and here’s the link to the route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3187075?units=km It was a superb tour of the north of the city. In true Andy style, though, there were some narrow paths in parks – we went through Springburn, Ruchill and Victoria parks, but the five of us who turned up enjoyed it all.

We got an overview of Eastfield train depot and then cycled on to Ruchill Park

After cycling further west and around Anniesland Tower we got views of Jordanhill College and School

And the ride finished with a tour of the one-time boating pond in Victoria Park and a view of the wonderful clock

I must give thanks to Paul Rimmer for his handy tips on converting my Strava record of the ride into something I hope others can use after downloading from Plotaroute (I think other sites are available!)

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. *NEW* Glasgow City Council, “Yorkhill Quay masterplan to fulfil River Clyde blue corridor vision”
2. Glasgow City Council – new City Development Plan, closes 11 December
3. East Dunbartonshire Council – Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021
4. OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum – short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme
5. *NEW* Glasgow City Council – Protected Junction Trial consultation

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Traffic Regulation Orders to make Covid 19 pop-ups permanent

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, GCC response to our submission
2. Glasgow City Council (Ruchazie Road) Traffic Calming Scheme (OFFICIAL) and a query as to the effectiveness of these measures, survey information from GCC
3. East Renfrewshire Council, update on Proposed Local Development Plan 2
4. Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park planning application approved

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

1.1: *NEW* Glasgow City Council, “Yorkhill Quay masterplan to fulfil River Clyde blue corridor vision”

GoBike member Brenda tells us there’s an online consultation for a pre-planning application for the strip of land along the river between Riverside museum and the new distillery.  Includes the offer of ‘live chat’ on Thurs 12 Nov between 10am and 1pm.  Looks like a row of massively tall blocks of flats surrounded by parking, with a relatively narrow, completely exposed strip along the riverside providing the advertised ‘complete permeability’. (I may be biased).
We think this is a requirement for major developments, and gets reported in the Design and Access Statement that forms part of the eventual planning application.  Perhaps they even need to show that they’ve addressed concerns raised by respondents…
There’s a summary of the possible proposal and a consultation.
Available for viewing till 30 November.

Doesn’t look like Glasgow at all, does it?

1.2: Glasgow City Council – new City Development Plan
(Closes 11 December)

First covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.7. GCC’s email said “We are working with our partners, The Future Fox to host an online engagement called Placebuilder. It is designed to help us understand the experiences and ideas of Glasgow’s different neighbourhood communities on what they think works, what could be better and what they would like to see change.“ Plenty of scope there – link to Placebuilder online engagement.

1.3: East Dunbartonshire Council –
Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2)
(Closes 15 January 2021)

East Dunbartonshire were the only mainland council that didn’t bid for any funding from the Spaces for People programme by Sustrans. If you’d like to encourage EDC to improve on that record (and maybe finish the Bearsway or something) then you have a chance to mention it in this consultation. As covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.8. See the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2. Apparently “your representation should be submitted by e-mail to” development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk. 

1.4: OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum – short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme

This multiple choice survey (as covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.1) was originally looking for quick feedback but remains open. OnBikes and SPYF (St Paul’s Youth Forum) are working on a Places for Everyone project to improve active travel infrastructure in parts of North East Glasgow like Smithycroft, Riddrie and Blackhill.

1.5: **NEW** Glasgow City Council – Protected Junction Trial consultation

Posters of a new junction on Victoria Road have been appearing on bus shelters around Glasgow (as seen by GoBike member Steph). The City Council’s website says:
“As part of the South City Way, we will be trialling protected junctions on Victoria Road at the Calder Street and Allison Street junctions. Protected junctions are widely and successfully used across Europe, however they are relatively new in the UK and these will be the first in the UK outside of London!
A ‘protected junction’ is a road junction designed so that people travelling on foot, by cycle, and in vehicles are all separated as they pass through the junction. The aim is to make the junctions safer for all road users, and particularly for those on cycles. Unlike other junctions, which normally require right-turning cyclists to wait in the centre of the junction for a suitable gap in the traffic, the protected junction offers a safer alternative. Protected cycle tracks – like those on the South City Way – make it easier for people to make everyday journeys by cycle instead of by car. ”

That last sentence may seem obvious but there will be plenty of people in the city who struggle to get their heads around it. The stately progress of the South City Way may be a source of frustration for many. However, it is innovative (for Scotland) and we do need to see more along similar lines. So, if you want to show support for the new junctions, or just find out more, see GCC’s Protected Junctions webpage for further images, a video, a PDF document and a contact link. The junction trial will last two years but there’s no deadline mentioned for feedback.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1: Traffic Regulation Orders to make Covid 19 pop-ups permanent

Michael Matheson spoke at the Cycling Scotland online conference on 05 November. He was very hopeful that local authorities would choose, and be able, to make many of the measures permanent. TROs, which will come through the normal consultation channels, will be required.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1: Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, GCC response to our submission

In Digest 71, Item 1.5, we published this consultation and mentioned our concern that there was no mention of the proposed introduction of two-way cycling on Candleriggs. Here’s the letter we submitted on 26 October and on 29 October we received this response:

“Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.

With regards to contraflow cycling on Candleriggs, I can advise that this aspect of the TRO has been withdrawn since the first consultation.  This is as a result of an existing goods vehicle loading facility located on the west side of Candleriggs, approximately 15 metres south of Bell Street which will remain in place.  It has been noted that the publicised drawing incorrectly shows existing double kerb markings at this location instead of single kerb markings and the removal of this proposal should have been included in the consultation email that stakeholders received.  This was omitted in error after the implementation of this TRO was passed from our Project Services department to our Parking Services department.

In view of the above loading facility remaining in place, a decision was taken to remove contraflow cycling at this location in order to prevent the possibility of northbound cyclists having to cycle into the centre of the carriageway if a goods vehicle was situated at the above loading facility, with limited visibility of oncoming traffic and potentially come into conflict with an oncoming southbound vehicle.

I appreciate that you may feel frustrated at this decision, however, it has been taken with road safety in mind, particularly for cyclists.  However, I would advise that the Council remain committed to introducing contraflow cycling where it is deemed safe and will keep this area under consideration for future proposed TRO’s.

I trust this is of assistance at this time.

Yours sincerely

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”

This is sad news and yet another blow for the permeability that cycles offer for getting around in Glasgow.

3.2: Glasgow City Council, (Ruchazie Road) Traffic Calming Scheme (OFFICIAL) and a query as to the effectiveness of these measures, survey information from GCC

In our last Digest, issue 72, Item 3.4, we published Glasgow City Council’s confirmation that speed cushions will be installed on Ruchazie Road and in reply we asked the question as to before and after speed checks to confirm the effectiveness of speed cushions. Here’s the response we received on 02 November:

“Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

I can advise that due to the circumstances caused by Covid-19, we are still awaiting the results of the “after” surveys for the traffic calming schemes that were installed towards the end of the last financial year and this financial year.

I can however provide results for other locations at which we have installed speed cushions over the past 18 months. A survey was carried out prior to the implementation of traffic calming on Sunnybank Street, between 23/04/2019 and 29/04/2019, during which time the average speed of vehicles was found to be 22mph and the 85^th percentile speed was 28mph. Although this may not seem excessive, it should be noted that there is a newly built primary school on this street and a bus gate adjacent to the school was to be removed as part of the works associated with the formation of school. After the traffic calming had been implemented, a survey was carried out between 25/11/2019 and 30/11/2019 and found the average speed had dropped to 17mph and the 85^th percentile speed had significantly dropped to 21mph.

A survey was also carried out prior to the implementation of traffic calming on Kingsland Drive, between 11/02/2019 and 17/02/2019, during which time the average speed of vehicles was found to be 28mph and the 85^th percentile speed was 33mph. After the traffic calming had been implemented, a survey was carried out between 19/02/2020 and 25/02/2020, during which the average speed had dropped to 21mph and the 85^th percentile speed had significantly dropped to 25mph.

I can advise that, should you wish, once we receive the results of the most recent surveys and have comparable “before” and “after” data available for the latest schemes, I will forward these to you.

I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information, please contact (details removed by GoBike).

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods And Sustainability“

GoBike has confirmed that we wish to see the results of any further before and after tests. The results look good but we have asked for details of how they are carried out.

3.3: East Renfrewshire Council, update on Proposed Local Development Plan 2

GoBike responded to the Local Development Plan 2 as reported in Digest 49, Item 1.3 and received an initial response that was included in Digest 50, Item 3.9
East Renfrewshire Council have now informed us our “representation has not been resolved” about LDP2 and so Scottish Government reporters have been appointed to examine it:

“DPEA PLAN REF NO: LDP-220-3

The above proposed plan was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 18 August 2020 for examination.  The local development plan is a document that sets out which types of development should take place where, and which areas should be protected from development.  It also contains policies that inform the planning authority’s decisions on planning applications.

You had previously made a representation regarding this plan when it was consulted upon from 21 October until 13 December 2019 and Scottish Ministers have been made aware that your representation has not been resolved. 

The Scottish Ministers have appointed Mr Alasdair Edwards MA(Hons) and Mr Malcolm Mahony BA(Hons) MRTPI as the reporters who will carry out the examination of the above proposed plan.  The administration of the examination will be carried out by the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA).

We have provided the reporters with a summary of the issues that we consider should be assessed at the examination, and a copy of your full representation.  Your representation will be considered by the reporters. 

Please note that additional reporters may be appointed to support the speedy delivery of the report.

The reporters will now commence the examination of conformity with our participation statement as required by Section 19(4) of the Town and Country Planning Scotland Act 1997 (as amended).  To comply with Section 19(7) of the Act, the examination of the above proposed plan under Section 19(3) of the Act will not commence until the examination of conformity with the participation statement has concluded, or until four weeks from the date of the appointment of the reporters, whichever is the latter.  Therefore the earliest date upon which the examination of issues raised in representations will commence is 19 November 2020. 

A notice regarding this examination has been published in the Evening Times and Barrhead News.

A copy of the proposed plan will be available for public viewing on our website: http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ldp2

You do not need to take any action in response to this letter.  The reporters are not expected to require further information from you, but if they do DPEA will write to you specifying what is needed and how and when you should submit it.

Information about the examination including a summary of the issues being addressed by the reporters (known as Schedule 4 Forms), Further Information Requests and Responses, Document Lists, any Hearing and Inquiry Statements, and in due course, the Recommendations by Issue Table and the Examination Report can be found at the DPEA’s website using the link below:
http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=121161;

Further guidance on the examination process is available from the Scottish Government’s website using the weblink below:
https://beta.gov.scot/policies/planning-architecture/development-plans/

A guidance note that explains development plan examinations for people who have submitted representations is available at the weblink below:
https://beta.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-representations-guidance/

If you require further information about the progress of the examination please contact Jayne Anderson , Planning and Environmental Appeals, 4 The Courtyard, Callendar Business Park , Falkirk , FK1 1XR, or telephone 0131 244 6934, or email Jayne.Anderson@gov.scot

Please note that DPEA will be moving office with effect from Monday 16 November. 

The new address will be Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, Scottish Government, Ground Floor, Hadrian House, Callendar Business Park, Callendar Road, Falkirk FK1 1XR

All telephone numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same.

DPEA collect information if you take part in the planning process, use DPEA websites, send correspondence to DPEA or attend a webcast.  To find out more about what information is collected, how the information is used and managed please read the DPEA’s privacy notice – https://beta.gov.scot/publications/planning-and-environmental-appeals-division-privacy-notice/

Yours faithfully

Gillian McCarney
Head of Environment (Chief Planning Officer)”

We’ll update you on any further news.

3.4 Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park planning application approved

You might have seen in the press that the planning application, 20/01352/FUL, to build a new access road into the Park has now been approved. See details on the City Council’s Planning website.
In confirmation we received this email from the City Council yesterday, 09 November :

“We are writing to let you know that the Planning Application for an Active Travel Management Plan in Pollok Country Park was approved on the 6^th November 2020. The full application is available to view here (Reference Number 20/01352/FUL): https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QAZZ49EXIKO00&activeTab=summary

The status of the application will be updated shortly.
Kind Regards,
Glasgow City Council/Glasgow Life“

This Glasgow Times article reports on the forthcoming Council meeting that confirmed the decision. GoBike and one of our members are both quoted. It’s bad news: trees being removed to make way for cars in a park, of all places. Yes, we know it’s to a world-renowned museum; we just hope the private, non-blue-badge, cars are controlled and kept to the new car park at the edge of the park.

__________________________________________________

This Digest is a joint effort by the old and a new compiler. If you would like to join our consultations team just drop an email to consultations@gobike.org giving some details of your interests and/or skills in the topic.

This Digest continues to promote the Commonplace maps, plus we have an interesting consultation on the Kingston Bridge and a copy of the GoBike submission for Pollok Park, where private cars are back parking irresponsibly.

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Historic Environment Scotland, Kingston Bridge proposed to be a Listed Structure, closes 17 July
2. Glasgow City Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, YOUR views are required
3. East Renfrewshire Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for YOUR views
4. Glasgow City Council, help shape the future of (Y)our City Centre Districts

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nil to report

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Pollok Park Planning Application, GoBike submission
2. Glasgow, Queen Street Railway Station, new bike stands
3. Glasgow, London Road, East City Way, painted lines appearing
4. Glasgow, George Square, Implementation of Experimental Traffic Regulation Order
5. Glasgow, Stockingfield Road Canal Junction, bridge construction commencing any time now

Section 1: Current Consultation, in date order for responses

Omitted from this Digest are 2 consultation from the Scottish Parliament on the effects of Covid-19, the Impact on Equalities & Human Rights and on Scotland’s businesses, workers and the economy. Both are open long-term and, if you have not responded and you wish to, please see Digest 63, items 1.6 and 1.7

1.1 **NEW** Historic Environment Scotland, Kingston Bridge proposed to be a Listed Structure, closes 17 July

A GoBike member, alerted us to the proposal to list this massive bridge carrying cars, buses, vans, lorries over the River Clyde in Glasgow. Details are on the Historic Environment Scotland website here.
There is no doubt that there are far too many motor vehicles and that the dangers they pose are under-rated in society. If you are concerned about the proposed listing of the bridge do please have a look at the HES website and put your views in.

1.2 Glasgow City Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, YOUR views are required

This search for your views was in our last 2 Digests and here’s the link for your views. Do please get them in.

1.3 East Renfrewshire Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for YOUR views

We informed you of the East Renfrewshire Commonplace map in Digest 63, Item 1.4 and in Digest 62. Here’s the link to the map. If you live, work or cycle in East Renfrewshire please do post your concerns, if any, on the map.

1.4 Glasgow City Council, help shape the future of (Y)our City Centre Districts

This third Commonplace map arrived just in time for our last Digest, but here’s the link again, so please upload your comments.

This update arrived on 30 June:

And this message arrived on 04 July:

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nothing on the horizon this time.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Pollok Park Planning Application, GoBike submission

In Digest 63, Item 1.2 we listed some items of concern/interest in the proposals and, with thanks to opinions and some vigorous discussion from several GoBike members, this letter of qualified objection to the Planning Application was submitted on 30 June.

We are delighted that private motor cars are to be prevented, by gates, from driving through the park, as they can at present. We also very much support the emphasis on public transport and active travel. However, we are not delighted with all the proposals.

GoBike objects to the proposal to allow private cars into the existing main car park, ie the one nearest the Burrell Collection, even though a new car park is to be constructed at the Haggs Road gate. To aid traffic to the existing car park, it is proposed to dual the access road from Haggs Road, which is pictured here, above and below, by constructing another carriageway to the left of the trees. We have objected to this proposed construction and consider that, if the car park at the Burrell is restricted to buses, coaches, blue badge holders and deliveries, this existing road, perhaps with passing places for large vehicles, will suffice.

We understand that now cars are allowed back in the park, the uncontrolled parking has resumed. One of our concerns with the application was the lack of control of motor vehicles.

3.2 Glasgow, Queen Street Railway Station, new bike stands

Back in December 2014, GoBike responded to the consultation on the redevelopment of Queen Street Station, see this short blog from the time. We were keen to see more cycle facilities and, would you believe it – the photo above shows cycle racks where it was envisaged to have none!

3.3 Glasgow, London Road, East City Way, painted lines appearing

In October last year there was public consultation on the proposals, see Digest 19, Item 1.1 , for a bi-directional cycle lane along London Road to Mount Vernon and beyond for a distance of 7km. GoBike’s preference would be for a uni-directional lane on each side and that is now what is being painted on the carriageway. The painted lines currently (as of Saturday 04 July) go from Fielden Street in the west to Helenvale Street in the east.

We do not know whether the plans are for some form of segregation; we hope so and as the following 2 photos show, irresponsible car parking is incompatible with comfortable cycling.
Currently the lanes stop short of each traffic light junction with cycle traffic exiting the cycle lane into a left-turning lane. This is obviously unsatisfactory for people who are cycling straight on but we have not been party to any of the plans so will have to wait and see what transpires.
Our third concern is what will happen at the junction with the bi-directional lane just to the east of Bridgeton Cross – again, it’s wait and see.

Segregation will help prevent parking but we do hope something is currently proposed to manage it.

3.4 Glasgow, George Square, Implementation of Experimental Traffic Regulation Order

Back in March this year GoBike responded positively to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order issued by Glasgow City Council to very much reduce motor traffic in George Square. Our response was featured in Digest 57, issued 31 March.

Accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, work has now been carried out in George Square to implement the Order.

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order lasts for 18 months during which time its effects may be assessed and changes introduced with a permanent Traffic Regulation Order.

3.5 Glasgow, Stockingfield Road Canal Junction, bridge construction commencing anytime now

Almost 2 years ago, in Digest 17, Item 1.6, published 17 September 2018, we reported on public consultation events around the proposed construction of a bridge over the canal junction at Stockingfield.

GoBike member, Alasdair, has now informed us that there will be changes to the route for anyone cycling along the canal at Stockingfield, because work on the Stockingfield Bridge is to start this week. The towpath will be closed from the junction to Ruchill Church for some time. The steps down to Lochburn Road will remain open. We do not currently have any details of timescale.

Diversions are currently under active discussion but no specific route has yet been agreed, so if you are cycling, or walking, on the towpath in the area, do watch out for work starting. We will hopefully be able to report on the diversionary route in our next Digest in 2 weeks time.

The works will remove the detour via this canal underbridge – a welcome improvement.

_________________________________________________

Quite a short digest for you this time, perhaps because we are into the holiday season – with nowhere to go but a slightly longer cycle ride?

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Scottish Government – Just Transition Commission, closes 30 June
2. Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Planning Application, closes 06 July
3. Glasgow City Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, YOUR views are required.
4. East Renfrewshire Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for YOUR views
5. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, South Central Glasgow Local Development Framework – Key Issues Survey, closes 06 July
6. Scottish Parliament EHRi Committee, Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equalities and Human Rights
7. Scottish Parliament, EEFW Committee, COVID-19 – Impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy
8. Glasgow, Woodside, Urban Realm seeks views on Public Realm Improvements
9. Glasgow, help shape the future of (Y)our City Centre Districts

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

There is ongoing consultation via the Commonplace maps! Please contribute and, hopefully, some of the comments will be developed into full-blown schemes for future consultation.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. North Lanarkshire Council, City Deal, Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange Planning Application, response to GoBike submission
2. Glasgow, Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – June 2020 Newsletter

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order (more or less) for responses

1.1 Scottish Government – Just Transition Commission, closes 30 June

We have featured this consultation a few times now, most recently in Digest 62, Item 1.1 and it’s important that YOU follow the link and put your views in within the week, ie by 30 June, next Tuesday. We have a climate emergency and we need to move to a green economy. Please do this; it’s an easy set of questions and it’s important that we all get our views in.

1.2 Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Planning Application, closes 06 July

Information on this Planning Application arrived just in time to get a mention in Digest 62, Item 1.2 and:

“The application is now available to view here (Reference Number 20/01352/FUL): https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QAZZ49EXIKO00&activeTab=summary“

The main document outlining the proposals is the Design and Access Statement.

The purpose of the proposed changes are to improve active travel and public transport access to the park and modifying access by private cars. If you visit the park do please have a look and see if the proposals meet your aspirations, or not – but do let the City Council know either way.

The main points to note and comment on, from GoBike’s perspective, are:

• Through motor traffic will be stopped.
• There is to be a new general car park and it is important that the existing car park closer to the Burrell is retained ONLY for accessible parking, bus and coach drop offs and deliveries.
• Parking should be charged in line with other visitor attractions in the city.
• There is currently visitor parking on Haggs Road and other local roads because the existing car park, and the whole park, is closed. The lane currently being used for parking in Haggs Road should be redesigned for cycle use. Residential roads currently being used for Pollok Park parking should be provided with double yellow lines.
• Changes are required in the traffic lights around the park to facilitate movement for people walking or on cycles.

The GoBike response is currently being prepared.

1.3 Glasgow City Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, YOUR views are required.

If you cycle in Glasgow, and we know that most of you do, then you will have views as to where dropped kerbs are needed, where cycle priority is required at traffic lights, where contraflow cycling is needed to prevent large detours, where cycle lanes are required, etc, etc, etc, so please get them onto this map provided by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with Transport Scotland and Sustrans Scotland.

If you don’t get your views in then you can’t complain at the state of things. We mentioned this first in Digest 62, Item 1.9 and here’s a link to the Spaces for People – Glasgow Commonplace map for you to follow.

1.4 East Renfrewshire Council, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for YOUR views

Feeling safe as your circumnavigate this roundabout on your bike? Here’s the link to the East Renfrewshire Council’s page outlining the approach to COVID-19 measures and the Commonplace map is here, for your views and comments. We featured this first in Digest 62, Item 1.6 and we do hope that you will show East Renfrewshire Council where changes are needed to improve your journeys.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, South Central Glasgow Local Development Framework – Key Issues Survey, closes 06 July

Proposals for the development of the city continue to be drawn up and here’s the latest email that arrived on 15 June:

“Dear All

As part of the implementation of the Glasgow City Development Plan, we are preparing Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) for three key areas of spatial change across the City. 

One of these areas is South Central Glasgow where we are working with Architecture and Design Scotland as part of their Place Planning for Decarbonisation initiative to ensure our plans are more climate and carbon considerate and in line with Glasgow City’s commitment to tackle climate change and achieve a target of net-zero carbon by 2030.

We had intended to host a number of collaborative workshops to seek your input in identifying the key issues / key areas for improvement for the area and to help us to shape the emerging plan for the area. Due to the current COVID situation, we are limited to carrying out this engagement through an online survey developed in line with the Place Standard Tool. A more formal consultation process will also be held later in the process of developing the LDF.

The survey is available here – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SouthCentralLDFSurvey/. The attached document provides a brief overview.

Your input is key to this work and I would be grateful if you could highlight this engagement to your colleagues / other members as well and invite them to complete the survey. The deadline for the same is 6th July 2020.

For any queries regarding the survey or the South Central LDF, please contact (name and email address of the Planning Officer removed by GoBike).

Thank you for your time and input.
Regards

Michael
Michael Ward
Principal Planner, Sustainable Strategy (Neighbourhoods)
Planning & Building Standards, Development & Regeneration Services, Glasgow City Council“

GoBike committee member, Brenda, has looked at the survey for her area and reports that it is essential that you look at the document attached to the email:

South Central LDF – An Overview

This is a survey, and like most of these on-line surveys, it is best done individually. GoBike will be doing a full response when the formal consultation comes out later in the year, but at this time, If you live, work or cycle in any of the areas covered do please do try to get through the rather clunky survey for the area(s) most of concern to you.

Do note though that the pdf says it’s expected to take about 30 mins to complete. It’s worth doing by anyone who cares about any of the areas as a place, but perhaps a bit of an ask if you just want to be able to cycle through safely..

1.6 Scottish Parliament EHRi Committee, Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equalities and Human Rights, closes 01 January 2021

This government consultation featured as Item 1.3 in Digest 62 and there is no doubt that there are inequalities in travel, among other things. Here’s the link to start the short survey; do please complete it, particularly if you have views for the longer term eradication of inequalities.

1.7 Scottish Parliament, EEFW Committee, COVID-19 – Impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy

This survey was in Digest 62 as Item 1.4 and it applies to all of us:

“The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee is here and ready to listen to your views at this challenging time. We are keen to hear from you on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, workers and the economy in Scotland.“

Views are invited by email, so it’s an open page for you to give your views. If you are involved in active travel, it’s particularly important to give your views – we are at the bottom of the pile just now, so any progress must be up! Here’s the link you need. Please get typing.

1.8 Glasgow, Woodside, Urban Realm seeks views on Public Realm Improvements

This first appeared in Digest 62, Item 1.5 and here are a couple of quotes from the Urban Realm newsletter:

“Queens Cross Housing Association has opened a consultative website relaying its plans for a series of environmental improvements to the Woodside area of Glasgow to stimulate discussion around the future public realm.“

“Feedback on these approaches is being sought remotely with interested parties invited to share their thoughts directly. All input received will help inform a planning application which is expected to be formally submitted in August, with phase one construction following by spring 2021.“

Note that the designs are actually on the Queen’s Cross HA website. There is a link from the Urban Realm newsletter, but it is not obvious. It is the link in the fourth paragraph, copied above, which says ‘share their thoughts‘. This takes you to the QXHA Woodside Making Places site. You then have to click on ‘The Design’ (top right) and this takes you to the detailed designs for each micro-community. You click on the relevant photographs. If you live in Woodside or your travels take you there, please do comment as to how the area may be improved.

GoBike members, Alasdair and Brenda have toured the area and Brenda has penned this letter of response for GoBike, which was submitted on 22 June.

1.9 Glasgow, help shape the future of (Y)our City Centre Districts

Just in today from GoBike’s co-convenor Thomas, from twitter:

The Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken is encouraging everyone with an interest in these areas to take part, “So, have your say and pop a pin on our map at http://yourcitycentre2020.commonplace.is“

Many, if not most of us, will live, shop, visit and or work in these areas so please do get your views in.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

We hope that consultations will be getting back to “normal” late summer or autumn but please do take note of where changes are required and post them on Commonplace maps.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 North Lanarkshire Council, City Deal, Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange Planning Application, response to GoBike submission

Changes are proposed for Motherwell Railway Station and in Digest 61, Item 1.1 we published this response to the Planning Application 20/00345/FUL

“GoBike, the Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, supports the use of the cycle as an everyday means of transport for people of all ages, and, to realise this aim, we need to see good quality dedicated cycle infrastructure, not simply painted lines on our roads, with adequate parking arrangements at destinations such as railway stations.
We are pleased to support this planning application because it is a step, albeit a very cautious one, in the right direction. We note that currently, or at the time of your public consultation 2 years ago, very few people were cycling to the station. We do not see very much in your proposals to entice more people to use their bikes; we are concerned that although you show a dedicated cycle path to the station on your layout plan, it is directly adjacent to the taxi rank. What is to prevent taxis, their drivers or passengers encroaching on the cycle lane?
During the current pandemic far more people are cycling in Motherwell as they are all around Scotland and, once train services are able to return to more people travelling, although initially allowing for social distancing, we hope that you will be able to encourage far more people to travel to the station by cycle, from all parts of Motherwell and its environs.”

On 09 June, just as Digest 62 was going to press, this reply arrived from North Lanarkshire Council:

“I’ve been forwarded on your recent comments on the above noted planning application in Motherwell town centre, by the Planning case officer.

I’m based in the Council’s Enterprise Projects Team and am the overall project lead for the Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange Project, of which these proposals at Muir Street form part.

We’re working in partnership with ScotRail, Transport Scotland and SPT on the wider project, which involves significant investment in Motherwell Rail Station. The proposed investment in Muir Street (through our Glasgow City Region City Deal programme) complements and supports the station proposals. In partnership with SPT, we’ve also invested in park and ride improvements, active travel infrastructure improvements within Strathclyde Country Park and associated signage in the last financial year.

The proposals at Muir Street therefore form part of wider picture which aims to improve public transport and active travel infrastructure, to encourage modal shift to more sustainable travel options by making these options more attractive and accessible.  It is hoped that further infrastructure improvements will follow in coming years, subject to funding.  

In response to specific points raised within your comments:

• Cycle parking arrangements at Motherwell Railway Station:  As part of the works being delivered at the station, a new cycle storage shelter (with capacity for c20-30 cycles) will be provided within the station forecourt. The station works are due to commence at the end of June this year, with completion by Autumn/Winter 2021;

• Extent of the proposals: as noted above, these proposals link to recently implemented works to improve active travel infrastructure within Strathclyde Country Park. The aim of these works was to create an improved off road shared pedestrian and cycle route through Strathclyde Country Park, linking to recent active travel infrastructure improvements at the M74 Raith Interchange, with onwards directional signage to and from Motherwell Rail Station via Ladywell Road and High Road;

• Location of the shared footpath/cyclepath next to the taxi rank: the path running alongside the new station access road and taxi road is a shared use footpath/cyclepath to cater for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the station and for access to the taxi rank. Due to the constrained nature of the site and the number of stakeholder requirements that need to be met, unfortunately we cannot accommodate a wider path in this area. It is intended to install cyclist dismount signage at either end of the taxi rank in recognition of the higher likelihood of conflict between pedestrians and cyclists within this area. The path will be delineated from the taxi rank with kerbing and a different surface finish, although the kerbs will be low in height to enable ease of access to and from taxis.“

Tricia spoke to the writer of the email to express disappointment at the very limited changes and how a path originally described as a “cycle path” is actually intended to be a footpath where one may wheel a bike. The writer, who does cycle and has cycled more during lockdown and seen the challenges, explained the severe limitations on space at this city centre site. From the discussion we are hopeful that we will be able to be more involved in future North Lanarkshire consultations in the future.
If you live in North Lanarkshire do please contact your councillors to press for better cycle facilities.

3.2 Glasgow, Multiplex University of Glasgow Campus Development – June 2020 Newsletter

This newsletter arrived on 17 June and you may read the full contents here. Your chance to get up-to-date with changes at the University.

Please do look at the Commonplace Maps and insert your comments. Hope you enjoy your cycling in these long days of summer but do please take care now more cars are back on the roads.

Yes, we have requests for your views from the Scottish Government to Glasgow and East Renfrewshire councils and cycling organisations, so do please get those fingers clicking.
The majority have no closing dates but don’t delay, get your views in before the cars come back and your temperature rises.

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Scottish Government – Just Transition Commission, closes 30 June
2. **NEW** Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Planning Application, closes 06 July
3. Scottish Parliament EHRi Committee, Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equalities and Human Rights
4. Scottish Parliament, EEFW Commitee, COVID-19 – Impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Woodside, Urban Realm seek views on Public Realm Improvements
6. **NEW** East Renfrewshire, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for your views
7. **NEW** Scottish Green Party, Street Space for Glasgow – Join our campaign, tell us your ideas
8. **NEW** Cycling UK in Scotland, Using the Widen My Path mapping tool to call for Space for Distancing measures
9. **NEW** Glasgow City Council Spaces for People – Glasgow Commonplace map

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

We’ve drawn a blank again.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Sustrans, Spaces to Move tool
2. Glasgow City Development Plan – Update
3. Glasgow, On Bikes: how did they get that cycle lane on Langdale Street?

Section 1: Current Consultations

1.1 Scottish Government – Just Transition Commission, closes 30 June

This consultation first featured in Digest 60, Item 1.1 and here’s some information from the Government website:

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)(Scotland) Act 2019 recently passed by the Scottish Parliament contains some of the most ambitious statutory emission reduction targets in the world.

The Just Transition Commission has been established to provide Scottish Ministers with practical, realistic, and affordable recommendations for action that will:

• maximise the economic and social opportunities that the move to a net-zero economy by 2045 offers
• build on Scotland’s existing strengths and assets
• understand and mitigate risks that could arise in relation to regional cohesion, equalities, poverty (including fuel poverty), and a sustainable and inclusive labour market

If you follow the link you will be able to respond to the call for evidence – since most of us have a bit more time at the moment do put your thoughts about maintaining road space for cycling, reducing emissions, etc in the boxes. Please do it for the sake of your health and the nation’s health. There are only about 6 questions, each with a box for your thoughts, so do get them in.

1.2 **NEW** Glasgow Pollok Country Park – Planning Application, closes 06 July

This email arrived yesterday, 08 June; we haven’t had time to digest it yet but if you have any views please do respond yourself to the application but also let GoBike know by either emailing consultations@gobike.org or, if you are an active GoBike member, use the Slack Consultations channel.

“Hello,

Following an extensive period of public engagement, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life have submitted a planning application for an Active Travel Management Plan in Pollok Country Park. This Plan improves access to and within the park by promoting public transport and pedestrian links, modifying private car access and vehicular routes within the park, and improving connectivity to local areas.

The application is now available to view here (Reference Number 20/01352/FUL): https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QAZZ49EXIKO00&activeTab=summary

A copy of the engagement feedback and responses will be available to view via the above link shortly.

If you have any questions about the application please get in touch.

Kind Regards,

Glasgow City Council/Glasgow Life“

1.3 Scottish Parliament EHRi Committee, Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equalities and Human Rights, closes 01 January 2021

This open-ended survey was first covered in Digest 60, Item 1.2 and here’s a quote from the Parliament’s website:

“This inquiry seeks to identify the evidence that some groups of people are experiencing disproportionately negative impacts of the coronavirus, and by some of the measures taken to deal with it.

The inquiry will look at the measures the Scottish Government and other public bodies, including regulatory and oversight bodies, can take to help. It will also examine measures taken by public bodies and the impacts they may have on equality and human rights.

We want to hear your views on:

• which equality groups are being disproportionately negatively affected by the coronavirus, and by some of the measures taken to deal with it 
• what equality and human rights impacts there have been
• what the Scottish Government can change or improve to mitigate against these impacts“

There is no doubt that the very people who suffer from the lack of an effective travel system are the ones who will be suffering from Covid-19. It is significant that many people have adopted the cycle as a means of transport during the pandemic and many more would walk and cycle if our streets were less congested by motor vehicles and the air were cleaner.
There are only 5 questions, each with a box for your thoughts, so please get them down in print.

Here’s the link to start the survey.

1.4 Scottish Parliament, EEFW Commitee, COVID-19 – Impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy

This is the 3rd nation-wide survey that is being aired here for the 3rd time, previously in Digest 60, Item 1.3 and Digest 61, Item 1.5, and it applies specifically to businesses, workers and the economy – which basically affects all of us. Here’s a quote from the Parliament’s website:

“The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee is here and ready to listen to your views at this challenging time. We are keen to hear from you on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, workers and the economy in Scotland.“

Views are invited by email, so it’s an open page for you to give your views. If you are involved in active travel, it’s particularly important to give your views – we are at the bottom of the pile just now, so any progress must be up!

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Woodside, Urban Realm seek views on Public Realm Improvements

GoBike member, Brenda, alerted us to this news from Urban Realm. Here are some words from their newsletter:

Queens Cross Housing Association has opened a consultative website relaying its plans for a series of environmental improvements to the Woodside area of Glasgow to stimulate discussion around the future public realm. 
Conducted in parallel with plans by Sustrans to introduce an active travel network the Woodside Making Places initiative seeks to unify streets, parks and playgrounds as a single connected habitat of routes and spaces.
Indicative designs have been brought forward by landscape architects Raeburn Farquhar Bowen to show how key areas such as St George’s in the Fields; North Woodside Pool and the M8 motorway can be made to function as one with new planting, community gardens, cycle routes and a civic space at the junction of North Woodside and St Georges Roads.

This appears to link in, or even overlap, the Avenues Programme for the Underline route linking Great Western Road with Cambridge Street. However, this current Urban Realm consultation is about the overall public realm whereas the Avenues Programme is more active travel focussed.

The newsletter goes on to say:

“Feedback on these approaches is being sought remotely with interested parties invited to share their thoughts directly. All input received will help inform a planning application which is expected to be formally submitted in August, with phase one construction following by spring 2021.“

Note that the designs are actually on the Queen’s Cross HA website. There is a link from the Urban Realm newsletter, but it is not obvious. It is the link in the fourth paragraph which says ‘share their thoughts‘. This takes you to the QXHA Woodside Making Places site. You then have to click on ‘The Design’ (top right) and this takes you to the detailed designs for each micro-community. You click on the relevant photographs.

So please enter your views as soon as you can.

1.6 **NEW** East Renfrewshire, Spaces for People Commonplace Map, looking for your views

GoBike member, Duncan, alerted us first to this initiative from East Renfrewshire and then on 04 June we received this email from the Local Authority:

“Subject: East Renfrewshire Council Transport Response to COVID-19

Dear Stakeholders,

The situation resulting from COVID-19 is unprecedented has resulted in profound changes to travel patterns and how people use streets and spaces in East Renfrewshire. In response to the emergency East Renfrewshire Council have recently approved a Transport Response to COVID-19, which outlines a dynamic and phased approach to help residents adapt and renew to the current emergency, as well as help mitigate virus transmission and a possible ‘second surge’.

We have recently launched an interactive map in order to provide further information on measures contained in the Transport Response to COVID-19 . This platform will give residents and stakeholders the opportunity to find out more about the Transport Response, proposed plans and the opportunity to provide feedback on specific measures across the area

Spaces for People in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council have secured funding through the Sustrans and Transport Scotland ‘Spaces for People’ programme to identify temporary response measures that help residents practice physical distancing and to move around safely in public spaces during the COVID-19 emergency. This is in order to limit virus transmission and to enable residents to safely walk, cycle and wheel for essential journeys and exercise.

As part of this emergency response we looking for your views on issues and opportunities to improve safe physical distancing when walking, cycling and wheeling in your area. For more information and how you can help us identify areas where measures are required please visit  https://erspacesforpeoplemap.commonplace.is  

We hope this information is of use and please feel free to distribute to colleagues, contacts and social networks.

Kind regards

John Shelton – Senior Strategy Officer (Roads & Transportation)

Angus Collins – Partnership Officer (Corporate and Community Services)“

If, for any reason, you walk or cycle in East Renfrewshire, do please contribute to the map.

1.7 **NEW** Scottish Green Party, Street Space for Glasgow – Join our campaign, tell us your ideas

GoBike has no political affiliation, although several of our members are in political parties and here’s a message from the Green Party on a topic close to our collective heart:

The links were removed to get that message in but they are all here. Do have a look – at least this is politicians looking for our views!

1.8 **NEW** Cycling UK in Scotland, Using the Widen My Path mapping tool to call for Space for Distancing measures

It’s important that our views are heard if we wish to make any gains for active travel out of this awful pandemic.

Cycling UK in Scotland is looking for your views, with this email that we received on 05 June:

“Dear campaigners, groups and supporters

Apologies for the mass mailing and to anyone who is already using the Widen My Path tool.

This is a quick update about how we are using the Widen My Path campaign’s mapping tool in the next phase of our campaigning at Cycling UK in Scotland.

The number of Scottish councils applying to the Space for People fund is growing and we hope to see many more measures being put in place soon. At CUK we are now asking our members and supporters to use the Widen My Path campaign tool to 1) show there is still a need for all councils to provide space for distancing and 2) show where measure would be most helpful. Our campaign webpage also helps supporters to contact their councillors to let them know they have used the tool.

Some councils are already consulting on where measures would be most helpful so we will be asked them to use the responses in the Widen My Path map in conjunction with any other mapping tools or decision-making processes.

It would be great to get lots of ideas uploaded onto the Widen My Path map so if you are part of a local campaign please do encourage your group members, and their friends and relations, to use it either directly at https://www.widenmypath.com/  or through our CUK webpage where people can also send a message to their councillors.

Regards

Jim
Jim Densham
Campaigns and Policy Manager – Scotland, Cycling UK in Scotland“

We need to make our voices heard so please contribute to this campaign.

1.9 Glasgow City Council Spaces for People – Glasgow Commonplace map

Glasgow City Council are working closely with Sustrans to provide Space For People, and have created their own CommonPlace map for this: 

Here’s a link to the Spaces for People – Glasgow Commonplace map, a project initiated, and information supplied, by Sustrans Scotland, Transport Scotland and Glasgow City Council

We in GoBike would like thank everyone for all your great ideas on our Streets for All Glasgow Commonplace site, developed in conjunction with Glasgow Eco Trust and On Bikes. We are hoping to work closely with Glasgow City Council and Sustrans Scotland to make sure these ideas contribute to the new #SpacesForPeople Commonplace from the City Council.

Our Streets For All Glasgow commonplace is still active and we still wish for folk to pass comments on it that are outside of Space For People, so that we can use this as data in the longer term to push for change.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

We’ve drawn a blank again, but there is plenty in Section 1 to keep you busy.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Sustrans, Spaces to Move tool, looking for feedback

Adam Kesby in Sustrans Scotland wrote to us on 29 May with this email:

“As ever thanks for your bulletins/digests – really useful in my work to get folks to politicise and advocate for their interest in cycling.

At present I am pushing the Spaces to Move tool – it’s UK-wide, trying to gather feedback on the temporary schemes:

Here’s Sustrans’ tweet about it: https://twitter.com/sustrans/status/1258298042668716032

Although not a formal monitoring tool – we are using it to collate responses to schemes – and I thought it would be of interest to you and your network! It’s not just for Spaces for People funded initiatives.“

That’s a nice, short email giving GoBike both praise and information! If you have any feedback do please submit it.

3.2 Glasgow City Development Plan – Update

Two of our members told us about this email that was issued by the City Council on 01 June:

Subject: Glasgow City Development Plan – Update (OFFICIAL)  

OFFICIAL

Dear Sir/Madam

Work has commenced on the production of Glasgow City Development Plan 2 and we wish to give you an update to our position at this time.

It is anticipated that the timescale for the production of the next LDP will emerge during the course of 2020 and will reflect changes to the planning system which are emerging through planning reforms.  Detailed production of CDP 2 has been delayed until revised Development Planning Regulations have been produced in order to allow the new plan to align with emerging NPF4 policy priorities, the strategic context set out by the indicative Regional Spatial Strategy and other relevant strategies and outputs.

The timetable will be reflected in future updates of the Development Plan Scheme.

Early City Development Plan 2 activities have included:

• Early engagement with key statutory and non-statutory agencies to explore common challenges and opportunities;
• Preparatory work on a comprehensive community engagement exercise, which will use the National Place Standard as the basis for communities to input towards new Plan priorities;
• General background research to aid the new Plan preparation process. A series of Background Papers will be published online in due course;
• An early public Call for Sites exercise aimed at identifying potential new sites for development, alternative use or protection (January 2019). All submissions received will be retained and reviewed and there will be further opportunity to submit new sites, given the time period that has elapsed since the original Call for Sites exercise. All sites put forward will be subject to strategic environmental assessment and a wider planning assessment as part of the plan preparation process.
• The adoption of Glasgow’s Open Space Strategy

Regular updates will be prepared and published on the Council’s website to keep you informed of progress on City Development Plan 2 https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/17278/News-and-Timetables

Development Plan Team
Glasgow City Council
231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
developmentplan@glasgow.gov.uk“

3.3 Glasgow, On Bikes: how did they get that cycle lane on Langdale Street?

This short cycle lane is a major success story for On Bikes and the local community in Blackhill. Local people got together to discuss how to make Langdale Street safer for children to get to school, people to get to work and for anyone who wishes to cycle.

Watch this super wee video to see Glasgow’s Lord Provost cycle the route and pronounce his support. Way to go, Blackhill!
https://twitter.com/_OnBikes/status/1262787134160863234

Originally, as seen in the video, the lane was marked out with old tyres, painted white with flowers from a major DIY store in them. Glasgow City Council then painted the lane at the junctions, put a white line along the route and protected it with cones. Unfortunately, the cones have now been removed – let’s hope it’s an administrative error – and cars are back parking there!
However, the City Council have promised to install physical separation – let’s hope it’s put in soon – and to look at the provision of a cycle lane on the other side of the street.

This is a wonderful example of Glasgow City Council listening to the community and supporting them to improve their neighbourhood. Democracy in action.

That’s quite a bundle of requests for your views. Please don’t disappoint them all; get your fingers clicking now!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Scottish Government propose to build “spaghetti junction” at Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, Edinburgh Bypass, closes 31 January
2. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February
3. Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation period now extended to 03 February
4. **NEW** Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, on-line, closes 09 February
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
7. **NEW** Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
8. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February
9. **NEW** Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February
10. **NEW** Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no contraflow, closes 14 February
11. Glasgow, Byres Road, Byres Road Traffic Management and Parking Controls, includes cycle lanes, closes 14 February
12. Glasgow, Byres Road, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, closes 14 February
13. Glasgow, Byres Road, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 14 February
14. **NEW** Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event TOMORROW, 22 January
2. Glasgow Avenues, Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenue, 25 February
3. Glasgow, Transforming Pollok Country Park – Public Meeting, 04 February

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Fastlink Route, (Finnieston Bridge to Whitefield Road) Order 2015, Amendment No.1 20__, acknowledgement of GoBike objection
2. Glasgow, Ashgill Road Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns.
3. Glasgow, Duror Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns
4. Glasgow, construction of Sighthill pedestrian/cycle bridge to start next month
5. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside Update, with news of new Facebook page
6. Glasgow Avenues project, George Square and Blythswood Square.
7. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden – Waiting & Loading Restrictions, approved

Section 1: Current Consultations

1.1 **NEW** Scottish Government propose to build “spaghetti junction” at Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, Edinburgh Bypass, closes 31 January

Here’s a message that has been put out by Alison Johnstone, MSP (Green Party), which is pretty clear and self-explanatory. New road construction means less money to build cycle lanes. Please respond.

“The Government look set to spend £120 million on a new spaghetti junction on Edinburgh’s bypass. We can stop them though. Government are consulting on the new junction now. Please take a second to object and ask them to invest these funds into public transport and bike lanes instead. We can’t just keep on pouring public money into building new roads like there is no climate emergency.

Take action now
 
By their own admission, the Government expects this scheme to increase traffic by 5%. Across the world we’ve learnt that if you build more road capacity it just fills with more cars and causes more pollution.

But the same is true with the alternatives. Invest in public transport, and the buses, trains and trams fill up. Build cycle lanes, and people get on their bikes.

Business as usual is killing the planet, and it’s time for change. The Government declared a climate emergency. Sheriffhall spagetthi junction is the first test of whether they mean it.

Lets make this clear and flood them with objections. Please take action and share the campaign now.

Yours
 
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian

Take Action Now  “

1.2 Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February

This has been mentioned once or twice already, Item 1.13 in Digest 49 gave the details for this on-line consultation, do please respond before it closes. Here’s the link to the City Council’s consultation page where you have to scroll down to find this one.

The survey is quite short, so won’t take you long to do – and do try to ignore all the “typos” in the information in the Council’s consultation information!

While this isn’t one of the city’s radial routes, which are so important, a good cycle route out to Pollok Park from the city centre should get people to take to their bikes. You might wish to question why the route is two-way on one side of the road rather than 2 lanes, one each side? Another concern is cycle priority at side roads – including all the driveways!

1.3 Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation period now extended to 03 February

There’s no reason given as to why this consultation is being extended but here’s the email that we got on 07 January:

“Dear All,

Firstly, we would like to thank all of you who have already provided responses to the consultation.

Many of you have also been in contact to request more time to complete your responses. We are happy to announce an extension to the consultation period.  

We now invite you to respond to the paper by 3 February 2020.

Our online portal for submitting responses will remain open until midnight on this date but we also welcome input in any format. Attached is a word version of the online portal – please feel free to use this form if you prefer.  

The consultation paper, summary and more details on 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“

Note that the word version of the online portal is not given here. GoBike uses WordPress for its website and this does not permit the uploading of word documents. If you wish to have the word version please request one direct or email consultations@gobike.org

Here’s the letter of response that GoBike sent in on 06 January. Be afraid, very afraid!

1.4 **NEW** Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, on-line, closes 09 February

The Avenues programme has been quiet for a while but here’s a recent email that we received last week, headed “Glasgow Avenues: Glassford Street and Stockwell Street Online and On Street Consultations”:

“On 16 Jan 2020, at 19:56, Avenues <avenues@ironsidefarrar.com> wrote:

Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation

A multi-disciplinary design team led by Ironside Farrar Ltd has been appointed to deliver the second phase (“Block B”) of the Glasgow Avenues programme which will invest £115m in the public realm of the City Centre in the next few years, introducing a network of connected ‘green’ routes across Glasgow’s city centre. 

Block B includes Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenues.

The Design Team are seeking to consult with you – local residents, businesses and stakeholders –  on the draft proposals for these two streets in the following 3 ways:

1. You are invited to view and comment on the concept designs online at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues

2. Complete the Scottish Government ‘Place Standard’ tool online at:  www.placestandard.scot/start/glasgow-avenues-glassford-street-stockwell-street, helping us understand your perception of the street as it is today.

3. Drop-in to our on-street consultation: look out for out friendly rickshaw displays on Saturday 25^th January, where staff will be on hand to discuss the emerging design thinking and to record your opinion on the concept designs.

Please feel free to forward this email to other parties who may be interested in getting involved.  The online consultation is open until 9^th February 2020.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kind Regards,

Charlie Griffiths“

From point 1, clicking on the link will get you to the City Council’s Avenues page. Click on the down arrow at Consultations and then on “here” under “Current Consultation”.

Or you can try this quick link: https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=94c1feae990244afb5650b928f14c959

The questionnaire for point 2 is quite curious – very generic, but you will be able to comment on the dominance of the motor vehicle, particularly with respect to the large areas on Stockwell Street given over to car parking. Why aren’t they proper parks, with trees and grass and somewhere to sit?

We’ve been told that the consultants have 2 rickshaws that will be moving about but do look for them at the Argyle Street precinct or further south at the car park area. If you go, do please have your bike with you, or your children, or ageing aunt in a wheelchair – anything to demonstrate that we should have priority over all the cars in the area.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

Glasgow City Council now seem to have an alphabetical approach to traffic calming with this and the next 2 schemes that have arrived in the Consultations mailbox this very morning, 21 January. Here is the email and attachments for the first, Ardencraig Road in Castlemilk:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

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

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

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

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

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

Ardencraig Road

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

• 3 sets of 3, 1.9m, 75mm high, speed cushions,
• 3 sets of 2, 1.9m, 75mm high, speed cushions.
• The installation of bollards beside the proposed speed cushions.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (Reply by 11 February 2020).

Please reply directly to LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk.

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; I will write to you again and confirm this.

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the attached documents: Proposals, Proposals Section 1 and Proposals Section 2

It’s the standard approach to high traffic speeds, yet again, by the City Council, which is now proclaiming itself as “Glasgow – proud host of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) – UK2020” but where are the cycle lanes to the school?

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

Moving on to “B” and north-west to Cardonald, here’s the email from earlier today, 21 January, for these 2 residential roads:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive), Traffic Calming Scheme

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

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

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

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

• Bankfoot Road
• Wedderlea Drive

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

• 6 sets of 3, 1.8m, 75mm high, speed cushions,
• The installation of bollards beside the proposed speed cushions.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (Reply by 11 February 2020).

Please reply directly to LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk.

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 Jordan Tracey on 0141 287 9173.

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

Yours faithfully” etc

Here’s one of the feeder roads on to the cycle lanes we so desperately need on Paisley Road West if we are to achieve the modal split required to save the world. Not many, sorry, not any, apologies for not reaching the target, the aim, no sorry, just an aspiration of 10% of journeys by bike this year, were there? Let’s look to doing better this decade.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

On that long Castlemilk Drive (singing along to Devil Gate Drive, a classic from Suzy Q!), struggling up to, or coasting down from, the top of the hill and the countryside of South Lanarkshire, motorists are going too fast and so we must suffer yet more speed cushions. Why can’t such concerns be declared as public realm schemes and then we might get cycle lanes, giving us enough room to wobble up the hill without danger of being clipped by a close-passing motor vehicle? However, money is tight and the COP26 delegates won’t be encouraged to visit Castlemilk, so we will be stuck with another rash of speed cushions. Here’s the email received from the City Council today, 21 January:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Castlemilk Drive) Traffic Calming Scheme

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

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

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

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

• Castlemilk Drive

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

• 4 sets of 3, 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions.
• The installation of bollards beside the proposed speed cushions

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (Reply by 11 February 2020).

Please reply directly to LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk.
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; I will write to you again and confirm this.

Yours faithfully”, etc

Here’s the plan showing the proposed speed cushions: Castlemilk Drive plan

Note the active-travel friendly parking! GoBike will applaud the aim, but not the method, of reducing traffic speeds here.

1.8 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February

This consultation featured in Digest 50, Item 1.7 and here is the link, again, to the City Council’s consultation page. This consultation is the second item on page 1. We hope to have the GoBike response in our next Digest.

Note that the area it covers is bounded on the south-east by Glassford Street and Stockwell Street.

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February

Here’s a consultation that GoBike responded to at Stage One – details further on – but this is the email for the public consultation that we received on 16 January:

“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 202_

Further to my consultation email of 3^rd December 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 drawings, statement of reasons and detailed report.

The location proposed for Queen Elizabeth Gardens has been removed from this order and will be included in a future parking control order for the area.

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 Group Manager, Sustainable Transport, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G! 1RX or by e-mail to SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14^th February 2020.

Yours faithfully,” etc

Here are the documents referred to in the email above: Advert, Report, Statement of Reasons, Allison Street plan, Paisley Road West plan, Torrisdale Street plan, Kenmure Street plan and Albert Drive plan.

At Stage One we were given this information by email:

“Background to the proposed Order
This order is proposed to provide car club and electric parking on the south side at the locations below in line with the Council’s policy for sustainable transport and emission reductions.

Area affected by the proposed Order
The area is the south side of the city.

Details of the proposed Order
The order proposes the following restrictions as shown on the attached drawings:

• Electric charging and car club bays on Alison Street east of Langside Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Queen Elizabeth Gardens north of Old Rutherglen Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Paisley Road West at Cessnock Street.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Torrisdale Street west of Victoria Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Kenmuir Street north of Albert Drive.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Albert Avenue north of Queens Drive.“

You will see that Queen Elizabeth Gardens in the Gorbals has been removed at the Public Consultation stage, presumably because of local lobbying but GoBike objected, see this letter, to the inclusion of Paisley Road West. Paisley Road West is a major arterial road connecting the city centre to the outskirts and one of the most heavily cycled roads into the city; kerbside parking obstructs the construction of the cycle lanes we desperately need on this route if we are to meet climate change targets. We have had no response from the City Council to this well-argued letter written by one of our members.

GoBike will be responding to this public consultation but if you support our views do please write in to comment or object to the proposals.

1.10 **NEW** Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no, or perhaps with, contraflow, closes 14 February

The service road is a residential and shopping side road to the busy Carmunnock Road and at the Stage One consultation GoBike was told that “The Council have been made aware of road safety issues with the existing two-way traffic flow on Carmunnock Road (Service Road).  Therefore, a questionnaire was posted to the nearby residents to find out if they supported the introduction of a proposed one way system.  The results of the returned survey were 23 in favour of the proposals and 6 against.”
In its response, GoBike argued strongly that cycling must be exempt from the one-way order. Since receiving the Public Consultation email below, GoBike has emailed the City Council for an answer to the one-way question. However, we now note, from the Detailed Report issued with this public consultation that improved safety may be achieved by ” Providing a single directional route for vehicular travel.” Note the use of the word “vehicular”, which would not normally include cycles?

Here’s the Public Consultation email received on 17 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CARMUNNOCK ROAD (SERVICE ROAD)), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 20__

Further to my consultation email of 6^th December 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 14^th February 2020.

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to: Press Notice, Plan, Statement of Reasons and Detailed Report.

1.11 Glasgow, Byres Road, Byres Road Traffic Management and Parking Controls, includes cycle lanes, closes 14 February

You may be aware that we responded last autumn to the Stage One consultation concerning the proposed cycle lanes on Byres Road and submitted detailed questions related to the design of the cycle lanes. A major concern is about side road junctions where, to us, it’s obvious that all traffic (motor, cycle, pedestrian) has priority over traffic into and out of side roads. Unfortunately, the City Council appears to take a different view.


We informed you in Digest 51 that the 3 TROs for Byres Road had just been published but full details from the City Council arrived just too late for inclusion in that Digest.

Here’s the email that we received on 06 January, with almost no detail of the cycle lane design:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BYRES ROAD) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 20_

Further to my consultation email of 28^th October 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 and FAQs.

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 Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to ByresRoadTRO@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs

Some of our members are busy writing our response and our concern at the lack of information on the cycle lane design has been voiced to the City Council.

1.12 Glasgow, Byres Road, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, closes 14 February

GoBike supports 20mph speed limits in our towns and cities and Byres Road is no exception. We supported this proposal at the Stage One consultation in the autumn and no doubt we will support it now.

Here’s the email we received on 06 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BYRES ROAD) (20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 20_

Further to my consultation email of 28^th October 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 and FAQs.

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 Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to ByresRoad20MPH@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs.

The FAQs are certainly not directed at those of us keen on active travel; here’s one Q and A:
“Can I park / load in the cycle lanes?
 Parking / Loading from the cycle lanes is not permitted“
Yes, the motor driver is still seen as the main customer – the the FAQs are the same for all 3 TROs.

1.13 Glasgow, Byres Road, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 14 February

Car parking on the streets around Byres Road is not normally a major concern for most of us in GoBike, but if you live in Hillhead you might have a different view or particular concern about this proposal? If so, do email consultations@gobike.org and we can include it in our response.
Points we have noted so far include the introduction of a second car parking permit per household (why should that be introduced in a city that’s trying to reduce car ownership, reduce pollution and will be hosting COP26 in November?) and the ridiculously cheap parking charges (even if they are the same across the city). Surely parking charges should be at least the cost of a return ticket on the Subway or bus and not just 80p per hour?
Here’s the email received from the City Council on 06 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (HILLHEAD) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 20_

Further to my consultation email of 28^th October 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 and FAQs.

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 Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to HillheadTRO@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

The attached documents are here: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs.

This information was included in the Stage One email, but there is far more information within the Report:

“Background to the proposed Order
The proposal is to amend the existing Hillhead parking controls from a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ).
RPZs are indicated by zone entry signs which have a no waiting roundel to inform that no waiting is permitted at any time outwith the bays. The zone entry signs tell you to “park only in signed bays” with a no waiting roundel which means no waiting at any time. This is the restriction which applies outwith all the marked bays.
This order will propose the conversion of “residents only” parking bays to “shared use” bays in order to bring the parking regime in Hillhead into line with other residential areas within the west-end. Whilst all bays will become “shared use”, residents will be able to acquire a second personal permit and visitor permits, fees will be in line with other zones. Permits will also be usable in adjacent zones. The order will also include proposals to pedestrianise Ashton Lane / Great George Lane with service access limited to specific times and controlled by drop-bollards. Residential access to the rear of Ashton Road will be maintained. Cresswell Lane will remain pedestrianised.“

The private car is still at the top of the transport tree, it seems.

1.14 **NEW** Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

GoBike member, Emily, alerted us to this consultation, which has a question on “Do you have any proposals that would improve the space around our homes and promote connected places and vibrant communities?” and the ‘vision’ and background refer to lots of relevant stuff about connectivity, walking and cycling, vibrant local areas, climate emergency, air pollution, etc.

Here’s the link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-2040-consultation-outline-policy-options/pages/3/

Do have a look and let’s get lots of responses in that mention cycling and active travel.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event TOMORROW, 22 January

Going hand in hand with Item 1.2 above, the on-line consultation on the SWCW extension along St Andrew’s Drive, is this public consultation event tomorrow, Wednesday 22 January at St Albert’s Primary School, 36 Maxwell Drive from 3:30 to 7pm. You may see details of the proposals at this link. Do try and get to the event if you can; there will be the opportunity to speak to the staff involved about the proposals.

2.2 Glasgow Avenues, Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenue, 25 January

Mentioned in Item 1.4 above, is this on-street, meet the people event:

“Drop-in to our on-street consultation: look out for out friendly rickshaw displays on Saturday 25^th January, where staff will be on hand to discuss the emerging design thinking and to record your opinion on the concept designs.“

We don’t have any more information but it should be quite easy to spot one or other of the 2 rickshaws that the consultants will have. If you are in the town, do look out for the displays; check out the area at the end of the Argyle Street precinct or the car park areas on Stockwell Street.

2.3 Glasgow, Transforming Pollok Country Park – Public Meeting, 04 February

On 17 January GoBike received this email from The Transforming Pollok Country Park Project Team within Glasgow Life:

“Hello,

Following previous consultation events, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life would like to invite you to a public meeting on the access proposals being developed for Pollok Country Park, as part of the Transforming Pollok Country Park project.

The purpose of this meeting is to share the proposals, summarise recent changes in response to feedback from previous consultations, and outline current progress ahead of a formal planning submission later in February 2020.

Transforming Pollok Country Park

Public Meeting

Tuesday 4 February, 6.30–7.45pm

at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, Pollokshaws Road, G43 1NE

The meeting will include a presentation lasting up to 45 minutes followed by up to 30 minutes for questions.

We hope you can join us. If you’re unable to attend but would like to find out more, please email us at PollokCountryParkTransformation@glasgowlife.org.uk.

Kind regards,
The Transforming Pollok Country Park Project Team”

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Fastlink Route, (Finnieston Bridge to Whitefield Road) Order 2015, Amendment No.1 20__, acknowledgement of GoBike objection

Our objection to the proposal to allow taxis and authorised vehicles to use the bus and cycle lanes on this bridge was published in Digest 50, Item 1.2 We received this acknowledgement on 07 January:

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

Dear Tricia Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, FASTLINK ROUTE, (FINNIESTON BRIDGE TO WHITEFIELD ROAD) ORDER 2015, AMENDMENT No.1 20__

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 are rethinking the proposal, especially since it is so close to the site of the COP26 Conference in November.

3.2 Glasgow, Ashgill Road Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns.

This consultation was detailed in Digest 50, Item 3.10 Our letter, sent in on 18 December, raised concerns that the GCC response to speeding on this wide road in the north of the city was to yet again install speed cushions with no thought to narrowing the road with cycle lanes etc. Note that no Traffic Regulation Order is required for the installation of speed cushions. The City Council response to our letter, with this email of 08 January, is illuminating as to how the Council currently operates:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding Ashgill Road not being included as part of the city’s cycle network, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery

I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200mm, with 1000mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.” The Local Transport Note also recommends a maximum spacing distance of 70 metres between each set of speed cushions, however, in this instance we would consider that the road bends at this location also act as traffic calming features.

Whilst I appreciate that drivers may accelerate and brake between each set of cushions, the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. Should the restrictions be introduced, a reduction in the permitted speed limit would encourage drivers to maintain a reduced speed whilst negotiating speed cushions or any other form of traffic calming feature.

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

3.3 Glasgow, Duror Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns

Again, this consultation was detailed in Digest 50, item 3.13 and we submitted this letter on 18 December. To reduce speeding by motor vehicles on this wide road in the east of the city it seems to be a reasonable suggestion to stop most through motor traffic with a filter to allow only buses (and emergency vehicles) and bikes through but here’s the reply that we received on 10 January. Note that the installation of speed cushions does not require a traffic regulation order and that a filter, of the type we propose, ie one with rising bollards or similar, would not prevent residents accessing either side of that filter:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

I can advise that the introduction of a bus/cycle gate would require the Council to successfully promote a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The legal process of promoting a TRO is subject to formal consultation and public advertisement, is open to objection and can take in excess of 12 months to complete. The promotion of such an order also requires the support of emergency services and various other road user groups. It is highly likely that the introduction of a bus/cycle gate on Duror Street would lead to objections from local residents as they would be unable to park near to their properties. In view of the foregoing, there are no plans at present for a bus/cycle gate to be introduced at this location.

I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200mm, with 1000mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.” The Local Transport Note also recommends a maximum spacing distance of 70 metres between each set of speed cushions and this recommendation has been adhered to in the design of this traffic calming proposal.

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

3.4 Glasgow, construction of Sighthill pedestrian/cycle bridge to start next month

GoBike has responded to several consultations about the regeneration of Sighthill, and some might remember that this was a favourite project of the one-time Cycling Czar Councillor Frank McAveety? Who’s he? Some newer GoBike members might ask. However, the Glasgow (Evening) Times reported on 11 January that construction of the bridge should start in February, be completed in August 2021 and cost £19m. See: https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18153032.development-sighthill-bridge-cost-19m/?ref=ebln

3.5 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside Update, with news of the Woodside ‘Making Places’ project

If you don’t subscribe direct to the Connecting Woodside updates then you will have missed the free family fun event on Saturday but there is a new Facebook page about the Making Places project that is working in tandem with the active travel team. See this link and if you live in the area do get involved. If you would like to ask a question to the project team about this update or the project? Email sustainabletransport@glasgow.gov.uk.

3.6 Glasgow Avenues project, George Square and Blythswood Square.

News of the Avenues and these 2 squares and yet more consultation in today’s Herald newspaper; follow this link for the details. Let’s hope for the best that it happens.

3.7 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden – Waiting & Loading Restrictions, approved

The Traffic Regulation Order, which we supported, see Digest 45, Item 1.2, to limit parking in this area near the car showroom, has now been approved, and here’s the confirmation from East Dunbartonshire Council, received today, 21 January:

“Dear Sir/Madam

The Traffic Regulation Orders mentioned below has now been made and will become effective on Monday, 23 March 2020.

Attached are copies of the Order and plan, together with copy of the Notice that is to appear in the edition of the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald which is published on 24 January 2020.

Yours faithfully
Fiona Stirling
Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ
Telephone 0300 12345 10 (Ext 8012)

Note Referred to:- 1. The East Dunbartonshire Council (Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive And Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden) (No Waiting And No Loading At Any Time Restrictions) Order 2020.
(See attached file: 200121 Killermont, etc – Waiting Time Order 2020.pdf)“

Good to get something in from outwith the city, but we do hope to get more positive news in before COP26, which will be upon us before we know it.

The themed ride this December will take an anti-clockwise tour around the northern side of Glasgow to see some of the many fine buildings and parks around the city, as well as visiting some viewpoints. We will pass railway stations, universities, hospitals and glasshouses, some older, some newer, and end up at Kelvingrove in time for lunch.
20 miles, including some short climbs.
Meet 10am Bell’s Bridge, Congress Road, Glasgow.
   
Should be a good one. For more information on GoBike rides, see the Rides page on the website.

Hi Folks

Next year the TRNSMT Festival will be back in Glasgow Green from the 10-12th July. We wish it every success but there is no reason that the NCR75 cycleway should be shut at the same time. If you live in Glasgow and haven’t got around to signing, then the petition closes on the 28th October. Please sign and pass the link onto your friends and family.

Lets keep NCR75 open at all times. After all, it’s the busiest and best cycleway in Glasgow.

https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicPetitions&noip=1&PageType=item&DMartId=58

“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. Glasgow, Mossvale Road school parking petition, closes ASAP!
2. Glasgow, Pollok Park Transformation, closes 26 September
3. UK Government, Department for Transport, Carbon Offsetting in Transport, closes 26 September
4. Glasgow, Polnoon Avenue, Traffic Calming, closes 30 September
5. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Schools and Bearsden Town Centre, closes 07 October
6. **NEW** Glasgow (Belmont) (Traffic Management) Order 2005 (Variation No.2) Order 201_ – Consultation, Parking, closes 15 October
7. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, parking/loading restrictions, closes 21 October
8. Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, Byres Road revised TROs- will they be issued soon?

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Mount Florida, GoBike response to the City Council reply to our objection to the removal of two-way cycling to allow for increased storage of stationary cars.

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow, Mossvale Road school parking petition, closes ASAP!

Featured in the Evening Times, yesterday, 23 September, is this petition from a concerned parent in Hogganfield worried about all the footway-parking large cars that people use to take their children in to the two schools on Mossvale Road. The Glasgow pilot, which was covered in Digests 34 and 35, only covers 6 schools with none being in the north or east of the city. We saw last week, in Digest 43, Item 1.6 and in Item 1.5 below, that East Dunbartonshire now has more ambitious plans than Glasgow.

Do please read the petition, from Change.org and help increase the numbers asking for this policy of banning cars from school gates to be extended far and wide.

1.2 Glasgow, Pollok Park Transformation, closes 26 September

The Burrell Collection is closed for renovation and upgrade and the City Council is expecting a big flurry of visitors when it reopens next year. Work is ongoing to cater for these visitors, not only those who arrive by private car, but all those people who arrive by public transport or who walk and cycle, but not forgetting everyone who visits Pollok Park for the enjoyment of being in the park.
Comments on the proposals, which may be found here are invited by email until Thursday. There is further information and a video here and you are asked to submit your comments by email to: PollokCountryParkTransformation@glasgowlife.org.uk

Quite a few GoBike members went along to the public consultation event on 10 September and, while we are generally very supportive of the proposals, there are significant improvements we think could be made to ensure that the balance between active and private motor travel reflects current stated policy both by the City Council and the Scottish Government. Comments submitted now will be considered before the planning application and traffic regulation order to allow the work to be done are issued.
The GoBike letter of response, submitted last Thursday, 19 September, is here.

1.3 UK Government, Department for Transport, Carbon Offsetting in Transport, closes 26 September

This consultation has been mentioned in our last two Digests and the link to the relatively short consultation paper is here. One of our members has described carbon offsetting as simply rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. We have tried to reflect the view that while carbon offsetting might be one tool in the box to address our current issues of congestion, pollution and global warming, there are far more pertinent issues that need to be addressed. Here’s the letter that we submitted last Friday, 20 September.
There’s still time to add your voice – the closing time is 11:45pm on Friday.

1.4 Glasgow, Polnoon Avenue, Traffic Calming, closes 30 September

This is the most curious traffic calming scheme we have seen and it flies in the face of all the guidance about creating streets for people. All the details issued by the City Council were given in Digest 43, Item 1.5. Here’s a detail from the plans that were issued:

You will notice that no overall dimensions are given for the roadway and thus there is no precise figure for the roadway width in which to avoid the speed cushion. Those of us who cycle where there are traffic islands will be aware that these pinch points are the sites of accidents waiting to happen. Islands do help people to cross the road, but so do zebra crossings and given that drivers are known to use the wrong side of the road if there is someone cycling legally past a traffic island, where would that leave the poor pedestrians? We have made what we consider to be robust alternative suggestions, quoting available guidance, in this letter that we submitted on Thursday 19 September.
Please do add your voice to our concerns about such a move.

1.5 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Schools and Bearsden Town Centre, closes 07 October

The details of these two proposals were given in Digest 43, Item 1.6 and address two issues. The first is the unfortunate fact that the stipulations of parking at junctions given in the Highway Code may only be enforced if there is a Traffic Regulation Order and the second is the exciting news that East Dunbartonshire propose to ban loading and unloading outside 10 primary schools. This could actually mean that children will have to walk part of the way to school!
Here is our letter of support to these moves, which we submitted on Thursday 19 September.
Please do add your support if you live, work or travel past junctions or primary schools in East Dunbartonshire.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow (Belmont) (Traffic Management) Order 2005 (Variation No.2) Order 201_ – Consultation, Parking, closes 15 October

Hamilton Gardens is on the site of the old BBC buildings on Hamilton Drive just off Queen Margaret Drive and it seems that commuters by car will seek out any wee space they can to leave their vehicle while they go off to work.

Here’s the email that we received last week from the City Council and it explains the concern:

” Date: 17 September 2019 at 15:20
Subject: FW: THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (BELMONT) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2005 (VARIATION NO.2) ORDER 201_ – Consultation

MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Sir / Madam
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BELMONT) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2005 (VARIATION NO.2) 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
Glasgow City Council’s policy is to dissuade commuter parking and encourage more sustainable methods of transport. The Belmont area was identified as being negatively affected by commuter parking and general adverse parking practices including indiscriminate and obstructive parking. Following this, parking controls were put in place. 
Since these controls have been implemented, a new development has been completed in Hamilton Gardens.  This is now an area that we are looking to include within the existing Belmont parking controls.  In view of this the statutory process for proposing parking controls throughout this area has now commenced.

These proposals will improve road safety and pedestrian safety by prohibiting unsafe and obstructive parking.  This would also minimise access problems for any emergency service vehicles such as fire appliances and other services such as cleansing vehicles, etc. for refuse collection.

Area affected by the proposed Order, The roads affected by these proposals are:-
Hamilton Gardens

Details of the proposed Order, The proposed Order (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-
No Waiting at any time
These restrictions are proposed where waiting is deemed unsafe or undesirable.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 28 days (reply by 15th October 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

GoBike will be getting our support in for this as soon as we can – our streets are for moving, not stationary, traffic and Hamilton Drive provides a handy, cycling cut-through, avoiding a busy section of Great Western Road. The fewer cars there the better for us.

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

All the details for this proposal to restrict parking/loading just off Maryhill Road near the car dealership and the golf club were given in Digest 43, Item 1.7.

This is a residential area and parking near the exit to Maryhill Road is a barrier to people who wish to cycle through here. GoBike will be supporting this move.

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

This is now the fifth 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.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Byres Road revised TROs- will they be issued soon?

On 30 August we were emailed with the news that Glasgow City Council are working to issue consultation documents for the revised layout of Byres Road in September. Nothing has been heard yet but as soon as we get the information we will get it out to you.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Mount Florida, GoBike response to the City Council reply to our objection to the removal of two-way cycling to allow for increased storage of stationary cars.

Back in Digest 39, Item 1.4 we published all the details we had received about proposals on waiting and loading restrictions in Mount Florida. We were told that the community want more parking spaces and thus streets are proposed to be made one-way and echelon, or angled parking is to be extended in the area.

GoBike submitted this letter objecting to the removal of two-way cycling, among other concerns, on 22 July.

On 27 August Glasgow City Council replied to us with this email.

We have made further investigations, both of echelon parking and the supposed hazards of contraflow cycling and we commend these links to you:

• Contraflow Cycling, a briefing from the European Transport Safety Council, which reports on studies showing that cycling against the flow of traffic is less hazardous than either cycling with the flow or making large detours on busy streets to avoid one-way sections.
• Echelon parking, a document from the USA, which strongly recommends that drivers reverse into angled parking places, listing the advantages of such a practice. The main positives are that the driver is able to see oncoming traffic and passengers, particularly children, exit the car towards the footway and not into the roadway.

We have sent this reply to Glasgow City Council today, 24 September, in which we also mention a Scottish Government document, Designing Streets and refer to Nairn Street in Yorkhill, see below, where contraflow cycling has been authorised.

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That’s it for now. Hope you enjoy the September weekend, whatever you are doing. The next Digest is planned for 15 October – but, if we hear news of proposals for Byres Road, we’ll be in touch.