Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Scottish Government, Climate Change Plan — Climate change and you consultation , closes 29 April
2. North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, online consultation, closes 30 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. No news is no news from Glasgow City Council?
2. Notes for consultations of the future

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals), Parking Controls, GoBike submission

Section 1: Current Consultations

1.1 **NEW** Scottish Government, Climate Change Plan — Climate change and you consultation , closes 29 April

Transform Scotland brought this one to our attention and we are sure many of you out there will wish to let the Scottish Government know your views on this important topic!

Here’s the information from the Transform Scotland website:

“The Scottish Parliament is scrutinising the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan. Part of the Plan is about behaviour change, and the Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform Committee is looking for ideas relating to what people would be willing to do to reduce their own emissions and what the Scottish Government should be doing to support these changes.

On the Scottish Parliament consultation website, you can submit your idea, support other ideas, and take part in the debate.”

Please do go to this website, login and approve or disapprove all the suggestions that are already there. It’s clear that the motor lobby has been out in force: one respondent even said that cycling is just for people who have all day to get somewhere!

1.2 North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, online consultation, closes 30 April

This was first covered in Digest 56, but in Digest 57, Item 1.3 we gave you the details of the online consultation that is currently open. The link to all the consultation information is here. Here’s the paper form that may be used instead of completing the survey questionnaire on line and you may see quite clearly from Question 2 that the whole thrust of the consultation exercise is towards the people who currently drive:

“2. If you were to travel in the direction of Cumbernauld or Motherwell / M74 how would you usually get there?

Use the A73 / local roads (please continue to question 3)

Use the motorway network (please go to question 5)“

The more roads there are, the more traffic there will be on them. This truth has been clear since the 1960s when the major motorway construction programme began in Britain. Once the current Covid 19 crisis is over, all steps possible should be taken to ensure that motor traffic levels do NOT return to previous levels. The current clean air and lack of pollution should teach us that, if nothing else.

If you live, work or travel within the Airdrie area, we suggest that you complete the survey questionnaire.

Here’s the GoBike letter of opposition to the proposals.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 No news is no news from Glasgow City Council?

Almost nothing has been heard from Glasgow City Council, or any other council, over the last 3-4 weeks and on Thursday last week GoBike phoned GCC, hoping to speak to one of the Section Heads who manages consultations that are issued to us. The call was transferred to a support worker, working from home, who informed us that our request for a brief update on the current state of affairs would be passed on and a return phone call made. That return call has not yet been received. However, the support worker did give the impression that consultations are on hold just now. Wonder what they are all doing?

2.2 Notes for consultations of the future

You might have been staying at home to improve your cycling skills but, if you have been getting out and about you will have noticed that the roads are quieter, but there are some speed merchants out there in their cars and vans. Unfortunately far too many people are still too worried about motor traffic and are cycling on roadside footways / pavements to get their daily exercise.

This clearly demonstrates that we need good quality cycling infrastructure, and not cycle lanes such as these, photographed recently in the east of the city:

Regular readers will be aware of GoBike’s concern about speed cushions and their widespread use in the city, pushing anyone who chooses to cycle either into the gutter our out into the traffic. Here’s a scary photo that GoBike member, Calum M, sent in of speed cushion avoidance near his home.

It is seeing this poor infrastructure that encourages GoBike to campaign and we need your help. If you are not at home competing with the hamster do please take note of the (normally) busy roads where there is inadequate, or no, cycling infrastructure, so that when the Local Authorities are back in action, we can all redouble our efforts to make Glasgow and all the surrounding areas an efficient and happy place to cycle.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals), Parking Controls, GoBike submission

This preliminary consultation, to assess residents’ views, closed yesterday, 13 April and GoBike submitted a response, using the form that was published online.

GoBike is pleased that, should the proposals be carried through, commuter car parking is to be addressed in this area, delighted that on 9 streets, which are to be made one-way to motor traffic, two-way, ie with flow and contraflow cycling will be allowed, but we do have one concern, which relates to displacement. Last year, GoBike supported parking restrictions for the Laurieston area, to the west of the Gorbals, so displaced commuters can’t move there. Unfortunately, there already appears to be some commuter parking in Glasgow Green and around the Barras, so we hope the City Council will prevent any further moves by commuters to leave their cars all day north of the Clyde.

There will be 2 further stages in this consultation:

1. The Stage One, limited and not for public release, consultation, in which GoBike is now included.
2. The Stage Two Public Consultation when any necessary Traffic Management/Regulation Orders are published in the press and which we will bring you through these Digests.

Hopefully, we will have a wee bit of news for you in a fortnight but, whatever happens with consultations, do try to stay safe.

So that is the good news from Glasgow City Council and the bad news is contained within Item 3.1, a Parking and One-Way Street issue, but do read on for our list of contents and the wide range of issues that we bring to you in this issue:

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes TODAY, 12 November
2. Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November
3. Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order 2005 Variation No.2) 20__ – Publication of Proposals, closes 29 November
4. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December
5. **NEW** East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan 2, closes 13 December
6. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order and road humps – Maxwell Avenue Area, Bearsden, closes 16 December
7. Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, TOMORROW 13 November
2. East Dunbartonshire Active Transport Networking Event, 26 November
3. CyclingUK: “Why the Highway Code should be rewritten ” Forthcoming consultation from the UK Government

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Mount Florida, Parking and One-Way, with no contraflow, discussion
2. Glasgow, Council Hearing for GoBike member, Bob Downie’s petition to keep National Cycle Route 75 through Glasgow Green open during events
3. Glasgow, City Centre, Candleriggs, Traffic Management Order, 2010, Variation 20

Section 1: Current Consultations

1.1 East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes TODAY, 12 November

This consultation was previously noted in Digest 45, Item 1.7 and Digest 46, Item 1.6. We hope that some of you managed to get along to one of the consultation events that have been held and have responded to the consultation? Here’s the GoBike response drawn up with grateful thanks to GoBike member Dave for his review.

1.2 Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November

Details of this consultation were in our last issue, Digest 46, Item 1.7 and our response was in that issue too – we were quick off the mark!
Please do write in if you have views on this proposal, particularly if you support it! It’s important that support for active travel schemes is voiced, to try to drown out the I-need-my-car-to-go-anywhere lobby. It will only take a minute or two to email land@glasgow.gov.uk to say that you fully support the GoBike response.

1.3 Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order 2005 Variation No.2) 20__ – Publication of Proposals, closes 29 November

If you are thinking that you have seen this in our Digests before, then you are absolutely correct. We were sent details under the Stage One Consultees List and inadvertently, because we had not been told of our new status, we published the consultation details as usual.

Here’s the email that the City Council sent to us on 01 November:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BELMONT), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2005 (VARIATION NO.2) 20__

Further to my consultation email of 17^TH September 2019 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 map, statement of reasons, detailed 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 grounds for objection in writing to Kevin Hamilton Head of Roads Neighbourhoods and Sustainability or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 29^th November 2019.

Yours faithfully,” etc

Here are the documents listed in the above message: Press Notice, Plan, Statement of Reasons and the Report.

GoBike supported the proposals when we were told about them earlier and we submitted this letter on 15 October. Obstructive and indiscriminate parking of motor vehicles is not something that GoBike can support and we will be repeating our message of support for this TRO.

1.4 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December

All the details for this proposal were in Digest 46, Item 1.8 and we have heard from one of our members, John, who commutes through this area. He tells us “I use this route when I cycle to work. It is more pleasant than the main road, if slower.” Another GoBike member, Dave, declines to use it because it is slower, so doesn’t this just prove the case for good cycle infrastructure?

Here’s our letter of response.

1.5 **NEW** East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan 2, closes 13 December

We heard about this from GoBike member, Meredith and we are still doing some investigation, so if you have any concerns do let us know at consultations@gobike.org Here’s the link to the document and consultation details

1.6 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order and road humps – Maxwell Avenue Area, Bearsden, closes 16 December

Here’s the email that we received on 08 November from East Dunbartonshire and, again, you might think you have seen this before! We responded to what was apparently the Stage 1 consultation back in January as reported in Digest 27, Item 3.4

“The Council is promoting a Traffic Regulation Order which would introduce a 20 mph speed limit zone in the Maxwell Avenue area of Bearsden and five round top road humps on Maxwell Avenue.
Enclosed are copies of the draft Order, plan and Statement of Reasons for the Traffic Order and the Plan of the location of the humps, together with copies of the Notices that are to appear in the Milngavie & Bearsden Herald which is published on 15 November 2019.
Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 16 December 2019. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ.

(See attached file: 191104 Maxwell Ave Area proposed 20 mph zone.pdf)
(See attached file: 191107 Maxwell Avenue – Notice & Plan.pdf) “

It’s unfortunate that we weren’t clearly informed of this distinction, but we did generally approve the proposals, with one concern, we would prefer to see more than a 750mm gap either end of the the speed tables to allow clear passage for all cycles. While we don’t like speed tables we will not be objecting to this scheme.

1.7 Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Details of this UK Government consultation were published in Digest 46, Item 1.9 and repeated here is the last part of the email we received:

“We invite you to respond to the paper by 16 January 2020. We have set up an online portal for submitting responses but welcome input in any format. If you have ideas for consultation events or would like a meeting please get in touch.

The consultation paper, summary and details for how to respond are available on our project page at https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/automated-vehicles/ 

Yours sincerely,

Automated Vehicles Team – Law Commissions“

GoBike will be reviewing the document but if you do have any views on these automated vehicles do please let us know at consultations@gobike.org

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, TOMORROW 13 November

This meeting was publicised in our last Digest, Digest 46, Item 2.2 and here is a further copy of the email that was sent out:

“From: Internal Communications <communications@glasgow.ac.uk>
Date: 22 October 2019 at 12:50:48 BST
To: Internal Communications <communications@glasgow.ac.uk>
Subject:University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting

The University of Glasgow will hold a public meeting on Wednesday 13 November to update about progress on its Campus Development Programme.

The event will be held in the Wolfson Medical Building (Gannochy Room), from 18:30 – 20:00. You can register to attend through Eventbrite.

The meeting is open to the public and will focus on the ongoing and upcoming work taking place on the Gilmorehill campus, particularly on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

The agenda includes presentations from University project managers, as well as construction partners.

We intend to update on the following areas, however there will also be the opportunity for questions.

1. Infrastructure on University Avenue, University Place, and future demolitions along Church Street;
2. Construction update for the James McCune Smith Learning Hub and the Research Hub;
3. Overview of planning and final design for the Clarice Pears Building (Institute of Health & Wellbeing);
4. Planning and anticipated programme for the Adam Smith Business School and landscaping for the Southern Gateway;
5. A look inside the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Research Hub, including community facilities;
6. Community benefits;
7. Q&A.

Due to a busy agenda, please note the event will start at 18:30 prompt. Refreshments are available in the Atrium of the Wolfson Medical School Building from 18:00.

Tickets are not required, however attendees are encouraged to register, so that we have an indication of numbers. 

For those who have attended these meeting before, the Gannochy Room is next to the lecture theatre where the sessions are usually held.

Please direct queries to campus-development@glasgow.ac.uk“

Do get to the meeting if you have an interest in what’s happening at the University.

2.2 East Dunbartonshire Active Transport Networking Event, 26 November

GoBike received this invitation from CyclingUK on 31 October:

“Cycling UK would like to invite you to their Community Cycling and Active Transport Networking Event

It would be great if you could join us from 4pm – 6pm on Tuesday 26^th November at Hillhead Community Centre
169 Meiklehill Road, Kirkintilloch, G66 2JT

You can register for this FREE event at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cycling-uk-community-networking-event-2019-east-dunbartonshire-tickets-79515467905

This event is for anyone with an interest in walking and cycling in East Dunbartonshire.  We hope to bring together representatives from East Dunbartonshire Council, Cycling UK,  local grassroots cycling groups, community cycling organisations, organisations that hosted Big Bike Revival events and Cycling UK affiliated and Member groups.  Our aim is to discuss cycling and walking provision in the area and look at improving infrastructure and opportunities.  

Attendees can expect:

– A warm welcome with refreshments.
– Introduction from Cycling UK
– Speakers from East Dunbartonshire Council and local cycling organisations
– Potential new local cycling opportunities
– Interactive sessions to share knowledge and ideas
– Opportunities to network and get involved

Please share with your friends and networks, as well as any walking and/or paths groups who might be interested in shared initiatives. 

I look forward to seeing you there!

If you are unable to make it to the event but would like to take part in future events and discussions then please feel free to drop me a line
Many thanks and best regards

Eileen

Eileen Hamill
Development Officer – Big Bike Revival Glasgow and West of Scotland
Cycling UK
Email:eileen.hamill@cyclinguk.org
Web: www.cyclinguk.org“

This is a great opportunity for GoBike members to find out what is happening in East Dunbartonshire, so do get along if you can.

2.3 CyclingUK: “Why the Highway Code should be rewritten ” Forthcoming consultation from the UK Government

All those of us who are Cycling UK members probably received the weekly “Cycle Clips” email on Friday 08 November and within it is this article about a forthcoming review of the HIghway Code:

“Many people have the view that the Highway Code is largely irrelevant and with 307 rules plus annexes, it’s just too long, nobody reads it once they’ve passed their test and few people know the rules. Cycling UK Head of Campaigns Duncan Dollimore explains why the Highway Code needs to be rewritten so that it helps to protect vulnerable road users and can promote active travel.

It is to be hoped that this review takes place soon and is well informed by the active travel movement.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Mount Florida, Parking and One-Way, with no contraflow, discussion

This conversation, by email, with Glasgow City Council, has been going on for some time and centres on 2 issues. One is the FACT that one-way streets with no cycle contraflow cut down access/permeability for cycle traffic, and secondly, the FALLACY that businesses need their customers to be able to park their motor vehicle right outside their premises. The initial details were in Digest 39, Item 1.4 and in Digest 44, Item 3.1 we published an exchange of views between the City Council and ourselves.

Here’s the latest in the discussion, an email that we received on 30 October and our reply of 11 November. We do hope that after this quite frank exchange of views we will be able to speak to people at the City Council and come to some agreement on future proposals.

3.2 Glasgow, Council Hearing for GoBike member, Bob Downie’s petition to keep National Cycle Route 75 through Glasgow Green open during events

105 people supported Bob Downie’s petition (click on “Search and view all petitions”) to keep the cycle route by the Clyde through Glasgow Green open during events and it is now to be considered by the Wellbeing, Empowerment, Community and Citizen Engagement City Policy Committee on Thursday 14 November. This is good news indeed, and Tricia from GoBike and Jim from Cycling UK will be going along to support Bob to keep this important cycle route open as much as possible.

The photo above was taken on 04 November, the day before the 05 November Fireworks and shows that not only can the cycle and walking route be kept open while that event was prepared, but can be open while the Fair was in action, and the benches can be kept in use.

Let’s hope we get a good result on Thursday – we’ll let you know.

3.3 Glasgow, City Centre, Candleriggs, Traffic Management Order, 2010, Variation 20

Back in 2017 Glasgow City Coucil published proposals for traffic alterations for Candleriggs in the Merchant City. Here’s a copy of the Report that we were sent at the time:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (CITY CENTRE), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010
(VARIATION No20) (CANDLERIGGS) ORDER 201_
Report
The Council proposes to amend the current road layout on Candleriggs to support the development of the site bounded by Candleriggs, Trongate, Hutcheson Street and Wilson Street in the Merchant City area of the city centre.
The site of the former Goldbergs site has been unoccupied since 1990 and several buildings have been demolished as they had become unsafe.
The development of the site was approved for planning in April 2016, and will provide retail, student, lease, residential and hotel accommodation along with new attractive pedestrian access routes through the development linking the city centre.
The order will close Candleriggs to all traffic other than pedal cycles between Wilson Street and Bell Street, reverse the current eastbound one way operation of Bell Street between Albion Street and Candleriggs and remove the current prohibition of vehicles between 11pm and 9am on Candleriggs. This will provide access to the development from Albion Street while restricting through traffic and encourage sustainable transport in the city centre.”

Here’s the plan that was submitted at the time.

GoBike submitted this letter of support on 11 November 2017, to the proposals, drafted by GoBike member Peter, who lives nearby and who is a member of the Merchant City & Trongate Community Council.
We have no record of a response to our specific requests, but on 07 November 2019 we received this confirmation that the proposed changes are approved:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF CHRISTINE FRANCIS, HEAD OF TECHNICAL SERVICES, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Sir/Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, CITY CENTRE (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010, (VARIATION No20)(CANDLERIGGS) ORDER 2019

I refer to your support of the above named Traffic Regulation Order and can advise that your support was reported and considered. The Council have decided under its scheme of delegated functions to proceed with the proposal as advertised.

The Order was made on 25^th October 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on Wednesday 30^th October stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely“, etc

A move in the right direction!

Back in 2 weeks with more!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow (Belmont) (Traffic Management) Order 2005 (Variation No 2) Order 201_- Consultation, Parking, closes TODAY, 15 October
2. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, parking/loading restrictions, closes 21 October
3. Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October
4. **NEW – ish** Keep National Cycle Route 75 Open During Public Events in Glasgow Green petition, closes 28 October
5. **NEW** Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes 30 October
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking Restrictions, closes 01 November
7. East Dunbartonshire Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, Byres Road: delay in issuing TROs
2. Active Travel Event for Everyone event in Edinburgh, 19 October

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No. 53
2. Glasgow, Glencairn Drive Traffic Calming – and we learn about Speed Cameras

Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow (Belmont) (Traffic Management) Order 2005 (Variation No 2) Order 201_- Consultation, Parking, closes TODAY, 15 October

This consultation featured in our last Digest, Issue 44, Item 1.6 and is proposed in order to prohibit unsafe and obstructive parking in this residential area. We missed the absence of the formal TRO when we first published the information received; this appears to be a recent change of policy with GCC, ie to gauge opinion before going to the expense and formality of a Traffic Regulation Order. Here’s the GoBike letter of support. If you wish to join us in our view please get your comments in quick – consultation closes today.

1.2 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, parking/loading restrictions, closes 21 October

More parking restrictions, here in the leafy suburbs of Bearsden, all around the car salesroom and near the access to residential areas and the golf club. All the details were in Digest 43, Item 1.7 and here’s the GoBike letter of support for the proposal.

1.3 Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October

This is now the sixth appearance of this consultation in our Digests and our response will be submitted before the deadline. Responses will help set government strategy for the next 20 years so it’s important that views of the active travel community are heard.
Here’s the link to the government website and consultation details.

Our in-house expert on these long (and winding) documents will be attending the Active Travel Event for Everyone event in Edinburgh on 19 October (see Item 2.2 below) where some discussion on the Strategy is promised, before completing the GoBike response. However, we do understand that it’s a woolly document with few, if any, specific objectives.
Our friends in Cycling UK Scotland (and many of us are CUK members) have analysed the document and have issued a guide for completing the on-line questions, which is very handy. Here’s the link to the page on their website, scroll down to see the link to the suggested responses – and then make them your own; it’s easy to improve when you have a basic guide!
Not only that but Cycling UK Scotland have sent this message to their members, which gives you the option of a very short, barely 2-minute email submission – and you can adapt it to suit:

“Thank you for reaching out to your MSPs to fix the law on parking in a cycle lane. We are hugely disappointed that MSPs squandered the opportunity and voted against the law change, despite more than 6,000 emails being sent by supporters like you.

We will continue to push for this law change and for safer cycling on our roads. We really value your support and willingness to take action. That’s why we want to highlight another opportunity, this time to put cycling at the heart of Scottish transport.

The Scottish Government wants to hear your ideas for its new National Transport Strategy. This Strategy will set the agenda for Scottish transport for the next 20 years, so it’s critical that as many of us as possible have our say before the 23 October deadline.

To help you have your say in the consultation process we have designed a simple online form which will create a personalised and unique response which you can edit. The more detailed and personal your response is, the more effective it will be. 

Help us seize this opportunity to get cycling up the agenda in Scotland. Have your say before the deadline of 23 October.“

Do please fill in this short response form.

1.4 **NEW – ish** Keep National Cycle Route 75 Open During Public Events in Glasgow Green petition, closes 28 October

Covered in our post of 27 September, but new to the Digest, is this latest petition from GoBike and Cycling UK member, Bob Downie,
The National Cycle Route 75 through Glasgow Green is one of the busiest in the city, used by commuters, shoppers, tourists and learners – and also William, from the Glasgow Humane Society, last seen with a life belt on each handlebar of this bike, as he cycled along by the river to put them back in place.

If you haven’t already, do please sign this petition to keep this important route open at all times possible.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes 30 October

GoBike member, Rachel, alerted us to this on-line opinion poll/conversation concerning George Square.

“Between the 4th and 30th of October a citywide conversation will raise the question: George Square, is it time for change?

While George Square is a familiar landmark, the way it’s used has been shaped by generations of Glaswegians. Now it’s our turn! Let’s find out what place George Square has in Glasgow today and how it should be used in the future.

We’ll never know unless we talk honestly about how we think and feel, and also listen to what our fellow Glaswegians have to say.So let’s start talking! Here’s how to join the conversation:

• share how you feel about George Square today
• see how people think it could be used in future (and suggest your own)
• book a place on a workshop to have a deeper conversation
• apply to join the Co-Creation Forum that tests ways the results could be implemented

You can also join us on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram“

There are lots of environmentally friendly, active-travel friendly suggestions already – do support or add your own view.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking Restrictions, closes 01 November

In a new departure, noted in Item 1.1 above, by Glasgow City Council we have been sent a plan only of streets to the west of Dalmarnock Station where it is hoped to ban all-day parking. Depending on the response a Traffic Regulation Order will be issued to prevent the “pretty chaotic” (to quote a City Council employee) on-street parking
Here’s the email we received from Glasgow City Council on 04 October:

“Date: 04 October 2019 at 15:55
Subject: FW: The Glasgow City Council (Dalmarnock-West) (Traffic Regulation) Order 201_ – Consultation

MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Sir / Madam
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL , DALMARNOCK WEST) (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order and I wish to establish the preliminary views of your organisation prior to the publication of these proposals.

Background to the proposed Order
These proposals will prevent all day commuter parking and improve road safety and pedestrian safety by prohibiting unsafe and obstructive parking practices.

Area affected by the proposed Order
The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-

Bonnar Street, Carstairs Street, Colvend Street, Dora Street, French Street, Martin Street, Norman Street, Reid Street, Rockcliffe Street, Solway Street, Strathclyde Street, Swanston Street, Webster Street, Unnamed Access Road.

Details of the proposed Order
The proposed Order (as depicted on the attached plans) will comprise of:-

·        No waiting at any time.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 28 days (reply by 1^st November 2019).
In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, do not hesitate to contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike)
Should the Council proceed with these proposals; a copy of the Notice of the proposed Order will be forwarded to you intimating an opportunity to lodge any objections to the proposals.
Yours faithfully” etc

Here’s the plan of the area proposed for this ban and you will notice that it extends from the station south to the river and along to the relatively new Police Scotland offices. Concerns have been expressed in the past about employees here parking on the cycle lane just across the river on Shawfield Road, so while GoBike will be supporting this restriction, we will express concerns about the possible knock-on effect for Shawfield Road.

Here’s the GoBike letter of support, including a couple of concerns about parking on Shawfield/Glasgow Road and about the lack of a ramped access, rather than steps, from the Police Scotland premises to NCN 75. Below is a screenshot, which demonstrates the concern for Shawfield Road.

Do please write in to support these proposals if you live, work or cycle in this area.

1.7 East Dunbartonshire Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November

Here’s the email we received from Chris McGough, Land Planning Policy Officer, Transport, for East Dunbartonshire Council on 26 September?

“The Council has continued work to produce a new Local Transport Strategy and has produced a Draft which is now open for consultation until 12 November 2019. The Draft Strategy, background report, corresponding Environmental Report and online survey is available at the following web page: https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/draft-local-transport-strategy Any comments GoBike has at this stage would be welcome and would assist the Council in producing a final Strategy for publication and implementation. Please let me know if you have any queries.“

Drop-in sessions are being held and unfortunately we have missed the first 2, but 3 more are to be held and you might wish to attend one of these:

• Glazert Country House Hotel, Lennoxtown – Tuesday 22 October – 3pm-7pm
• Fraser Centre, Milngavie – Thursday 24 October – 3pm-7pm
• Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Wednesday 30 October – 3pm-7pm.

If you have any views on this document do please let us know at consultations@gobike.org and we will include them in our response.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Byres Road: delay in issuing TROs

Back at the end of August, and as we told you in Digest 42, Item 2.2, we were led to expect the issue of 3 Traffic Regulation Orders for Byres Road during September. The one we are particularly interested in is the second:

” Byres Road- Traffic Management and Parking Controls
This order will facilitate the proposed public realm improvements in Byres Road, including footway widening and new cycle lanes. The Order will propose a reduction in on-street car parking bays, the introduction of protected cycle lanes, additional disabled parking, the removal of the left-turn filter lane at the junction of Byres Road and Great Western Road and the introduction of a one-way arrangement on Byres Road and Church Street south of the Church Street junction.  The location of bus stops, loading bays and taxi ranks will be largely unchanged by the Order, although a new daytime taxi rank is proposed at Church Street to complement the University redevelopment works.“

Nothing was heard, so despite no news being good news, we contacted the City Council at the beginning of this month to find out that things are slightly behind programme due to internal issues but “The initial TRO consultation process will start next week with limited circulation to a number of consultees (Emergency Services, SPT etc.)  The public consultation is now likely to start in November and wind up just before Christmas.”
As soon as we hear we will let you know and we’ll be on the case.

2.2 Active Travel Event for Everyone event in Edinburgh, 19 October

Don’t forget this event that takes place on Saturday. Here’s the link to the eventbrite booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-travel-for-everyone-tickets-73548851595?aff=ebdssbeac
It’s a free event, looking at issues that divide and unite the active travel community. Do go if you can.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No. 53

Here’s the latest update, September 2019, from East Dunbartonshire, that we received just after the last newsletter was issued on 24 September.

3.2 Glasgow, Glencairn Drive Traffic Calming – and we learn about Speed Cameras

In Digest 43, Item 1.2, we gave all the details for the proposals for speed reduction on Glencairn Drive, near Maxwell Park and we submitted this letter of objection – not to the intention to reduce speed but the manner in which it was proposed to be done.

On 10 October this reply came in:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL BRADY, GROUP MANAGER – TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Ms Fort
Thank you for your response to the Traffic Calming proposals on Glencairn Drive.

I can advise that the smallest proposed gap between the kerbline and adjacent cushion is 0.8m, not 0.55m as stated. As well as this, the gap between the middle cushions is 1 metre, which should provide more than enough space for cyclists to pass whilst keeping them in the middle of their respective lane, without having to gravitate to the middle of the carriageway in order to travel to pass the middle cushions.

Regarding your request for the installation of chicanes, planters and cycle bypasses, I can advise that this location did not meet the usual criteria used for traffic calming.  However we were aware of speeding concerns at this location and used additional funding for this project to reduce vehicle speeds and make the street safer for all road users.  As such, there is a limited budget for this scheme, which is taken into account together with other factors when designing the layout.

I can also advise that the introduction of speed cameras lies outwith the remit of Glasgow City Council and that the responsibility for the installation of speed cameras lies with Safety Cameras Scotland, therefore any request for a speed camera to be installed at a location should be made to them directly at http://www.safetycameras.gov.scot/contact/.

I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information please contact (name and phone number removed by GoBike).“

There are 4 factors of interest in this reply:

1. The selective response to the points raised in the GoBike letter, with some completely ignored.
2. The correctness, or otherwise, of one of the drawings issued with the TRO, see screenshot below of a section of one drawing.
3. The curious budgetting procedures of GCC.
4. The fascinating website for Safety Cameras Scotland, http://www.safetycameras.gov.scot/ which details terrifying reports of drivers doing almost double the speed limit but then goes on to give advice to these poor drivers, with little relative thought to the victims of any incident or the crime committed. That said perhaps GoBike should run a campaign to get more speed cameras installed? Do let us know what you think – email consultations@gobike.org

A reply was sent on 11 October, attaching both the screenshot view at the top of this item and a copy of the GCC drawing from which the drawing immediately above is taken.

“Dear Mr Brady,
Thank you for replying to our letter of 17 September and your response to some of the points made therein. For your reference I attach one of the drawings issued as part of this TRO, which clearly shows a gap of 0.55m between cushion and kerb. The GoBike response was based on this drawing. Will you please issue the correct version of the drawing?
I also attach a screenshot showing a view of the road that shows the setts in the gutter, which do not form an acceptable cycling surface. However, I note your comment about the space between the middle cushions and we have to hope that people will be confident enough to use this gap when they are cycling on this road.

It is unfortunate, in our view, that the City Council does not take a more global view when there are concerns expressed about speeding. Rather than maintain this wide road, and others, as one primarily for motor vehicles we would prefer a move towards streets for people. It is also a curious policy that you continue to spend public money to restrain motor drivers who choose to break speed limits, rather than requesting that speed cameras be installed. Thank you, though for the clarification on speed cameras and the link to the relevant website.
We maintain our support for the reduction of dangerous speeds but object to the proposed method of achieving your aims at this location.

Tricia Fort for Consultations, GoBike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, www.gobike.org“

That’s it for now, but do respond to as many of the requests for support as you can. Your next Digest is scheduled for 29 October.

“National Cycle Route 75 (NCR75) where it passes by Glasgow Green is both the busiest and arguably the most pleasant off-road cycle route in Glasgow. However, due to the staging of large events in The Green it can be shut for days on end with poor or negligible diversion signage causing great inconvenience to cyclists.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can have events in the Green without closure of NCR75
If you are a Glasgow resident, please sign this petition to end closure.”

Here’s the link to the petition: https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicPetitions&noip=1&PageType=item&DMartId=58

Let’s do all we can to keep this busy commuting (and leisure) route open.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. ** NEW** City of Edinburgh Council– Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, closes 28 June
2. **NEW** Glasgow, Broomfield Road Traffic Calming, closes 05 July
3. **NEW** Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue Traffic Calming, closes 05 July
4. Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July
5. Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July
6. **NEW** Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order , closes 02 August
7. **NEW** Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

Section 2: Forthcoming Consuitations

None that we have heard about.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, traffic calming: GoBike response and eye-watering view from the City Council
2. Glasgow, Denmark Street, no waiting and loading: GoBike response
3. Glasgow, University Avenue, Traffic Regulation and Parking controls: holding response
4. East Dunbartonshire: Traffic Regulation Orders – (i) Car Park Charging in Bishopbriggs & Bearsden; and (ii) Westerhill Rd, Bishopbriggs Waiting & Loading Restrictions
5. Glasgow, Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West: implementation of 20mph

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** City of Edinburgh Council– Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, closes this Friday, 28 June

Do you live, work or study in Edinburgh or do you visit there regularly? If so please do respond to this on-line survey. You will be asked for your postcode but do explain your reasons for visiting the city and responding to the survey – and respond by Friday, please.

We heard about this easy-to-do on-line consultation from both Transform Scotland and CyclingUK Scotland.
Here are the words from The City of Edinburgh Council’s website:

“Our vision for Edinburgh’s city centre is ambitious and firmly grounded in the aspirations of the people of Edinburgh. The proposals build on the ‘Connecting our City, Transforming our Places’ consultation and ongoing discussions with residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders, which called for significant change to the way the city centre operates, placing outcomes for people at the heart of future change.
The proposals are designed to prompt debate. Your feedback will help shape the final version of the Strategy and guide future project development, which would include detailed design and further consultation”.

The deadline for the consultation is Friday 28 June. To respond visit the City of Edinburgh Council consultation hub.

1.2 **NEW** Glasgow, Broomfield Road Traffic Calming, closes 05 July

Here’s a nice, stratight road and just look where it is – in the north-east of the city, where we recently responded to consultation on North-East Travel Routes from Balornock into the city centre via Springburn and Sighthill:

It’s near schools, 2 parks, churches, a bowling club, a job centre and even a shopping centre – all the sort of short journeys we are told, time and time again, that are suitable for walking and cycling. What does the City Council wish to do? Provide cycle lanes to link to the others proposed for this area and encourage people to cycle? No, they propose to put speed cushions down to slow the cars. A good move but so much more could be done. With cycle lanes next to the footways and a minimum of on-road parking allowed, the road would automatically be narrowed, vehicles would thus reduce their speed and this area could become really pleasant.

Here’s the email we received from the City Council on 14 June:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Broomfield Road), Traffic Calming Scheme 20__
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Calming Scheme and I wish to establish the views of your organisation.

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

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme.
The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-
Broomfield Road

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

• 5 sets of 3x 1.8m x 1.8m, 75mm high speed cushions.
• 1 set of 4 x 1.9m x 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days.
In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, do not hesitate to contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike)

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

Here are the documents referred to above: Spec and Plan

There is only 1m allowed each side of the cushions at the kerb side, not much room for bikes, particularly cargo bikes or bikes with trailers so GoBike will be approving the wish to slow down motor traffic but objecting to the proposed method of doing so. Active travel should be the first consideration in such locations.

1.3 **NEW** Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue Traffic Calming, closes 05 July

More speed cushions are proposed for this location in the west of Glasgow, to reduce speeds near a primary school. Like Broomfield Road, this is not one of the more prosperous parts of the city, but there are amenities, again, within easy walking and cycling distance. Why isn’t active travel to the school being encouraged? Why aren’t roads near the school being closed to motor traffic at the start and end of the school day, as they are at Hillhead and Broomhill in the West End and at others in the city?

The road is perhaps not as wide as Broomfield Road, but with some thought cycle lanes could be accommodated, as well as some on-road, rather than on-footway parking, and the narrowing this would bring would slow motor traffic down. Here’s the email we received from the City Council on 14 June:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Ladyloan Avenue), Traffic Calming Scheme 20__

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

Background to the proposed Scheme
The scheme is aimed at improving road safety by reducing vehicle speeds around the area of St Clare’s Primary School.

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme
The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-
Ladyloan Avenue

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-
• 4 sets of 1.9m x 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days.

In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, do not hesitate to contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike).
Should the Council proceed with these proposals; I will write to you again and confirm this.
Yours faithfully” etc

The associated documents are: Plan and Spec

The gap proposed between the cushions and the kerb is, as per the previous item, down at 1m, rather than the 1.2m, used as standard by other sections of Glasgow City Council, that does give bikes a modest bit of space at the edge of a road.
GoBike will be writing in to request a more active-travel friendly solution.

1.4 Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July

We published all the information about these exciting proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the east side of Garscube Road in Digest 36, Item 1.4 and our response, generally supportive, will be in our next Digest, due out on 09 July – just in time for you to add your voice to the City Council.

1.5 Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

All the details of this interesting consultation were in Digest 36, Item 1.5. We have had a few comments back but we will be getting our response back in, in good time.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order , closes 02 August

Yet another section of the patchwork 20mph blanket that is slowly covering the city. What a shame the Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland) Bill was voted down earlier this month. Mark Ruskell, the Green MSP who launched it, battles on, but we are left with this piecemeal approach, unless Glasgow City Council takes some decisive action.
This proposal covers the area straddling Great Western Road bordered by Queen Margaret Drive in the west and, moving clockwise, Maryhill Road, St George’s Road, Woodlands Road and the River Kelvin.
Here’s the email that arrived from Glasgow City Council on 20 June:

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

Dear Sir or Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands), (Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the notice of the proposed Order, relevant maps, statement of reasons and detailed 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 objection in writing to to Group Manager, Sustainable Transport, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday, 2 August 2019.

Yours faithfully”
etc

The documents referred to are: the Advert, Plan, Report and Statement of Reasons.

GoBike will be supporting this but adding our usual comment that, if this is the safe way to go, why isn’t 20mph being introduced across the city?

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

We had heard that this was on its way, as we noted last time, and now we have received this email, dated 19 June:

“Hi all,
Thank you for your responses during the Broomielaw DRF consultation.  
Public consultation is now underway for the St Enoch DRF and we would like your input.
Please find attached  links to St Enoch DRF public consultation: https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicDMartCurrent&NoIP=1
https://glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=45486&p=0

Best regards,
John.
John McCullagh
Project Assistant, City Centre Regeneration, Development & Regeneration Services”

According to the Framework document the area covered is:

“The Framework encompasses north and south banks of the River Clyde, which runs east to west through the heart of the study area, from Glasgow Green to Glasgow Central Station. The Framework area includes parts of the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods beyond what would be commonly referred to as St Enoch. On the north bank the Framework area includes part of the Merchant City, Custom House Quay, St Andrews in the Square, part of Glasgow Green. On the south bank, Carlton Place and the Gorbals (the northern fringe of Laurieston and the northwest corner of Hutchesontown). The northern Framework boundary runs parallel with the River Clyde and is defined by London Road to Glasgow Cross, along Argyle Street, to the western edge of Glasgow Central. The western boundary is defined by Oswald Street north of the Clyde, across the River Clyde via the King George V bridge to Commerce Street between the River Clyde and Nelson Street. The southern boundary is defined from Commerce Street by Norfolk St. and Ballater St. which run through areas of significant regeneration, the Gorbals; Laurieston and Hutchesontown, past the Gorbals Health Centre to the Waddell Court residential tower blocks. The eastern boundary is defined from Ballater St. through the Adelphi Court, across the River Clyde to Glasgow Green along the path, east of the boathouse, to Charlotte St where it meets London Road. “

There’s lots of promising stuff in there that needs some perusal, but we are on the case and hope to have a response ready to go in August.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, traffic calming: GoBike response and eye-watering view from the City Council

Details of this proposal for speed cushions along Sunnybank Street to slow traffic down near the new school (being built behind the hoarding on the photo above) were contained in Digest 36, Item 1.3. We wrote in to Glasgow City Council to ask about the status of the bus/taxi/cycle gate at the north end of Sunnybank Street on 13 June but no response had been received by 20 June when this letter of objection to the proposals was submitted. It’s a nonsense to have a new school, in what was an athletes’ village, with no cycle access for the school pupils, their parents and teachers.
Then, on 23 June, an email, dated 21 June, landed in the Consultations in-box and it is staggering! This “gate” has apparently been painted on the road for at least 5 years but is inoperative! Read on for the full text of the GCC response (operative clause put in bold by GoBike) and the GoBike request for clarity:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL BRADY, GROUP MANAGER – TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort
Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the proposed traffic calming for Sunnybank Street and your enquiry concerning the status of the bus gate at Springfield Road.

I can confirm that a Traffic Regulation Order was not promoted for the bus gate and as such it cannot be enforced. As part of the works for implementing the proposed traffic calming for Sunnybank Street, the existing bus gate signage and associated markings will be removed and replaced with new traffic calming ahead signage.

I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should  you require any further information please contact (name and phone number removed by GoBike)

Michael Brady, Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability
(MAIL ID: 385597)“

“——– Forwarded Message ——–

Xxxxxx, hello,
I phoned a few minutes ago and your colleague was good enough to answer your phone. I told him I would email – here it is.

We have received the information below and GoBike will be submitting a response, but before I do perhaps you can clarify the status of the bus/taxi/cycle only section of Sunnybank Street? This runs, as no doubt you are aware, between Springfield Road and Garvald Street, ie right outside the new school that is currently being built.

One of our members forwarded the screenshot, attached, of the entrance to Sunnybank Street to me and I went out there yesterday afternoon to have a look at the site. I took the attached photo of the south end of this bus/taxi/cycle only section, having followed a supermarket delivery van into this very same section! I was then quite astounded to see other vehicles drive through; at one point there were 4 vehicles, that were neither buses nor taxis, in that short section. Perhaps not surprisingly, one driver, who noticed that I was taking photos, doubled back to tell me that “This hasn’t been a bus lane since 2014”.

If that is the case, it seems strange that about 50% of the vehicles I saw in the 10 minutes or so that I was there, chose to turn left from the southern part of Sunnybank Street into Garvald Street.

Could you please confirm:

1. Is the northern part of Sunnybank Street still restricted to buses, taxis and cycles?
2. If yes, why do a significant number of vehicles ignore the very clear signage (even with the damage to the signage pole shown on the photo)?
3. If yes, why have the drivers of these vehicles not been prosecuted?
4. If yes, why is there no camera at the site?
5. If no, why are the road markings and traffic signs still in place?
6. If no, when was this declassification change made?

I would be grateful for a prompt response so that I may reply to the consultation before the closing date.

Thank you,
Tricia Fort
for Consultations, GoBike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, www.gobike.org“

Thus it took them over a week to reply, but how could anyone with “SAFETY” in their job title allow such a thing to happen, and for so long?
We wonder why there is so much speeding, so much driving into advance cycle boxes, yellow hatched junction boxes, cycle lanes etc etc. Does anyone care except for us?

3.2 Glasgow, Denmark Street, no waiting and loading: GoBike response

The proposal to ban loading and waiting at any time on Denmark Street in Possil was published in Digest 36, Item 1.2. We were told that indiscriminate and obstructive parking was blocking access for lorries to commercial premises and blocking footways, thus inconveniencing pedestrians.
Almost out of time, on the evening of the closing date, 18 June, this email was submitted as the GoBike response:

“Hello,
Many thanks for the opportunity to comment on the proposals below. GoBike is ambivalent about this proposal but we do have the following questions:

1. Have the resources been identified to ensure that the restrictions are complied with? So often we respond to similar consultations and the standard response is that it is the responsibility of Police Scotland, or perhaps in this case, traffic/parking wardens to ensure compliance. Yet we are not aware of any increase in the budget of these bodies to ensure compliance and all around the city we see evidence of non-compliance with parking regulations, speed limits etc.
2. Why hasn’t a more imaginative scheme been developed? This is an area of lower than average car ownership in a city with relatively low car ownership, yet we see no evidence that active travel is being encouraged. Denmark Street is wide, there are amenities along it such as a community centre, yet there is no safe cycle route. The construction of cycle lanes would reduce the space available for the storage of motor vehicles and encourage the local populace to improve their health by becoming more active. The City Council should exploit all available opportunities to improve active travel in this city, rather than having specific cycle schemes.

We look forward to better things.
Yours, for GoBike “

3.3 Glasgow, University Avenue, Traffic Regulation and Parking controls: holding response

You might remember that we submitted a very detailed objection to the proposals to remove part of the Colleges Cycle Route and just have painted cycle lanes on the uphill sections of University Avenue? Here’s a further copy.

We have now received, dated 20 June, this holding response:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY PLACE), (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 201_

I am writing to confirm receipt of your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order. Following the publication period, officers shall commence an analysis of all correspondence received and issue you with a considered response in due course.
Please note that timescales for preparing and distributing a considered response can be influenced by the quantity and nature of correspondence received.

Yours faithfully” etc

Let’s hope they come up with a satisfactory solution!

3.4 East Dunbartonshire: Traffic Regulation Orders – (i) Car Park Charging in Bishopbriggs & Bearsden; and (ii) Westerhill Rd, Bishopbriggs Waiting & Loading Restrictions.

EDC have informed us, 20 June, of 2 Traffic Regulation Orders that have now been approved:

Good morning

The  two  traffic  regulation Orders mentioned below have now been made and
will  become  effective  on Monday, 19 August 2019.  Attached are copies of
the  Orders  and  plans,  together  with  copies of the Notices that are to
appear  in  the editions of the Bishopbriggs Herald that is published on 26
August  and  Milngavie  &  Bearsden  Herald  that is published on 28 August
2019, as appropriate.

Kindest Regards,

Fiona Stirling
Legal Services
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
G66 1TJ

Telephone 0141 578 8012 (direct dial)

(i) The East Dunbartonshire Council ( Bearsden and Bishopbriggs)
(Off-Street Parking Amendment) Order 2019
(See attached file: 190620 Car park Amendment charging Bearsden &
Bishopbriggs.pdf)

(ii) The East Dunbartonshire Council (Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs) (No
Waiting and No Loading at any Time Restrictions) Order 2019

(See attached file: 190620 Westerhill Rd Waiting & Loading
Restrictions.pdf)

GoBike was not consulted on the car parking charges but did approve the changes to Westerhill Road, where footway/kerbside parking was potentially affecting people both walking and cycling. Details were in Digest24, Item 1.4 and our response was in Digest 26, Item 1.1.

3.5 Glasgow, Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West: implementation of 20mph

in Digest 27, Item 1.6 we included the details of Glasgow City Council’s proposals to make this area a 20mph zone and we also included our letter of support. We did, though, ask for the default policy of contraflow cycling to be enacted. This appears to be missing from this email, dated 18 June, confirming that 20mph will be introduced:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY  
Dear Sir/Madam  
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (HYNDLAND, HUGHENDEN AND DOWANHILL WEST) (20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 2019  
I refer to your support of the above named Traffic Regulation Order and can advise that your support was reported and considered. The Council have decided under its scheme of delegated functions to proceed with the proposals as advertised.   The Order was made on 7 June 2019 and an advert was be placed in the Evening Times on 13 June 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.   The earliest date the Order will come into force will be 22 July 2019.  
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike).    
Yours sincerely”
etc

So there we have it; one-way streets were introduced to allow car storage, but also allowed cars to be driven faster (with no opposing traffic) and now a 20mph speed limit that probably won’t be enforced is being brought in. Ah well.

So that’s it for this fortnight. The school holidays are almost upon us and response times have been extended to accommodate staff breaks, but your Digest will be back in 2 weeks, with another interesting bundle of news.

The race will be taking place on the paths network within the green. Measures will be put in place to ensure minimal disruption along the cycle route.

To assist the organisers ask that cyclist keep to the river side of the path along NCN75. At any cross points stewards will keep delays to a minimum.

You can find more information about the race on the Shettelston Harriers website.

If you near by, pop along and provide support to those taking part.