the Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – August 2020 Newsletter
2. East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan No 57, August 2020
3. East Renfrewshire, Cycling UK Networking Event 13 August

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order, apart from the first 2, for responses

1.1 GoBike Digest Survey, should close today but now extended by 1 week to 25 August

We do really want to know what you think of these Digests. After over 2 years you must have a view and we have a short, easy-to-do survey for our members.

• For members who participate in our discussions on Slack, please go to the Consultations or General channel and follow the link that is there.
• For members who do not use Slack you may request the link by emailing consultations@gobike.org
• Not yet a GoBike member? You may join from this page and, if you join this week (with a minimum donation of only £5), you will still be eligible to respond to the survey and help us improve the information we are publishing.

1.2 Glasgow, Merchant City & Trongate Community Council, Merchant City Park petition

Many of you will know this wonderful mural on Ingram Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City. GoBike member, Peter, has told us that it is now under threat with a proposal to redevelop the area infront of it, currently used as a car park. A Planning Application to build a hotel has been withdrawn but who knows what might come next?
Merchant City & Trongate Community Council propose that a City Park is constructed on the site and they are looking for your support, with this petition. Please do support this; we need more green space in Glasgow and this is a welcome opportunity to green the city.

1.3 Scottish Government, Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group, closes Friday 21 August for written submissions but the survey is open until 30 September

This issue featured as Item 1.4 in Digest 66 and here’s the link to the relevant information. There’s a clear list of questions to respond to and here’s the GoBike response. Note that written responses were requested in word format, if you intend to submit before closing on Friday.
Do please send in your views about our urban centres; they could be so much better than they currently are and the online survey is open for another 6 weeks.

Items 1.4 to 1.8 Traffic Calming

These 5 items were introduced in Digest 66 as Items 1.5 to 1.9 and all the relevant drawings were attached to the items there. Here’s the one letter that GoBike has submitted in response to cover them all. We give brief details of each below but do please write in to the City Council if you disagree with their policy on traffic calming.

1.4 Glasgow City Council, Gartocher Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

This view is taken looking south though the disused railway bridge that severely limits the width of Gartocher Road. It also completely, under the present space allocation, eliminates any safe space for cycling and any safe space for social distancing on the footway, which is barely wide enough for 2 good friends to walk side by side. According to the GCC drawings the roadway width under this bridge is 5.8m. Since commercial vehicles may be up to 2.55m wide, excluding mirrors, 2 vans passing each other under this bridge don’t leave much room for anything else.

The City Council’s view to resolve concern about speeding vehicles on this road, which runs north from Shettleston Road, is to place 15 speed cushions of varying size and varying spacing along the road, all of them pushing anyone who cycles out of a good position on the road.

It’s GoBike’s view that space here could be better allocated and motor vehicle access should be restricted.

1.5 Glasgow City Council, Prospecthill Circus (Toryglen) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

A new development, designed with cars, and not people, in mind. Now action has to be taken to reduce the speed of those cars.

The City Council proposes lots of speed cushions; GoBike suggests safe space for cycling, a staggered series of rain gardens and/or a modal filter halfway round the circus to prevent motor cars from doing a circuit.

1.6 Glasgow City Council, Ladyloan Avenue – Extension (Drumry) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

Here we have again, a relatively new development with lots of space for cars, although one driver, at least, has found it “necessary” to park on the footway, thus endangering anyone walking or cycling.

The City Council’s one solution is, of course, speed cushions, but GoBike thinks they should be more imaginative and we suggest that features from the forthcoming Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy are used and that planters are placed judiciously to determine whether one or more modal filters or simply narrowing of the roadway are sufficient to reduce motor speeds.

1.7 Glasgow City Council, Warriston Street (Carntyne)) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

Warriston Street is a residential street, with the 38 bus route running along it. With all the cars stored on the street (or the footway) there isn’t much room for much more than one bus at a time at some locations, yet motor vehicles still exceed the speed limit. Wouldn’t it be much better if the street were re-engineered to limit through traffic to buses and cycles?

1.8 Glasgow City Council, Greenfield Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 27 August

With so many vehicles stored on the road and footway and on quite a gradient, it’s easy to see how residents are concerned about vehicles travelling at speed. However, if through traffic is moved to nearby Springboig Road and a modal filter installed on this road, life could be much pleasanter.

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Renewal of Planning Consent 17/00610/DC, Glasgow Harbour East At Castlebank Quay/Pointhouse Quay/ Yorkhill Quay Glasgow, closes 28 August

Last week GoBike member, Iain, brought this Renewal of Planning Application to our attention. It’s for the development of the large area around the relatively new Riverside Museum and, not shown on the pretty picture above, is the detail that there will be space for 1300, yes 1300, parked cars! How many bikes? No idea; there’s no mention of active travel or public transport. This is the link to the report on Glasgow Live.

This is a Renewal of Planning Consent 17/00610/DC, for Glasgow Harbour East at Castlebank Quay/Pointhouse Quay/ Yorkhill Quay Glasgow, that is, both sides of the River Kelvin and surrounding the Riverside Museum, south of the Expressway. When the museum was moved to this site there was much talk of public transport links, but this has now reduced, as far as we are aware, to the tourist bus stopping here on its circuit of the city. Thus, for the regular citizen it’s either walking from the bus/train/subway interchange at Partick, cycling, walking or, if you have one, bringing the car.

There is a strong suspicion that this is a done deal, but there are many reasons for concern, most of which have been raised on the GoBike Slack consultation channel:

• No mention of public transport
• No mention of cycling and walking access. National Cycle Route 7 runs through the site and there is no mention or visibility of this. It is difficult on the plan to see the path from the riverside that runs under the Expressway to join up with cycling routes on the north side of the Expressway
• The development is not in line with the Scottish Government’s document Designing Streets nor is it in line with Glasgow City Council’s forthcoming Liveable Neighbourhoods Strategy
• It is not in accordance with the Town Centre Action Plan, see Item 1.3 above
• There is no mention of the impact this development will have on nearby shopping and leisure areas or on the city centre. Any development here should complement the city not be in competition with existing amenities
• There is no justification given for the number 1300 selected for the number of car parking places to be provided, nor any detail of the charges that will be levied on people leaving their cars here.
• It is not in agreement with the findings from City’s Climate Emergency Working Group or current City Council policies on increasing active travel and reducing cars entering the city
• How does a development of this sort tally with the City’s aim of hosting COP26 next year?
• Further housing is planned for South Street, which is already busy with industrial motor traffic; this area around the museum should be developed as a park for people who live in the area, with cycling and walking routes running through it.
• There is no mention of river traffic
• There is no mention of the proposed Govan to Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge, which we are all waiting for and how this will impact on the area
• The Riverside Museum is of notable architectural and engineering interest, and it can be seen from the cycling and walking route, from the Expressway and from the railway. It should not be obliterated from view by buildings of lesser note

From that list it is quite clear that the general view is one of objection and here is the resulting GoBike letter, which lists and amplifies the above points.

Items 1.10 – 1.12, More Traffic Calming in Glasgow

The following 3 items are similar to the 5 Traffic Calming Items above and, to save space, only the full email for the first is shown. As we said in our last Digest we understand that the City Council offers one solution only to Community Councils and Councillors who wish to see the speeds of motor traffic reduced, and that is speed cushions.

1.10 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Hermiston Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 08 September

Here’s the email that we received on 11 August:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

“Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Hermiston Road), Traffic Calming Scheme

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Calming Scheme and I wish to establish the views of your organisation.

Please note that these proposals will also be released to the public by displaying on-street notices within the affected area.

Background to the proposed Scheme
The scheme is aimed at improving road safety by reducing vehicle speeds.

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme
The road affected by these proposals is:-

>Hermiston Road

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 9 sets of 3×1.8m wide speed cushions
• The installation of 18 bollards

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 28 days.    

Please reply directly to LESTraffic@glasgow.gov.uk

In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, please e-mail LESTraffic@glasgow.gov.uk.

Should the Council proceed with these proposals; I will write to you again and confirm this.

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

The “plan” referred to is these 4 plans:
Section-1-btwn-number-3-and-number-17
Section-2-btwn-number-41-and-number-63
Section-3-btwn-number-67-and-number-97
Section-4-btwn-number-101-and-Tynecastle-Street

Perhaps not too clear on the map above is the fact that Hermiston Road runs parallel to, and 2 streets to the west of, Greenfield Road which, in turn is next to, and parallel to, the main road, Springboig Road. It’s a small residential area with, as the photo above shows, has lots of on road and footway parking and is, particularly at the north end, quite steep. It’s easy to see why speeding motors could cause a hazard.

No-one, though, seems to have asked the question as to whether this needs to be a through road. Could a series of filters ensure that through traffic uses the main roads and does not use roads such as this as rat runs?

1.11 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Muirhead Road (Baillieston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 09 September

Here’s the critical part of the email we received from the City Council on 12 August:

“Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 2 sets of 3×1.9m wide speed cushions
• 6 sets of 2x2m wide speed cushions
• The installation of 16 bollards“

5 plans were attached to the email:
Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Full-view
Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Section-1
Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Section-2
Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Section-3
Muirhead-Road-TC-proposals-Section-4

Here we have a road that leads from the main part of Muirhead down to Baillieston Train Station and then on towards Hamilton Road and the M74. Primarily straight, the parked cars will make it tricky for residents to cross the road, particularly if motor vehicles are exceeding the speed limit, but hold on, where are the cycle lanes and even the space for social distancing? The footways, if half-covered by cars, don’t allow for safe distances between people and surely, we should be encouraging people to cycle to the train station, and to cycle generally?

The one solution fits all will do neither, but the speed cushions will push people on bikes either into a gap as narrow as 0.5m at the kerb or well out into the roadway if they wish to avoid the instability and discomfort of cycling over speed cushions.

1.12 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Newlands Park Area Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 09 September

The four roads proposed for the speed reduction treatment are Beverley Road, Calderwood Road, Carlaverock Road and Lubnaig Road. This looks and feels like an affluent area, with probably a higher proportion of large SUV type cars that can easily cope with speed cushions so why go to the effort and expense of putting them down? Here’s the critical part of the email that arrived from the City Council on 12 August:

“Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 2 sets of 4 (differing width), speed cushions
• 19 sets of 3 (differing width), speed cushions
• The installation of 42 bollards“

10 plans were attached:
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Beverley-Road-Section-1
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Beverley-Road-Section-2
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Calderwood-Road-Section-1
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Calderwood-Road-Section-2
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Carlaverock-Road-Section-1
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Carlaverock-Road-Section-2
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Carlaverock-Road-Section-3
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Lubnaig-Road-Section-1
Newlands-Park-area-TC-proposals-Lubnaig-Road-Section-2
Newlands-Park-area-Traffic-Calming-Proposals

This photograph of the junction where Lubnaig Road meets Merrylee Road shows that attempts have been made to reduce motor traffic speed with the guidance 20s plenty signs. Also, you will notice the pavement buildout to ensure that motor traffic enters and leaves Merrylee Road at a tighter angle than previously, which reduces speeds.

The question has to be asked as to why motorists continue to speed in this residential area? If the roads are being used as a rat run from Merrylee Road to Kilmarnock Road than then this can be easily stopped by putting in some modal filters allowing only cycles and emergency vehicles access.

There has been a school in the area, Calderwood Lodge Primary, but it’s now up for sale, probably to be redeveloped into desirable residences for the wealthy. Now is the time to reduce through traffic and encourage people to walk and cycle into and around the very pleasant Newlands Park.

1.13 South Lanarkshire Council, Hamilton, Abercorn Drive and Chestnut Crescent, Traffic Calming, closes 11 September

In Digest 46, Item 1.3, issued in October last year, were details of a filter proposed by South Lanarkshire Council to remove through motor traffic from Chestnut Crescent to Silvertonhill Avenue in Hamilton. Unfortunately 80% of respondents to the Council’s survey rejected this idea and the Council now propose traffic calming with, yes, you’ve guessed, speed cushions on both Abercorn Drive and Chestnut Crescent in an attempt to reduce motor speeds.

Here’s a Google view of Abercorn Drive near its junction with Chestnut Crescent and it already looks as if it would be difficult to drive at any significant speed. There look to already be speed tables and 20mph roundels on the road, plus illegal parking.

Here are the details of the proposals and here is a plan of the traffic management proposals. We will be looking at these over the next week or so and hope to have a response in the next Digest. However, if you know the area and have views on the proposals do please respond to the survey and email consultations@gobike.org to help our response.

1.14 UK Department of Transport, Review of the Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October 2020

This UK-wide consultation first appeared as Item 1.10 in Digest 66 published 2 weeks ago.
We continue to develop our response to this consultation and we are receiving views from several quarters. Unfortunately not many of these are hopeful that the proposed changes will bring about significant improvements for those of us who are vulnerable to injury from large vehicles and the predominance of motor vehicles on our roads. Many of the proposals are for guidance only, ie using the word “should” rather than the mandatory “must”. We will, though, continue to draft a responsible input to the discussion and we will keep you informed of progress.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nothing that we are aware of just now.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – August 2020 Newsletter

Here’s the latest edition of the Multiplex University of Glasgow Newsletter August 2020, which we received on 10 August.

3.2 East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan No 57, August 2020

This newsletter arrived today from East Dunbartonshire Council’s Land Planning Policy team. There’s no specific mention of cycling but those of you you know East Dunbartonshire well might see more in the detail.

3.3 East Renfrewshire, Cycling UK Networking Event 13 August

This event was advertised in Digest 66, Item 2.1 and GoBike co-Convenor, Thomas, took part in the virtual event. Here’s his brief report, a good note on which to end this Digest:

“The East Ren Networking meeting aimed at cycling was well attended and we give thanks to Cycling U.K. Scotland’s Eileen Hamill for arranging it all. It wasn’t groundbreaking but it’s a good first step to helping improve access and forward motion to creating a better East Renfrewshire.“

**********************************************************

GoBike member, Peter, was out and about in the city centre this week and has sent in these disturbing pictures:

It’s not clear what the purpose is of these closed off lanes. Are they just for pedestrian overspill or meant to be cycle lanes; or both? This bit on St Vincent Street didn’t seem accessible or much use and yet this is a busy street and needs a cycle lane.

Ah, perhaps this is what the barriers are for – for drivers to adjust them to suit their parking requirements?

Ah, it’s much easier to move the traffic cones, as has been done here on Hope Street near the junction with Renfrew Street.

Is this a cycle lane or pedestrian overspill – allowing for when the pub on this corner of George Square opens soon?

And just looking down Queen Street from the previous picture, more “parking places” protected by cones.

On the other side of George Square, just how does one cycle up North Hanover Street? Why’s our lane blocked off?

And look, the promised ability, as per the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order that GoBike commented on, to cycle in front of City Chambers and around the square has been stopped. Why?

This looks good: is it a new cycle lane to help residents and visitors alike to cycle away from Central Station down Union Street and on to their destination? Let’s hope so!

Oh no, it’s just an elongated taxi rank with what looks like a bit of private motor parking thrown in. Och well, we’ll just have to keep braving the buses and taxis.

As if all that wasn’t enough, what about the on-off cycle lane on Dumbreck Road? Some of you might have seen this failure to provide a competent bit of infrastructure as reported by the Evening Times and Road.cc.

Initially created as a coned trial lane, when the cones first disappeared a week ago (and the paint remained) Glasgow City Council told us that the cones would be reinstated, but one week on, they are now saying that they won’t be reinstating the cones “for the safety of all users”!! Clearly not the safety of road users on bikes!

It has also emerged that the way the council have removed this section of the lane goes against agreed policy.

Our council have declared a climate emergency and should be working to transport hierarchy principles, creating a safe network for active travel. Removing protected cycle lanes that have used spend and resource time is not that. Glasgow city council must redesign this lane safely and do it now.

And they try to tell us that painted lines on our roads make for safe cycling?

We know it’s a difficult time but surely the life of people walking and cycling should not be put at risk in this way. Could Glasgow City Council please make it clear where people may go, whether they are walking, cycling or driving?