The feature photograph for this Digest and the similar photo in Section 2 were both taken at 06:55 on Friday 27 March on a daily exercise ride. You will perhaps recognise the location, on Paisley Road West, heading west away from the Kingston Bridge, but not the level of traffic. On a normal Friday morning, even at such an early hour, there would be far more than one bus and a couple of bikes on this major arterial route into Glasgow – a route deemed too busy to have segregated cycle lanes!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, George Square, Motor Traffic Restrictions, Experimental TRO, closes 03 April
2. Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April
3. North Lanarkshire **NEW** Proposed New Road, Airdrie, online consultation, closes 30 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nothing that we are aware of, but do look where cycle lanes should exist!

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, GoBike submission
2. Glasgow, South Car Club Order 2020, approved
3. East Renfrewshire, Aurs Road Upgrade and Realignment Project – Materials & Finish Query, GoBike response
4. Glasgow, Blythswood District Regeneration Framework, GoBike submission
5. Glasgow, Craighall Road and Port Dundas, new cycle lane under construction

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, George Square, Motor Traffic Restrictions, Experimental TRO, closes 03 April

Not as many people out on the grass today, but the consultation to cut motor traffic and hence pollution is open until Friday, so please do put a short response in – a quick note just saying that you support the GoBike response will do.

We featured this consultation first in Digest 56, Item 1.4 and here’s the letter we submitted in general support of the proposals on 24 March. The letter refers to Stage One consultation, to which we responded with this letter on 28 February. This is quite definitely a move in the right direction and we hope that everyone who supports active travel and a pleasanter city will support it.

1.2 Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

We published the details of this initial consultation in Digest 56, Item 1.5 and we encourage everyone who lives, works, shops or otherwise visits this area to look at the proposals online. Unfortunately, because of Covid 19 restrictions, the Gorbals Library, shown on the left on the photo above, is now closed, but all the documents are available online and in Digest 56.

It’s important that we respond positively to this consultation at this very early stage. Responses now will influence the forthcoming Traffic Regulation Order so views on restricting parking and allowing contraflow cycling are critical. GoBike is delighted that contraflow cycling is included, in the east of the area, and if there is anyone out there who has any qualms on cycling to face oncoming traffic do please read our recent blog on the topic.

1.3 North Lanarkshire **NEW** Proposed New Road, Airdrie, online consultation, closes 30 April

In Digest 56, Item 2.1, two weeks ago, we informed you of drop-in consultation events to explain the reason and the options for this proposed new road. At that time there was no mention of online information and feedback option, but further to the cancellation of the consultation events, we received this news on 27 March

“East Airdrie Link Road project

Unfortunately we had to cancel the East Airdrie Link Road public events scheduled earlier this month due to the Covid-19 crisis.

You can still find out about the East Airdrie Link Road options on our web site, and your opportunity to give us your feedback using an online form has been extended to 30 April 2020.

You will also have a further opportunity to see our developing plans and give us your feedback later this year.“

If you live, work or cycle in North Lanarkshire do please have a look at the proposals and respond.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

We have no news of any consultations coming over the horizon, apart from the promise of more details from North Lanarkshire, see Item 1.3 above, but we are hearing lots of reports that the horizon may now be seen quite clearly given the reduction in pollution from motor vehicles.

So do please use what chances you have to look at what is out there, or what isn’t out there, in the way of cycling provision so that when we are over this pandemic we can all respond critically to consultations and campaign vigorously to get our space to travel. This photo shows that the normally busy Paisley Road West in Glasgow has plenty of room for cycle lanes – if motor traffic is controlled.

Do note, though, that North Lanarkshire Council have sent out details of changes to council services, including this note:

“Country Parks 

Vehicle access and car parking is closed at Palacerigg, Drumpellier and Strathclyde Country parks.”

However, one has to wonder how effective that is, given this photo that appeared over the weekend and was featured in the Herald on 30 March.

So while there is less motor traffic generally and main roads are a pleasure to cycle on do take care near parked and parking vehicles and watch out for the rogue speed merchant testing out how far down the accelerator pedal will go.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, GoBike submission

We first featured this consultation as Item 1.5 in Digest 55 and we have now submitted this response on 24 March. This proposal is, overall, a big improvement for the area but we are disappointed that there is not more contraflow cycling, that reverse-out angled , or perpendicular to the kerb, motor parking is allowed and that more bike parking is not included. We made the same points in our response at Stage One and we will keep making these points for future consultations. Active travel must be recognised.

3.2 Glasgow, South Car Club Order 2020, approved

On 10 February GoBike submitted this detailed response to proposals for Car Club parking and charging points on the South Side of the city and we reported that in Digest 54, Item 3.8. Also in that Digest we reported on prompt feedback from the City Council supporting their stance and finally, on 17 March we received this email:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF CHRISTINE FRANCIS, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir\Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SOUTH SIDE CAR CLUB) ORDER 2020

I am writing to notify you that the above named Traffic Regulation Order was made on 16^th March 2020 to introduce car club and electric parking on Albert Avenue, Allison Street, Kenmure Street, Paisley Road West and Torrisdale Street.

An advert will be placed in the Evening Times on Wednesday 18^th March 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made. The advert advises that any person who wishes to question the validity of the Order or of any provision contained in it on the grounds that it is not within the powers conferred by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, or on the grounds that any requirement of the Act, or of any instrument made under it, has not been complied with in relation to the Order may, within six weeks from 16^th March 2020, apply to the Court of Sessions for this purpose.

All those who objected to or supported the proposals will now be written to and advised of the decision.

Please find attached a copy of the plans for your information.

I trust this is of assistance, however should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike).

Yours faithfully“

The final plans are here: Allison Street, Paisley Road West, Torrisdale, Kenmure and Albert Drive.

So there we have it: on-street charging points, even where cycle lanes are, in our view, required.

East Renfrewshire, Aurs Road Upgrade and Realignment Project – Materials & Finish Query, GoBike response

Back in Digest 41, Item 3.3 there was a report back from an information session held on 13 August 2019 about the proposed upgrade and realignment of Aurs Road. GoBike member, Bob, was one of the people who attended.

On 19 March we received this email from the consultant working for East Renfrewshire Council:

“Dear Stakeholder,

You may recall that in August 2019, Stantec (formerly Peter Brett Associates) undertook a consultation event with you and/ or a representative, in respect of the Aurs Road Upgrade Realignment Project on behalf of East Renfrewshire Council.

The project has progressed somewhat over the past few months and we are keen to obtain your views on the materials being proposed for the cycle path, before the design work progresses any further.

• The cycle path element of the route will be surfaced in black ashphalt with red chips, in keeping with current preferences for equivalent schemes being delivered elsewhere. An indication of this is provided below (right);
• The boardwalk element of the route will be surfaced in Kellen paving, akin to that shown in the image on the left below, albeit colour combinations and orientation/ pattern are being considered in further detail;  and
• Please note that at entry and exit points to the areas of the route where the cycle and walk route run parallel to each other, longitudinal tactiles will be provided for cyclists and transverse tactiles will be provided for walkers, to demarque entry/ exit into areas where there is no physical or at grade separation of the routes.

We would welcome your thoughts on the proposed materials for the cycle path and if you have any further thoughts or considerations. We are unable to share more detailed plans at the present time, but trust the below is ample to inform a view. If you need to discuss any aspect of the proposed materials, please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below: we’d be more than happy to discuss further.”

GoBike replied on 24 March with this letter. There is reference in the letter to a presentation that Bob gave to the GoBike AGM last November. This was primarily about the South City Way but included the surfacing to be used. Many of you attended the AGM but in case you didn’t or need a refresher, here’s a copy of the presentation.

It’s good to be asked our views on such matters! Would that all councils did the same.

3.4 Glasgow, Blythswood District Regeneration Framework, GoBike submission

Apologies, this one escaped our notice and hasn’t been featured in our Digests before now, but our expert on long documents, Brenda, has been working on a response for some time. Here it is, sent in on 26 March, the day before consultation closed. Do please read it; she makes great play of how quiet and pleasant our streets currently are. We need every attempt to be made to reclaim our streets from the ubiquitous motor vehicle.

We haven’t given you a nudge to look at the consultation document and it has now disappeared from the City Council’s website, so here it is, should you care to take a look. It’s split into 5, so that we could get it all on here, with lots of photographs for you to view the area:

Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4 and Section 5.

3.5 Glasgow, Craighall Road and Port Dundas, new cycle lane under construction

Round about 1 year ago and reported in Digest 32, Item 1.1 was news of parking changes at Speirs Wharf to allow construction of a new cycle lane. Here’s the text of the letter of response we sent in on 15 April 2019:

“Thank you for your email of 22 March and the opportunity to comment on the proposals for parking restrictions at Speirs Wharf to allow improvements for people walking and cycling.

GoBike supports this proposal.

We would also be very keen to see the plans for the cycle lane that is proposed for this location and hope that may be arranged.“

Did we get to see the plans? No, we didn’t, but committee member, Brenda, cycled up to Speirs Wharf the other day and chanced upon the construction shown on the photos above and below:

The cycle lanes, between the footway and the roadway, will run along past the new water sports centre at Port Dundas.

This demonstrates how limited consultation is. GoBike and community representatives were involved in discussions for the extension of the South City Way through Battlefield and whether there should be two 1-way cycle lanes or one 2-way lane. Yet in this, the new route featured in the GoBike ride of 02 February, on Keppochhill Road, see Digest 53, Item 3.3, the South West City Way extension along St Andrew’s Drive and others, there is no discussion and one 2-way route is constructed.

Yes, we are pleased to see new cycle lanes, but where is the overall plan? How does this cycle route on North Canal Bank Street link to any other cycle infrastructure? At the east end there is the massive enclosure of whatever is being done in Sighthill and at the west end is the (normally) busy, and narrow Craighall Road, the arterial route from Milngavie via Balmore Road, down to the M8, Cowcaddens and Townhead. If you find the overall plan for the city, do tell us!

_________________________________________________

We have no idea what will arrive over the next 2 weeks, but we will keep you updated with whatever we get.
Do stay safe and do keep healthy. Try and get out on your bike if you can.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Battlefield Street Design – Public Consultation Event NOW, until 8pm today, Tuesday 19 March and on-line until 12 April
2. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) Regional Transport Strategy – Public Survey, closes TOMORROW 20 MARCH
3. **NEW** Survey on bike hire scheme in Motherwell, closes 31 March
4. Glasgow Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework, closes 05 April
5. North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan, closes 05 April
6. **NEW** Glasgow Woodside Health Centre, Traffic Regulation Order, to prevent obstructive parking, closes 08 April
7. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Council, Proposed Waiting Restrictions in Lenzie, closes 22 April
8. Get Glasgow Moving, on-line petition, open but needs your support

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Heathcot Avenue Drumchapel, GCC response to our objection
2. Glasgow City Centre Congestion Improvement
3. Glasgow Sauchiehall Street, what happens at Charing Cross?
4. Glasgow Sauchiehall Street, Elmbank Street, astonishing response from GCC

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 Battlefield Street Design – Public Consultation Event NOW, until 8pm today, Tuesday 19 March and on-line until 12 April

If you haven’t been to this event, you’d better get your fast bike out since it closes at 8pm today. If you missed it don’t worry though – you are still able to put comments on-line until 12 April. Sustrans and Glasgow City Council are putting a lot of effort into working with the community to improve this area so do please respond.

1.2 Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) Regional Transport Strategy – Public Survey, closes TOMORROW 20 MARCH

A touch more relaxed with this one but do complete this survey, if you want to press for more active travel and public travel provision in the SPT area.

1.3 **NEW** Survey on bike hire scheme in Motherwell, closes 31 March

Here’s the survey, if it’s not clear on the poster. It’s only short so please complete it.

1.4 Glasgow Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework, closes 05 April

This looks incredibly promising, very active travel and public realm oriented, as we told you two weeks ago in Digest 29, Item 1.5 – let’s hope it stays that way! GoBike is currently developing a response. Our current thinking is that while the document (see this link) is very long and very detailed, it has very little in it that ensures that the actions will be carried out. A massive amount of political will is required, as well as a gigantic amount of public and lobby group persuasion for it to happen.

Who wouldn’t want Anderston Station to be in a pleasant environment? Who wouldn’t want the riverside to be a pleasant place to stroll and sit in the sun, etc etc.

So it could be a good idea to complete the survey by choosing “Strongly Agree” with the proposals and “Strongly Disagree” that the content of the document can make them real. You might then use the boxes to say why you are concerned with traditional traffic modelling, how you don’t think that the use of electric vehicles will reduce city centre congestion and so on. We also advise that you use “Strongly Agree” with the ideas and use a comment box to point out how important it is to create conditions for cycling that will get people out of their cars for short trips, whether or not the ambitious ideas are successfully implemented.

Most of you who read these Digests have the cycling experience, the knowledge of political systems and local government (did I say “cynicism”?) and a sensible view of what is needed to get people out of their cars and onto their feet or their pedals to give this survey a good response! Please do so!

1.5 North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan, closes 05 April

We have mentioned this twice before, the latest in Digest 29, Item 1.6 and one of our members has now found some references to active travel in the documents! The Modified Proposed Plan is here, the Local Development Plan is here and the four references are:

1. Document p16, pdf p9 Strategic Planning Context / Low carbon infra … (list)…connected transport networks including active travel …
2. Document p31, pdf p16 PROM: promoting development locations and infra / Transport improvements / …Policies in this Plan seek to ensure that development improves access to …… and increasing active travel through the creation and improvement of walking and cycling routes
3. Document p81, pdf p41 Policy C1 Contributions [from developers] to Infra / Contributions to Infra Policy Categories and Guidance / Category C13 Transport / Full details of any transport infra will be identified by the Council … Forms of Transport infra can (sic) include road and public transport as well as active travel such as walking and cycling.
4. Doc p152, pdf p77 Glossary / (‘Active travel’ not in glossary…) … inside the definition for ‘Compact City Model’ .. development geography seeks to … encourage active travel…

So that isn’t very much and there’s nothing substantial that could be measured, so we will be writing to them over the next fortnight pointing out what we see as shortcomings. If you cycle or walk in North Lanarkshire please do respond.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow Woodside Health Centre, Traffic Regulation Order, to prevent obstructive parking, closes 08 April

Here’s the email we received from Glasgow City Council on 08 March:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (WOODSIDE HEALTH CENTRE), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and report.
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 ground for their objection in writing to Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 8^th April 2019.

Yours faithfully (etc)”

Here are the documents referred to: the press advert (which uses the term “obstructive parking” which is a new term on us), the draft report, the plan of the area affected and the very brief statement of reasons.

This is one that GoBike will be supporting as it will improve the local environment. If you live, work or travel in this area please write in and add your support.

1.7 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Council, Proposed Waiting Restrictions in Lenzie, closes 22 April

Here’s the email we received from East Dunbartonshire Council on 15 March:

“Dear Sir,
PROPOSED WAITING RESTRICTIONS IN LENZIE

The Council is promoting the undernoted Traffic Regulation Order. Attached is a copy of the draft Order together with a copy of the plan indicating the locations of the restrictions and Statement of Reasons for the proposal. Also enclosed is a copy of the Notice that is to appear in the Kirkintilloch Herald that is published on 19 March 2019. Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 22 April 2019. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Executive Officer, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ. (See attached file: 190315 Lenzie Proposed Waiting Restrictions.pdf)
Yours faithfully

Fiona Stirling
Legal Services
East Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters
Southbank Marina
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch G66 1TJ

Here’s the document referred to and this is one that GoBike will be supporting. Streets are for getting from place to place and not for the long-term storage of vehicles.

1.8 Get Glasgow Moving, online 38 degrees petition , open

We have featured this before – if you didn’t support it then please add your name now. Here are the links to Get Glasgow Moving and to the petition. It’s a no-brainer.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nothing new this time. We have the Byres Road Design Workshop coming up this Thursday, which we had told you about last time, and we will report on in the next Digest. Apart from that we live in hope of seeing confirmed plans to build useful, high-quality cycle lanes.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Heathcot Avenue Drumchapel, GCC response to our objection

In our last Digest we published our letter of opposition to the proposals to make Heathcot Avenue one-way with no exemption for bikes and we have now received this risible email by way of reply

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (HEATHCOT AVENUE),
TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
I can advise that this Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was requested by the local community and proposed as a road safety measure for current issues being experienced.
I can further advise that any vehicles parked on the grass verge opposite the flats will be subject to enforcement under the new proposed restrictions.
I understand your desire to make active travel a priority and the Council is currently investing in new cycle routes within Glasgow, however I am unable to include two-way cycling on this road due to previous concerns raised from Police Scotland in regards to other proposals.
Having considered the above, should you wish to withdraw your objection I would be pleased if you would inform me by 27^th March 2019 by writing to Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or e-mailing land@glasgow.gov.uk.
If you do not wish to withdraw your objection then there is no requirement for you to write to us again.
Your objection will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision.  Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.

Yours sincerely”

This prompts the following questions:

• Why would Transport Scotland issue a design document, “Cycling by Design” when a major clause encouraging permeability to be maintained for cycling, ie Clause 5.1.5 is of such concern to Police Scotland?
• Why would Glasgow City Council use the same document for their cycling designs if Police Scotland object?
• Why is there such a varied amount of contraflow cycling in Glasgow from the no road markings, only street signs on Dalnair Street in Yorkhill, to Gordon Street with just a change of paving to Howard Street with only paint, if Police Scotland object?
• Why do members of Police Scotland say they don’t object to contraflow cycling?
• Why has GoBike not been provided with evidence of objection to contraflow cycling by Glasgow City Council?
• Is there a consistent policy on cycling provision, including contraflow, within Glasgow City Council?

3.2 Glasgow City Centre Congestion Improvement

Here’s a better response from Glasgow City Council; it’s to our support for changes to on-street parking and other measures in the city centre, see our letter of 26 February.

We received this email on 19 March:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CITY CENTRE) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010, (VARIATION NO 26) (CONGESTION IMPROVEMENT) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Your support will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.

Yours sincerely”

Nice to be appreciated sometimes!

3.3 Glasgow Sauchiehall Street, what happens at Charing Cross?

Despite item 3.4 below and the challenge to get there after a night at the King’s Theatre, we are keen to see how the cycle lane on Sauchiehall Street is progressing. Slowly is the answer, so our eye was caught at Charing Cross by the pedestrian crossing arrangements, prompting this message from our Co-Convenor, (with thanks to Rachel for the words and Brenda for the photos) to Andy Waddell, Director of Neighbourhoods and Sustainability and his lead for the Sauchiehall Street works, Brian Hubbert:

“Dear Andy and Brian,
It has been good to see the recent progress on the cycle lane along Sauchiehall Street, however we would like to highlight some concerns we have about the pedestrian crossing at Charing Cross. Currently the cycle lane stops abruptly on each side of the pedestrian crossing, and it is unclear how you can cycle between the two parts of the cycle lane. Photo 1 shows the crossing.

The current design creates conflict between people travelling by bicycle and people travelling on foot. As it is currently designed, people travelling on foot will be waiting in, essentially, the middle of the desire line for people travelling by bicycle. We’re unclear if this is a mistake or if it was intentional. The original plans show the pedestrian crossing starting on the edge of a continuous cycle path. Here are the plans I’m referring to https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=43844&p=0, and attached as ‘sheet 4 of 4’. I’ve also attached ‘sheet 2 of 4’, and that shows another crossing for people on foot, and which again clearly shows that people on foot are encouraged to wait on the edge of the cycle lane, rather than in it (and this is the case for all the crossings on along Sauchiehall Street in the original plans). Are you planning to add cycle lights here at Charing Cross?

Photo 1b shows the space available on the pavement next to the cycle lane, which is wide enough to allow cycle lane and pedestrian crossing which doesn’t cause conflict for those travelling on foot and by bicycle.
On a side note photo 2 shows the tactile paving to mark the end of the cycle lane, and our understanding is that they have been laid the wrong way around, and thus are misleading for people who are visually impaired.

We are also interested to hear more about the side streets along Sauchiehall Street and how you are planning to ensure priority for those travelling on foot or by bicycle.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Iona on behalf of GoBike”

3.4 Glasgow Sauchiehall Street, Elmbank Street, astonishing response from GCC

Readers may remember that John and Tricia attended a meeting of Blythswood & Broomielaw Community Council to raise concern about Elmbank Street becoming one-way southbound. Bailie Philip Braat raised our concern with the Neighbourhood and Sustainability group, and here is the astonishing reply that he received:

“From: LESMLU
Date: 18 March 2019 at 13:59:04 GMT
To: “Braat, Philip (Councillor)”
Subject:NS MLU 378670 FW: Cycling in Blythswood & Broomielaw, Elmbank Street (OFFICIAL)

MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF CHRISTINE FRANCIS, TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER – NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Bailie Braat,

I acknowledge receipt of your undernoted email, dated 1^st March and following receipt of correspondence from representatives of Go-Bike in relation to the alteration to traffic flow on Elmbank Street to one way southbound (which was implemented as part of the Sauchiehall Street Avenue project).
I can confirm that Go-Bike submitted an objection to the proposal and requested that a northbound contraflow cycle lane be incorporated into the works and provided examples of locations where this measure had been implemented. Each of the specified locations were assessed with a view to including a contraflow cycle lane at this location, however it was not possible to incorporate the measure at Elmbank Street on safety grounds and a response providing an explanation of the reasoning for non-inclusion was issued to Go-Bike.
I accept that the situation on Elmbank Street is not ideal for cyclists, however facilities along the full length of Sauchiehall Street from Charing Cross to Rose Street for sustainable travel including pedestrians, cyclists and public transport have been improved through the reduction in the number of parking bays, construction of a cycle lane the full length of Sauchiehall Street from Charing Cross to Rose Street, provision of new bus infrastructure and the reduction in the number of traffic lanes. On completion of the works access to Sauchiehall Street will be possible via Holland Street and Douglas Street and also on the footways of Elmbank Street .
Prior to the works being implemented, Elmbank Street comprised 4 number lanes, two vehicle running lanes and two lanes for parking/loading and two narrow footways with no cycling infrastructure. The facilities for cyclists on Elmbank Street, on completion of the works, have neither improved nor been removed however facilities within the Charing Cross/Sauchiehall Street area in general have improved significantly which was one of the primary objectives of the works. 
I trust the above is of use however should you require to discuss the matter further please do not hesitate to contact Mr Stephen McDonagh.

Christine Francis
Technical Services Manager, Neighbourhoods & Sustainability”

How ludicrous; if it wasn’t such a knock back for active travel, it would be funny. GCC accept that Elmbank Street is not a good location for cycling, but hey, the nirvana of Sauchiehall Street is just out of reach beyond it. How do we get there? We can use the footways on Elmbank Street, even though they are narrow! So now, because of their stubbornness on this issue (our objection was submitted over 2 years ago), they advocate footway cycling! And one could go on.
We have good infrastructure in the selected parts of the city but Heathcot Avenue, Elmbank Street and many, many more locations are discarded.

Let’s hope they eventually see sense and we get some consistent, good practice in place. It might not happen in time for our next Digest on 09 April, but perhaps sometime?