Pedal on Parliament is a grassroots volunteer-led campaign pushing for better, safer and more inclusive cycling conditions for everyone of all ages and abilities in Scotland. We run a weekend of action aimed at policy makers, asking for better investment, design and policy for sustainable transport. 

The Pedal On Parliament manifesto asks politicians to agree to:

• Proper funding for active travel – starting at 10% of the transport budget and rising to 20% by the end of the parliamentary term.
• Design cycling for all ages and abilities into Scotland’s roads.
• Implement and enforce safer speeds where people live, work and play.

Join us as we call for a cycle-friendly Scotland. More details will be posted on the Pedal On Parliament website and socials.

Happy Easter! Things are a bit dead, before numbers rise again after the election, so it’s a chance to bring back consultations that slipped through the net in the last few months. The 12 local authorities in the Strathclyde area don’t always let us know what they’re up to!

This issue features East Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire for the first time in a while. North Ayrshire and Inverclyde still have consultations open. Also, regulars like Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire. The latter had a consultation that fell between Digest issues (see featured image, above) and sent a new update on NCN74.

Also, ahead of the local elections, check out Walk, Wheel, Cycle, Vote and consider a trip to Edinburgh for Pedal on Parliament‘s new route on 23 April (just after Earth Day).

Forthcoming consultation

Grassyards Road: Temporary cycle route extension (to MacKenzie Drive, Kilmarnock). Expected early May 2022 (presumably after the local elections).

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

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. City Centre Campus/‘Learning Quarter’ (People-First infrastructure)
2. Yorkhill to Anderston Liveable Neighbourhoods
3. Ardrossan Harbour Consultation
4. Drumchapel Local Development Framework
5. Greenock to Battery Park SfP lane

Section 2: Consultation Feedback

1. Foregate Square/James Shaw Lane, Kilmarnock (Temp. Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) TRO
2. Active & Sustainable Travel Strategy and Action Plan (ASTSAP), West Dunbartonshire
3. Churchill Ave route (& Cornwall St), East Kilbride
4. NCN74 Bothwell/Uddingston
5. East Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2 formally adopted

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

1.1: City Centre Campus/‘Learning Quarter’ (People-First infrastructure)

Organisation: Stantec on behalf of a partnership between University of Strathclyde, City of Glasgow College and Glasgow City Council.
Area: Townhead/Cathedral St area, north-east of city centre.
Subject: Consultation on the so-called ‘Learning Quarter’ where many streets are due to be in the city’s Avenues Project, including Cathedral St and North Hanover St. The campus project would link between those to the universities and college. Firstly, the Western Route includes steep Montrose St, as it goes past Strathclyde Uni’s ‘Heart of the Campus’ (Rottenrow Gardens). There’s another hill past City of Glasgow College towards Buchanan Bus Station. Secondly, the Eastern Route would connect to Rottenrow East and link to Avenues Plus routes on George St and John Knox St. Thirdly, the Northern Route goes from Cathedral St east of the college towards the new Sighthill Bridge. The survey asks about different options for streets on the routes. Stakeholder workshops will take place after Easter.
First featured: Digest 74, Item 2.1.
Website links: Public Engagement Web Hub.
Deadline: 8 May 2022.

1.2: Yorkhill to Anderston Liveable Neighbourhoods

Council: Glasgow City.
Area: From Yorkhill, Kelvinhaugh, Stobcross, Sandyford, Finnieston to Anderston.
Subject: The latest Liveable Neighbourhoods consultation covers the area between the River Clyde, River Kelvin, Kelvingrove Park and M8. Popular active travel infrastructure in the area includes NCN7/75 and the West City Way. Also, the (almost finished?) lanes funded by City Deal on Bunhouse Rd and Old Dumbarton Rd. Further segregated cyclepaths are due for Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village. These include Minerva St and Haugh Rd (where Bike for Good have their West hub). However, there are still plenty of gaps, as shown when the riverbank was shut during COP26. A new bridge across the Clyde at the Riverside Museum is due to start construction. Meanwhile, the SEC’s redevelopment may close off the red ‘smartie tube’ bridge at Exhibition Centre station. The M8 motorway remains a barrier to destinations like the Mitchell Library and Anderston station.
First featured: Digest 107, Item 1.11.
Website links: Yorkhill to Anderston LN (Commonplace).
Deadline: June 2022.

1.3: Ardrossan Harbour Consultation

Council: North Ayrshire.
Subject: Ardrossan Harbour and ferry terminal redevelopment “…will improve the facilities and operations at Ardrossan to meet the additional capacity provided by the MV Glen Sannox.” The much-delayed ferry is due to enter service later in 2022. Part of the proposals are about active travel routes into the site. The consultation interface is 3D but the plans are squashed into slides from a presentation. There seem to be walking and cycling lanes into both the west side (Harbour Rd) and east side (behind the Housing Association building). The presentation also mentions cycle parking, which may be at the south-west corner of the terminal. However, the plans are very hard to read. The cycle lanes should link into the Ardrossan Connections project in the town. Despite some reaction against the project in the local paper and a petition, it has held consultation events in March/April.
First featured: Digest 109, Item 1.5.
Website links: Ardrossan Harbour Consultation page and Ardrossan Harbour survey.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.4: Drumchapel Local Development Framework

Council: Glasgow City.
Subject: The latest framework consultation, following previous strategic ones for Glasgow North, ‘Inner East’, etc. Drumchapel is known as one of the ‘big four’ post-war council housing estates (along with Castlemilk, Easterhouse and Pollok). The Drumchapel Cycle Hub is based near the sports centre but there’s very little cycling infrastructure around the area. The map has made it past 25 comments.
First featured: Digest 102, Item 1.12.
Website links: Drumchapel Commonplace map, Drumchapel survey link and background.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

1.5: Greenock to Battery Park SfP lane

Council: Inverclyde.
Subject: A Spaces for People temporary route between Greenock town centre and a coastal park. A recent council vote was 9:2 in favour of keeping the lanes for another six months, with a further review in September. Photos in the consultation survey show a mixture of on-road ‘soft’ segregation and painted lanes on footways and across side roads. While some of the junction and bus stop treatments may not be ideal, there seem to be decent protected sections too.
Website links: Greenock Town Centre to Battery Park – Community Engagement and Inverclyde Now article on council vote.
Deadline: No obvious deadline.

Section 2: Consultation Feedback

2.1: Foregate Square/James Shaw Lane, Kilmarnock (Temporary Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) TRO

Council: East Ayrshire (via Ayrshire Roads Alliance).
Subject: A TRO from a few months ago, which extends the previous Spaces for People scheme (which your author missed – apologies). James Shaw Lane has a taxi rank and car parking beside a multi-storey car park. It leads to Foregate Square at the Burns Mall Shopping Centre and the bus station (with links to pedestrianised King St). The Order bans general car traffic but allows Blue Badge holders, taxis and some loading. The council SfP page shows the painted treatment and signage at the tarmac end of James Shaw Ln. However, Google StreetView images (see above) suggest there’s an issue with enforcement. The multi-storey car park is due to be closed and demolished later this year. The new Order came into force on 24 February 2022.
Website links: Foregate Sq/James Shaw Ln TRO and Foregate Sq/James Shaw Ln plan.

2.2: Active & Sustainable Travel Strategy and Action Plan (ASTSAP), West Dunbartonshire

Council: West Dunbartonshire.
Subject: A new Active & Sustainable Travel Strategy consultation sadly finished in March. Unfortunately, GoBike don’t hear much from West Dunbartonshire Council (unlike East Dunbartonshire, where we’re Stage 1 consultees). The strategy’s website does mention networks of active travel routes but doesn’t mention standards like the revised Cycling by Design. As the graphic shows, there’s an emphasis on electric vehicles over active travel. However, it does at least mention an e-bike charging network. There is some good active travel infrastructure in West Dumbartonshire, like the Bowline. But, as in most council areas, they lack protected everyday routes outside the National Cycle Network. This includes tourist destinations like the car-centric Loch Lomond Shores. WDC share some transport and environmental functions with East Dunbartonshire and Inverclyde councils. Inverclyde recently posted a Shared Services update on behalf of the local authorities.
Website link: Active & Sustainable Travel Strategy and Action Plan site, Results of Strategy Consultation (Phase 1 PDF), ASTSAP Appendix A (Emissions PDF), ASTSAP Appendix B (Sustainable Travel. PDF).

2.3: Churchill Ave route (& Cornwall St), East Kilbride

Council: South Lanarkshire.
Subject: This consultation came up between Digests (with a deadline the day before the next one!). The route starts on Cornwall St and should solve some of the issues going east at the taxi rank. The segregated 2-way cycletracks go north on Churchill Avenue towards West Mains Rd and Aldi. The rest of the route goes south-east, where it links with an existing path towards South Lanarkshire College. An alternative route under the roundabout avoids the double road crossing but the new route doesn’t connect directly to it. Perhaps due to concerns about underpasses, from college students/staff at the consultation workshop. While the above route uses verges, it would change some kerblines and require roadworks. W Mains Rd’s Places for Everyone project drew criticism for that so there may be more flak to come. W Mains Rd is due further work to build a protected junction at Torrance Rd.
First featured: Digest 102, Item 1.4.
Website link: Churchill Ave proposal 1 (PDF), Churchill Ave proposal 2 (PDF), Churchill Ave proposal 3 (PDF) and EK town centre network phasing.

2.4: NCN74 Bothwell/Uddingston

Council: South Lanarkshire.
Subject: Also in South Lanarkshire, GoBike member Denny passed on a response from the council about re-routing NCN74 between the Raith Interchange and Uddingston. SLC said: “the proposed rerouting and improvement designs will shortly be going out to Public Consultation.” Also: “construction has started on an off-road section between North British Road and Bellshill Road. This path will now incorporate a 3m wide cycle lane accompanied by a 2m wide pedestrian pavement. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by 15 April 2022, weather depending.” This section was already a popular off-road path so the extra width should help avoid conflicts between people.

2.5: East Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2 formally adopted

Council: East Renfrewshire.
Subject: East Ren’s new Local Development Plan finally made it over the finishing line. Following consultation, going to the Scottish Government Reporter, then Scottish Ministers (as we last heard in Digest 102, 2.5). ERC emailed: “As of 31st March 2022, the East Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2 is now formally adopted.”
First featured: Digest 47, Item 1.5 (response: Digest 49, 1.3).
Website link: East Renfrewshire LDP2 page.

The Digest will take a break and return in May.

With the elections coming consultations have once again dried up. Like me, you might be grateful because its been a busy couple of months of writing responses. One left – the STPR2 consultation which closes on the 15th April.

Section 1: Current Consultations

(in date order for responses)

1.1: Transport Scotland – Strategic Transport Projects Review – STPR2

There’s only a few days left to respond to this important consultation. The format is mainly drop down menu style with extra space for comments about the recommended projects in each section.

STPR2 is a shortlist of transport infrastructure projects for delivery over the next 20 years which will help Scotland to decarbonise transport as well as other objectives. This is positive and a change from the first STPR which was notable for locking in high carbon infrastructure such as motorway building and the Queensferry Bridge.

However, STPR2 still has big projects – creating a network of cycle lanes is a big job – but different in that they will be delivered by multiple actors.

I have produced a guide (below) for Cycling UK, to help people respond to the consultation – anyone is welcome to use this. Read more background in the associated STPR2 blog post.

The guide provide guidance on how to answer questions dealing with the recommendations that can benefit cycling, such as:

• Active Freeway & Cycle Parking Hubs
• Rural cycling connections
• 20 minute neighbourhoods
• Behaviour change projects
• Access to bikes
• Cycling to school
• 20mph zones
• Speed limits review

The guide doesn’t advise on the rights or wrongs of other projects such as the Glasgow Metro system!

Closes 15 April 2022

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

None this month

Section 4: Election Actions Special

There are lots of way to get involved ahead of the election on 5 May. Below are a few of the actions you can take via active travel campaign partners. Sorry if I have missed any.

4.1: Cycling UK in Scotland – Scotland local election e-action

Cycling UK are calling for cycling revolutions in local communities across Scotland to enable more people to cycle for pleasure and short local journeys, in attractive and safe urban and rural spaces.

Councils must make this happen by spending the record levels of funding now available for cycling, walking and wheeling on high-quality cycle routes and other projects which make neighbourhoods better for people.

Election webpage – for more information
Manifesto – 10 things councils must do
Petition – how you can join in calling for action – please sign.

Cycling UK also has a new Election 2022 toolkit for cycle campaigners.

4.2 Pedal on Parliament

Join thousands of others on Saturday 23 April in Edinburgh for a 10-year anniversary Pedal on Parliament. More information about the ride, which starts at 1pm, is at pedalonparliament.org

4.3 Walk Wheel Cycle Vote

WWCV focusses on accessibility in active travel infrastructure and public spaces. See the WWCV website to contact your candidates. Also use your social media accounts to post photos of good infrastructure near you and use the hashtag #MoreOfThisPlease.

4.4 Ramblers Scotland

Ramblers Scotland’s election page has five things you can do ahead of the election.

4.5 Living Streets

Take action where you live.

COP26 – How you can raise your voice for cycling and climate change

You won’t have missed that COP26 is coming to town next week, complete with world leaders, cycle lane closures, dodgy diversions and huge demonstrations. There are many ways you can get involved to call for action – a few of these are highlighted below.

Find out more about cycling, climate action and COP26 on the Cycling UK COP26 webpages

Pedal on COP26 – 6 November – Pedal on Parliament have been doing immense work to organise and coordinate action for COP26 – see the PoP website for more details.

• Be part of the Cycling Bloc (sustainable transport) at the mass march on 6 November
• Join a feeder ride to the march – there are 7 rides starting from various locations around Glasgow bringing riders to Kelvingrove Park.

Petitions and online actions – take a simple online action to speak up for the climate

• Cycling UK – social media action – This online action enables you to send a message to your MSPs via twitter telling them that #ThisMachineFightsClimateChange. If you don’t have twitter there’s a guide to spreading the message via other social media.
• Climate Scotland – petition – An online action organised by a coalition of charities with a focus on the impacts of climate change on Scotland’s natural environment.  In the signing process, you can select a topic and say why this matters to you. For example, for many cyclists experiencing the beautiful countryside on a bike is important for mental as well as physical health. Select ‘Beautiful places’ to make this, or a similar point.
• OXFAM – petition – Ask the Prime Minister to take decisive action on climate change.

Events – So many events are happening during the 2 weeks of COP26

• COP26 Cycling Forum – Monday November 1st, 2-4pm, Gartnavel Hospital grounds – This rally will bring together people who have cycled to COP26 and cycling advocates in Glasgow and globally, amplifying voices and celebrating the potential of cycling as a climate solution. Register here for this event
• Climate Fringe – Find events to interest you led by civil society for civil society.
• People’s Summit – 7-10 November – a huge range of events on offer

Cycling by Design

Transport Scotland has published its long awaited Cycling by Design design guidance update. They don’t have a consultation on the published guidance but rather is welcoming feedback on the content of the document via e-mail to cyclingbydesign@transport.gov.scot

Government says this new document will be ‘updated regularly to take account of project experience and changes to the legal or design environment’ so its worth providing feedback based on your real-life experience of good and bad cycling infrastructure designs.

Cycling by Design is a long document and rightly includes invaluable technical guidance for designers and planners.

My analysis and thoughts below are intended to be a guide to the Cycling by Design (CbD) document and a look at the bigger picture, the themes and the use of the document rather than an attempt to assess whether all the design details are to the standard we would like to see. That’s a lengthy piece of work and we will be looking at this at Cycling UK so that we can provide feedback to Transport Scotland and provide support to campaigners.

Clarity of guidance and use of images are excellent in CbD. There’s good imagery showing the wide variety of cycles that should be designed for, and this does pervade the document in the design images.

Key messages for designers – There is an excellent summary on page 9 which condenses the guidance down to 12 key messages explaining how designers should approach the application of CbD. Unfortunately, the rest of the document doesn’t always fully reflect the same high level of expectation as contained in the key messages.

Application of the guidance – Throughout the document there are tables showing 3 levels of delivery in certain situation or applying to specific design factors (high, med and low). Transport Scotland wants designers to go for the high level. The High, Medium and Low Level of Service categories are similar approach to level of service in England’s LTN 1/20 which uses Green, Amber, Red categorisation. However, LTN 1/20 also has a “Critical” level below Red (Low level of service) which can be considered as “this is really bad do not do it”. CbD needs a similar ‘DO NOT DO THIS’ level, as there are many designs on our streets which are plainly dangerous.

Planning for Cycle Users – This section, from page 13, is good at explaining that cyclists are a varied bunch and can have differing capabilities – plus they have different needs to both motorists and pedestrians.

Assess demand for infrastructure comes under section 2.5 on the planning and delivery process. My concern is that guidance explaining the need to ‘estimate future travel patterns’ and that ‘data sources may not reflect the full potential for cycle user trips’ doesn’t convey the same weight as Key Message No. 1 on p9 which says ‘We must plan and design for mass cycling’. Using current estimates is unlikely to deliver the infrastructure we so desperately need for mass cycling.

Network planning – The section shows that our current active travel network plans at the local authority level are not up to scratch. One of the Principles on p21 is ‘coherence’ and is further described on page 30. However, without a proper network plan for each LA you can’t meet the design guidance standards. It shows an urgent need for a proper Scotland-wide network plan of dense urban networks, cycle lanes along major arterial routes and links between towns and cities.

Provision of appropriate facilities on p49 is a really good summary as to why it’s important to provide protection, separation and to enhance places. Cycling interaction with pedestrians is covered on page 53, and there’s a general ongoing principle of keeping cyclists and pedestrians apart wherever possible. This could be clearer and more up-front, especially the interaction with disabled people. The section on access control rightly explains the need to not include barriers which stop people in wheelchairs or adaptive cycles from accessing safe infrastructure.

Maintenance – A section about the maintenance of cycling infrastructure appears at the end of the section about cycle lanes. Maintenance and planning for maintenance and upkeep, e.g. snowploughing in winter, should be integral to design and delivery. I would like to see this promoted in the document and made more prominent under section 2 – Planning for Cycle Users.

Crossings and junctions – There are lengthy sections of geometric guidance for all types of cycle links, design guidance on crossings and on junctions. Some of these, especially, junctions will take some getting used to by cyclists and drivers.

There is a helpful section on trip end facilities, including guidance for cycle parking, bike hangars etc, as well as info on links with public transport.

Finally, there’s not much reference to the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy in the guidance. Designers and planners need to understand that this should impact on the investment and design decisions – i.e. cycling isn’t just an add on. This problem is compounded by this guidance only being focussed on cycling infrastructure rather than a holistic and all encompassing design guidance for our roads, new build developments and community spaces.

Summary of concerns

• The good emphasis on high levels of service in the introductory sections needs to be maintained throughout the document but the guidance also needs to be clear on what designs are unacceptable under any circumstances.
• The process for review of the designs needs greater clarity, especially how this differs in each circumstance. For example, Sustrans may be strict in reviewing Places for Everyone bid designs but councils may be less stringent in designs for new developments.
• There’s an urgent need for professional training for planners, designers, developers, those assessing designs, LA staff and others inc. Highway Safety Auditors, to apply the guidance appropriately, especially with current inadequate network planning in many places (see next point).
• Network planning needs to catch up with the improved design guidance and MUST aim for mass cycling, rather than current estimates of future need.
• The guidance stands alone as cycling guidance and apart from references to other guidance isn’t fully integrated with other design guidance and could lead to issues, such as problems for disabled people, being missed.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Scottish Government, Climate Change Plan, Climate change and you, now CLOSED.
2. North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, closes Thursday 30 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Planning for Place – Webinar – 30th April 2020 – 4pm – Reallocating Road Space for Walking and Cycling During Covid-19 (Community Council event)
2. Pedal on Parliament 2020, Space For Distancing
3. Glasgow, Louisa Jordan Hospital at the SEC: how do we get there safely?
4. What about other Shared Footways, eg James Street in Bridgeton?
5. A Segregated Cycle Route, London Road in Bridgeton, one of several in and around Glasgow and the west of Scotland, plus a mention of the Bearsway

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. The Scottish Parliament: Climate Change & You Update
2. Glasgow, Ibrox Stadium, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone
3. Glasgow, Celtic Park and Emirates Arena, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone
4. East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.56
5. Glasgow, George Square Experimental Order
6. From University Avenue Glasgow to Princes Street Edinburgh

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

1.1 Scottish Government, Climate Change Plan, Climate change and you, now CLOSED.

We published information on this consultation in Digest 58 in good faith following information from our friends in Transform Scotland. Soon after publication, we got this email from them:

“I’m afraid to say that the Parliament’s ECCLR has now closed the consultation referred to in the article. (The 29 April date that we had used on our website was a placeholder, as the Committee had failed to advertise a closing date when they launched the consultation.)”

Poor performance there, then, from our government, but hope some of you managed to have a look. There is some feedback for those of us who did submit our views, see Item 3.1 below.

Item 1.2 North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, closes Thursday 30 April

In Digest 57, Item 1.3 we published details of this online consultation and in Digest 58, Item 1.2 we included GoBike’s letter of response, repeated here.

Here’s an email we received from North Lanarkshire Council on 23 April, encouraging feedback on the Link Road Options:

“We’re asking for your feedback on our plans for the East Airdrie Link Road, which is being developed as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

If you haven’t already given us your feedback, please take a few minutes to do so before 30 April. 

We will then consider all the comments received as we develop the plans for the link road. There will be another opportunity to give further feedback at the next stage of the project later this year.

Anyone who previously experienced difficulties returning the feedback form to the email address provided, can now send it to nlccitydeal@northlan.gov.uk.

Thank you.”

If you haven’t done so already, do please write in, by THURSDAY THIS WEEK to oppose the construction of this new road. In these times of limited travel, significant improvements in air quality and remarkable levels of cycling uptake, it is ridiculous that people working in local authorities and for our “city region” should be planning for more and more private road transport.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Planning for Place – Webinar – 30th April 2020 – 4pm – Reallocating Road Space for Walking and Cycling During Covid-19 (Community Council event)

Not before time, you might say, but Glasgow City Council is publicising a webinar for Community Councils and community groups, “Reallocating Road Space for Walking and Cycling During Covid-19”. There are quite a few GoBike members who are also members of their Community Council so we hope you will all respond to the email that was forwarded by Glasgow City Council yesterday, 27 April. GoBike will be looking in too.

Here’s the text:

“From: Scottish Community Councils
Sent: 24 April 2020 11:58
Subject: Planning for Place – Webinar – 30th April 2020 – 4pm – Reallocating Road Space for Walking and Cycling During Covid-19 

Good morning everyone, 

Our colleagues at the Planning for Place programme have asked us to make you aware of an upcoming webinar on Reallocating Road Space for Walking and Cycling During Covid-19.  Facilitated by Irene Beautyman, Place Lead at the Improvement Service, the webinar will be of particular value to council officers, elected members, community groups and all interested in pursuing the role of place as an enabler of healthier lives.  The online event is open to all those with an interest in facilitating active travel during the Covid-19 lockdown and in enabling safer conditions for walking and cycling.  Here is the link to sign up to the webinar (link removed by GoBike). I’d be grateful if you would consider sharing this information with interested colleagues and community councils in your area. 

Regards, “

If you do take part, please send any thoughts to the rest of us at GoBike!

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

Apart from that, GoBike is not aware of any specific consultations coming over the horizon, except for the Scottish Government information in Item 3.1, but we do hope that you are all able to get out on your bike to check current cycle lane provision, to note where it is sub-standard and where there is no provision at all. We need to make sure that, in future, we get good quality provision for all of us who are now cycling and all those people who will cycle if cycle lanes are there for them.

Let’s look at the facilities we currently have and the options open to us:

2.2 Pedal on Parliament 2020, Space For Distancing

We hope that by now you are all aware of our sister organisation, Pedal on Parliament, and its 2020 campaign inspired by the current social distancing guidelines. They have written up a couple of round ups about the action that happened over the weekend here and here and we hope that the encouragement the campaign has provided to local councils will help get some space for distancing road reallocation in place for people out walking and cycling.

Do have a look at the website and support, where and how you can, the moves to increase the space available for active travel while are streets are so empty during lockdown. We need to have meaningful dialogue, followed by action, to keep us safe on our journeys.

2.3 Glasgow, Louisa Jordan Hospital at the SEC: how do we get there safely?

National Cycle Route 75 will be well known to many of you; it’s narrow from the Clyde Arc Bridge, past the Hilton Garden Inn on the shared footway and along by the river past the Crowne Plaza Hotel and on to the shared footway shown above that runs next to the heliport. Crucially, though, on the other side of the green-netted fence, is a 2-lane road, empty at the time GoBike member, Brenda, took this photograph.

So why is such a narrow space provided for active travel, for people walking and cycling for their “daily permitted exercise”, for people going to their work at the Louisa Jordan Hospital, now the main function of the Scottish Exhibition Centre, and for people going to their work at other locations?

Let’s look at Cycling by Design, the Scottish Government’s design handbook, which Glasgow City Council have confirmed they use. In Table 6.2, “Off-carriageway facility widths”, page 63, the Desirable Minimum for shared pedestrian and cycle use is 3.0m. How does this shared footway compare? While the distance fence to fence is over 3m, the distance between the lampposts and the green fence is only 2.6m. That is, even without social distancing requirements, this shared footway is SUB-STANDARD. So why wasn’t one lane of the adjacent road used for cycling with the footway reserved for walking? That, as they say, is a “good question”.

How else can active travellers reach, or bypass, the Louisa Jordan Hospital? The tube bridge from Exhibition Centre railway station is closed, so let’s look at the surrounding roads. The Expressway is an option, but not for the faint-hearted, so what about Finnieston Street?

Some GoBike members might remember that when the Finnieston Street gyratory system was brought in some years ago we were very concerned about the perils of negotiating the roundabout on a bike. The City Council’s proposed solution was to suggest that the footway on the right hand side of the photo be made available for cycling, as well as walking in both directions! Look at the width. It was SUB-STANDARD then and if is absolutely SUB-STANDARD if we are all to keep a 2m distance from other people (except people with whom we cohabit).

Currently, for people who are confident in traffic, and provided any motor vehicles in the vicinity are being driven according to all the rules, Finnieston Street is a possibility, but for all the people who may currently be seen learning to ride on one of the hired Next Bikes??

2.4 What about other Shared Footways, eg James Street in Bridgeton?

Last week your Digest editor cycled out to Bridgeton with her cohabiting husband, to look at local cycle lanes, starting with the shared footway on James Street.

So how does this facility meet the standard set out in Cycling by Design, table 6.2? The pedestrian only space is 2m so does it meet the Desirable Minimum of 2m? Well, it would, but only if the lampposts, which clearly reduce the available width for walking were removed! Thus it is SUB-STANDARD.

Let’s look at the cycle space, which again, is 2m. Looking at Table 6.2, the Desirable Minimum for “Two way cycles only” is 3m, so let’s look at the Absolute Minimum (2 minima – how does that work?) and 2m is acceptable – but hold on – the 2m must be “free from line markings” and the white line is within the cycling lane. The verdict must again be SUB-STANDARD.

Why was this facility provided in this way? To allow the all-day parking on the right hand side of the photo and the limited parking adjacent to the cycle lane? Who knows?

Let’s bring in social distancing and ask whether a clearance from other people of 2m be maintained? Only with great difficulty. We don’t know who the other people in the photo are but it’s a fair guess that they use this route regularly.

Is 2m clearance from other people sufficient to protect people in these times of Coronavirus? We are all told to keep this distance but this Belgian study might get you thinking, but hopefully not worrying too much. Just stay as clear from others as you can, give everyone a good, wide berth.

2.5 A Segregated Cycle Route, London Road in Bridgeton, one of several in and around Glasgow and the west of Scotland, and a mention of the Bearsway

George and I then cycled on, via Bridgeton Cross, to the segregated cycle lane on London Road, which was constructed in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2014, even though it reduces to a shared footway well before the Emirates Stadium. GoBike has been reliably informed that if the M74 had been open at the time, removing much of the motor traffic from London Road, 2 one-way cycle lanes would have been constructed instead of this two-way facility.

So what’s the problem? The route is 3m kerb to kerb and that meets the Desirable Minimum Width given in Table 5.4, page 54 of Cycling by Design and if 2 people cycling opposite directions, as above, kept to their respective kerbs, it would just, just, be possible to get 2m clearance between them.

However, this check was prompted by GoBike member and Glasgow resident, Derek, who sent us this email recently:

“Last Sunday, coming in through Milngavie I went onto the cycle lane then quickly left when I saw the mass of family groups approaching as there was no way we could pass at 1m let alone 2. On the road, I was then hooted at by motorists yelling ‘get on the cycle lane’.“

So what can we do? Just about all our cycle facilities are constructed to the design minima. Obviously the design standards and the construction to date were all done before the terms “coronavirus” and “social distancing” entered our vocabulary, but with all the reports of increased numbers of people cycling, it’s of paramount importance that we get the space we need to cater for healthy active travel. We must refuse any designs done to the old minimum standards in any future consultations.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 The Scottish Parliament: Climate Change & You Update

Here’s an email received from the Scottish Parliament after the Digest Editor submitted a personal response to the short-lived consultation on Climate Change and You, referred to in Item 1.1 above. Note that the survey mentioned about halfway down, which closes on 12 May, only applies to people who submitted a response prior to the closure. It’s simply asking respondents’ views of the survey method.
However, there will be further consultation, see the paragraph we have put in bold:

“Hello,

Thank you for sharing your views on Climate Change and Behaviour Change with the Scottish Parliament via our online discussion site called Your Priorities.

We were delighted to receive your input on the behaviours we need to change now to help work towards a Net-Zero Scotland and your suggestions on what the Scottish Government should do to achieve this.   

A total of 393 participants took part and contributed 139 ideas, over 500 comments and nearly 9,000 ratings to help prioritise the ideas for behaviour change in the areas of travel, heating our buildings, generating electricity, food, and waste.

The Scottish Parliament is committed to involving people in its work and we would really appreciate if you could take 2 minutes to complete a short anonymous evaluation survey about your experience using our online engagement tool, Your Priorities.

You can complete this short survey via the following link: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ceu/a6789f89

Your feedback will help us improve how we engage with the public in the future. The survey will close on Tuesday 12^th May 2020.

In light of the COVID-19 emergency, the Scottish Government recently wrote to the Scottish Parliament to advise that the intended publication date for the Climate Change Plan update (30 April 2020) was no longer a practical option for a number of reasons, including the need to focus resources on the immediate response to the emergency.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee is liaising with the Scottish Government and will be considering how best to take forward scrutiny of the Climate Change Plan update. Your views are being collated and analysed and your engagement will help Scottish Parliamentary Committees scrutinise the updated Climate Change Plan. The Committees will provide an update on their scrutiny plans once further information on Scottish Government plans is available.

We will be in touch when the updated plan is published and provide information about how you can get further involved to support the work of the Scottish Parliament holding the government to account on this vital issue.

For more information on some of our Climate Change work please visit: https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/102792.aspx

Thank you again for your participation and we look forward to receiving your feedback.“

As soon as we hear, we will let you know.

3.2 Glasgow, Ibrox Stadium, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone

As we have previously reported proposals were issued in 2018 to limit parking around Ibrox. These proposals have been fiercely (and expensively) opposed by the Club and its supporters. Here’s the latest email we received on 17 April, which refers to the “pre-hearing meeting held on 11 March and here’s the attachment, the note of the Pre-Hearing Meeting, that came with it.

They are both quite long documents so only perhaps of limited interest. Let’s hope that the City Council does take action soon to make our streets available for cycling.

3.3 Glasgow, Celtic Park and Emirates Arena, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone

On the very same day, 17 April, we received almost identical documents relating to event day parking in the east of the city. Again, the proposals to control parking are opposed by the vested interests of football. Here’s the email and the note of the Pre-Hearing Meeting held on 10 March for your edification – if you are interested.

One disappointing thing to note is that for Celtic Park and the Emirates Arena there is no mention of the local City Councillors or the local Community Council having any involvement. Community Councils, as we have seen elsewhere in the city, can be a powerful force, as also can City Councillors. Two Councillors and a Community Council have taken an interest in events at Ibrox.

3.4 East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.56

Here’s the latest newsletter, April 2020, which we received on 15 April. There’s a short update on the Proposed Local Development Plan 2 on page 2.

3.5 Glasgow, George Square Experimental Order

Back in Digest 56, dated 17 March, Item 1.4, we gave the details for the proposed reduction of motor traffic in George Square in Glasgow and on 24 March we submitted this response. While we support the proposals we did suggest that the Square, or the majority of it, remain traffic-free later than the 7pm cutoff proposed. This email, received on 14 April, but just missing the deadline for Digest 58, denies this improvement (which we had also suggested at the Stage One consultation).

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (GEORGE SQUARE), EXPERIMENTAL ORDER 202_

Thank you for your correspondence dated 24^th March to the above Order on behalf of Go Bike.

As explained in my previous email the operational time of the bus priority measures is to provide consistency with the bus gates recently implemented in the city for the benefit and clarity of all users.

Your support will be recorded and reported in the official report to inform the Order. I will advise you of the outcome when the Order is completed but this process may be longer than expected due to the Coronavirus impact.“

Any of you currently visiting George Square will be able to enjoy the relative calm; let’s hope the changes are implemented soon, before the motor traffic returns to its previous level.

3.6 From University Avenue Glasgow to Princes Street Edinburgh

Last seen in February 2019 protecting the painted cycle lane on University Avenue, Autumn was photographed recently by her dad near their Edinburgh city centre home, cycling on the footway on Princes Street:

She’s still got the stabilisers but it’s hard to believe it’s a city centre: no taxis, no trams, no busses in sight. But now look what’s happened to University Avenue; GoBike member, Euan, recently submitted this photo:

A four-year old could cycle on the footway, so Autumn will be fine, with or without the stabilisers, but what about all the students, the shoppers, the workers and the visitors to the area? Where are they going to cycle on what was one of the first cycle routes in Glasgow, the Colleges Cycle Route, from the city centre out through the west end to the residential areas of Hyndland, Broomhill and Jordanhill?

It’s hard, but we will need to redouble our efforts in future campaigns and consultations to get active travel recognised. Otherwise it will be back to normal with cars everywhere and the air full of diesel and petrol fumes.

Do please support the Pedal on Parliament campaign to get short-term improvements. There are reports everywhere of increased numbers of people cycling and they need their space. Let’s hope there’s a positive outcome from the Community Councils event on Thursday (see Item 2.1)

More news in 2 weeks.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, B759, Cathkin Road, 30mph Speed Limit Regulation Order, closes 21 May
2. University of Glasgow Campus Development Public Engagement Meeting 28 May
3. **NEW** Glasgow, (School Streets, Glasgow) (Prohibition of Motor Vehicles) (Experimental Traffic Regulation) Order 201_ , closes 29 May
4. Glasgow Climate Change Survey, closes 31 May
5. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Council, Order – West Chapelton Avenue & Crescent, Bearsden – No Waiting & No Loading Restrictions, closes 03 June
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2 20mph Speed Limit Order 20__, closes 07
   June
7. **NEW** Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2 Traffic Regulation Order 20__ , Waiting and Loading, closes 07 June
8. **NEW** Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls, Order 201_ , closes 07 June
9. **NEW** Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, Order 201_
10. “URGENT – Don’t let the Tories sabotage this!” Workplace Parking Levy, request from John Finnie MSP, with no closing date but do please act SOON

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Active travel friendly streets, Glasgow southside (and many other places) – we wish!
2. East Renfrewshire, Improvements for Safer Cycling on Ayr Road – hopefully

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow/South Lanarkshire, Toryglen survey – Urban Roots reply to the GoBike response
2. Experience the Hitachi Class 385 Event – 8 May 2019
3. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside updates, 08 May and 16 May
4. Glasgow, Heathcot Avenue, Drumchapel, Traffic Regulation Order, one way.
5. Glasgow, “Quiet Way”, Langside to Muirend
6. Bottle Deposit Scheme approved

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow, B759, Cathkin Road, 30mph Speed Limit Regulation Order, closes 21 May

This first featured in our previous issue, Digest 33, Item 1.5 and the proposal is to reduce the speed limit to 30mph since housing is going to be constructed in this pleasant, open countryside.
The documents issued with the Order are: Advert, Plan, Statement of Reasons and Report.
This is one that GoBike will be supporting and we suggest that if you cycle along here or are thinking of buying a house here that you also add your voice of support.

1.2 University of Glasgow Campus Development Public Engagement Meeting 28 May

Lots of news further down about Glasgow University and University Avenue, but here’s an email that a GoBike member sent on to us and that we eventually also had come in direct:

“From: Nicholas Wade <Nick.Wade@glasgow.ac.uk>
Date: 13 May 2019 at 16:18:50 BST
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Subject:Campus Development – public engagement meeting – 28 MAY 2019

RE: UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT MEETING – 28 MAY 2019

Dear neighbour, 

The University will host its next public engagement meeting on the evening of 28 May to allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about our Campus Development Programme.
As you will be aware these meetings take place every six months, with the last one being held in November.

The event will be held in the Wolfson Medical Building (Yudowitz Seminar Room 1) on University Avenue, from 18:00 – 20:00.

It will offer the chance to hear more about recent progress on the site of the former Western Infirmary site, as well as the James McCune Smith Learning Hub and public spaces around campus.

We will also keep you informed with regards to key work upcoming over the next few months.
The event will feature presentations from the University’s project managers as well as the main contractors on the programme, Multiplex.

We anticipate covering the following subjects, however there will be opportunity to ask questions.

• Current and upcoming work on buildings under development;
• Infrastructure update, including upcoming demolition work on the former Western Infirmary site;
• Work currently taking place on roads, including University Place and University Avenue.

Please arrive ready for a 18:00 start, refreshments (teas and coffees) will be available.

Tickets are not required for this event, however we do ask people to register via Eventbrite in advance, so we have an idea of numbers.

If you have questions, or would like to discuss any aspect of the Campus Development, please do not hesitate to get in touch via campus-development@glasgow.ac.uk

Regards,

Ann Allen MBE
Executive Director of Estates
University of Glasgow”

So that’s an invitation that might be hard to refuse! Since apparently, meetings are held every 6 months, one wonders why GoBike has found it so hard to get information about what has been going on.

1.3 **NEW** Glasgow, (School Streets, Glasgow) (Prohibition of Motor Vehicles) (Experimental Traffic Regulation) Order 201_ , closes 29 May

It’s very sad that such measures are needed, but far too many people drive their children to school and park inconsiderately and dangerously. To address this, to reduce pollution at school gates and to encourage children to get a bit of exercise, Glasgow City Council have introduced this experimental Order. Yes, it’s currently limited to only six schools out of all those in the city but as a pilot, it’s a start. Let’s hope that it’s a success.

Here’s the email that we got from the City Council on 07 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SCHOOL STREETS, GLASGOW) (PROHIBITION OF MOTOR VEHICLES) (EXPERIMENTAL TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and 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 Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to saferparking@glasgow.gov.uk by 29^th May 2019.

Yours faithfully,” etc

This is the most positive thing we have seen coming out of the “Safer Parking” group at the City Council and we’ll be supporting it, but will certainly be asking why it’s so little and why it’s taken so long. Here are the documents that were issued with the proposal: Advert, Draft Report, Statement of Reasons, Plan 1, Bankhead, Plan 2, Broomhill, Plan 3, Hillhead, Plan 4, Lourdes, Plan 5, Our Lady of the Rosary and Plan 6, St Blane’s

Here’s a link to the reasoning behind the scheme from the Council’s website:
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/schoolcarfreezones

Do please write in to let Andy Waddell know your views, particularly if you live near one of these schools, travel past one of them or your child/children attends one of them.

1.4 Glasgow Climate Change Survey, closes 31 May

We introduced this survey in Digest 32, Item 1.6, with suggestions for completion from Extinction Rebellion, in Digest 33, Item 1.6 again, we gave you a few further suggestions but now you have had time to mull over the Connectivity Commission’s report, so there’s plenty to go on. Do please complete the survey.

1.5 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Council, Order – West Chapelton Avenue & Crescent, Bearsden – No Waiting & No Loading Restrictions, closes 03 June

We received this message from East Dunbartonshire Council on 01 May:

“Dear Patricia
PROPOSED: The East Dunbartonshire Council (West Chapelton Avenue and West Chapelton Crescent, Bearsden) (No Waiting and No Loading at Any Time Restrictions) Order.
The Council is promoting the above mentioned Traffic Regulation Order. Attached is a copy of the draft Order and plans together with a copy of the Notice which is to appear in either the edition of the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald which is published on 3 May 2019. Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 3 June 2019. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ. Also included is a copy of the maps in relation to the previous Orders which is to amended. The Traffic Regulations Order itself is a large document and the maps represent what is contained in the Order. A full copy of the Order that is to be amended can be provided if requested.
Fiona Stirling
Legal Services
East Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters
Southbank Marina 12 Strathkelvin Place Kirkintilloch G66 1TJ”

These are the two documents that were attached: Traffic Order and Plans

This is one that we will be supporting since roads are primarily for the passage of road traffic, and parked vehicles cause a hazard for people cycling or trying to cross the road. If you know the area well and have any comments do let us know, please.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2 20mph Speed Limit Order 20__, closes 07 June

You might have noticed that Laurieston is being redeveloped and the housing Phase 2 construction is now under way. Although we only hear whispers of cycling provision, there is, of course, room to have a car in the area. Oh, do motor vehicles go too fast for comfort? The City Council is proposing yet another 20mph zone. Why is it always so piecemeal (and only very rarely enforced)? Here’s the email that we received on 10 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Laurieston Phase 2) (20mph Speed Limit) Order 20__
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and 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 Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 07 June 2019.
Yours Faithfully, etc”

The attachments that were sent are: Press Notice/Advert, Statement of Reasons, Draft Report and Plan

GoBike will be supporting this proposal – we just wish the City Council had fully enacted GoBike member, Bob Downie’s petition to the City Council in 2015 to have 20mph as the default speed limit in the city.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2 Traffic Regulation Order 20__ , Waiting and Loading, closes 07 June

In conjunction with the previous item, Glasgow City Council is actively planning for an increase in traffic in Laurieston! Yes, some of the new residents might actually need a car, but overall, with proper active travel planning, with walkways and cycleways and local amenities such as schools and shops, this increase should be negligible. We received this email from the City Council on 13 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Laurieston Phase 2) (Traffic Regulation) Order 20__
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and 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 Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 07 June 2019.
Yours faithfully,” etc

The documents attached are these: Press Notice, Map/Plan, Statement of Reasons and Report
GoBike will be supporting this proposal but we will be adding our concerns at this failure to actively plan to reduce motor traffic and pollution. Where’s the Climate Emergency when you need it??

1.8 **NEW** Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls, Order 201_ , closes 07 June

And in the second double act of this Digest we have, at last, some consultation on University Avenue It’s all been done behind closed doors up to now, but here’s the first TRO email we received from Glasgow City Council on 09 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

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

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant plan (drawing 5230-001), statement of reasons and detailed report.

A copy of the draft order, the plan, statement of reasons and report for proposing to make the order are available for inspection at the following locations:

Reception, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AP
Details of the proposals for the traffic regulation and parking controls 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 Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, House, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 7^th June 2019.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to are the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant plan (drawing 5230-001), statement of reasons and detailed report.

As you might well be aware by now, we are not happy with the proposals for the painted cycle lanes that do not prevent parking and we propose to object. The “Colleges Cycle Route”, from the city centre to Jordanhill, once lauded as a premier cycle facility in Glasgow is being downgraded with these proposals. In these days of an accepted Climate Emergency, painted cycle routes everywhere should be upgraded to separated, not downgraded. We are asking other organisations to also object to this TRO.

Please also sign our 38 degrees petition that has just been launched!

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, Order 201_, closes 07 June

Here we have yet another piecemeal approach to reducing traffic speeds in Glasgow but it’s one that we will of course, support, and hope that it is enforced.

This is the email that we received from the City Council on 09 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY PLACE)
(20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant plan (drawing 5230-002), statement of reasons and detailed report.

A copy of the draft order, the plan, statement of reasons and report for proposing to make the order are available for inspection at the following locations:
Reception, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AP

Details of the 20mph speed limit zone 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 Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, House, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 7^th June 2019.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to are: the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant plan (drawing 5230-002), statement of reasons and detailed report.

Please do add your voice of support to this speed limit reduction.

1.10 “URGENT – Don’t let the Tories sabotage this!” Workplace Parking Levy, request from John Finnie MSP, with no closing date but do please act SOON

Here’s a message, received 16 May, sent to people who have expressed support for actions proposed/supported by the Scottish Green Party, from John Finnie, MSP. It’s a short, easy survey, so do please respond to help get some of these cars off our streets.

_{Don’t let theTories bury the parking levy}

“Dear ,

A Committee of MSPs are asking for views on the workplace parking levy and whether it could help cut congestion and fight climate change.

_{Please respond and show your support!}

Councils in England have the power to introduce workplace parking levies to help transform cities. Nottingham has done exactly that, raising millions of pounds for public transport, reducing congestion and slashing emissions.

We’re facing a climate emergency, and 2,500 people die every year as a result of toxic air pollution, so it would be great if Scotland’s Councils had the same power, right?

_{Respond now}

That’s why the Greens secured a commitment from the Scottish Government to give Councils this power as part of our Budget deal last year. This is a policy that could be used by our biggest cities to tackle air pollution and climate change, and Edinburgh have already said they’d like to use the power. Incredibly, however, the Tories, Lib Dems and Labour ganged up and threw the toys out of the pram. They say they get climate change, but at the whiff of political advantage they drop their principles.

A Committee in the Scottish Parliament have now launched a short online survey asking for public views on the proposal. Already the Tories are all over it, desperately trying to whip up hysteria and opposition to this modest policy that will only help in the fight against climate change.

Please help us restore balance and reason to this debate and show your support for the policy now. It takes just a minute, and your response will make all the difference.

Yours
JohnFinnieMSP

Respond to the consultation now”

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Active travel friendly streets, Glasgow southside (and many other places) – we wish!

On Sunday 05 May Andy Preece led the monthly GoBike ride out via Pollokshields, Queen’s Park and the “Langside to Muirend” Quiet Way (see Item 3.5 below) before heading off to East Kilbride and other parts of South Lanarkshire. En route we went along streets, such as the one shown above, that were effectively linear car parks. With cars parked just about bumper to bumper, with hardly space for a fire engine to get through, nowhere for children to play, very narrow footways and no sign of cycle contraflow, these streets are far from being “Living Streets”. Let’s hope, for the sake of us all that we get meaningful consultation to make such streets active travel friendly.

2.2 East Renfrewshire, Improvements for Safer Cycling on Ayr Road – hopefully

Hope you didn’t miss all the fun and excitement of Pedal on Parliament 25 – 27th April? One of the events was the Ayr Road hill climb race, where cars parked in the painted cycle lane were fliered with mock parking tickets.

There was then an exchange of emails between GoBike and East Renfrewshire council with a promising outcome:

“From: Convenor [mailto:convenor@gobike.org] Sent: 27 April 2019 18:59
To: *Roads <*roads@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk>
Cc: Convenor <convenor@gobike.org>; <consultations@gobike.org>
Subject: Improvements for Safer Cycling on Ayr Road

Dear East Ren Roads Dept,

You may be aware of a cycling protest that happened on Ayr Road on Saturday as a part of a weekend of Pedal on Parliament events.

https://www.gobike.org/east-renfrewshire-protest-was-just-the-ticket-8333

We flyered cars with the attached leaflet in an attempt to highlight the dangers that parking in the advisory lanes on Ayr Road cause to people on bikes. To help ease the problem we would like to ask East Renfrewshire council to make the cycle lanes physically segregated or at the very least to consider changing the status of the lanes to mandatory in order to allow for parking enforcement, and that the double yellow lines stretch the ful length of the road. Currently the double yellow lines painted on short sections of the road are actually leading to more parking as they appear to suggest to drivers that sections without double yellows are OK to park in. We were disappointed to see the removal of the previous Urban Clearway status of the lanes and have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of parking on the lanes since then. Our ideal, which we would also ask you consider, would be to see physical segregation for the lanes which would create an even better level of safety for people cycling and would allow for many people who don’t currently want to cycle due to road danger, the option of choosing active travel.

We would also like to highlight the issue of the layout of the painted cycle lane at the junction of Davieland Road. Currently the design encourages people travelling north (downhill) to remain on the far left of the road even if travelling straight on. This creates increased risk of left hook collisions. We would like to see the road markings changed to encourage people on bikes to the right of left turning vehicles when heading straight on.

The cycle lanes that exist on Ayr Road are the one almost safe haven for cycling that there is in East Renfrewshire. Although they are only painted lanes they are a good width in comparison to other cycle lanes in Glasgow, and are used by a large number of people on bikes. We would like to see East Ren Council show greater support for active travel and consider our improvement proposals.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

Iona”

Here’s the supportive reply from East Renfrewshire’s Green Network Project Officer:

Dear Iona,
Thank you very much for your email dated 27 April 2019 highlighting cycling safety concerns along Ayr Road.

I have spoken to our Transportation Coordinator and we recognise the issues raised through the recent protest and note the points in your correspondence below.

Although there are no immediate changes proposed, East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) are currently progressing a Sustrans Community Links PLUS (CL+) application in order to secure funding and commitment for protected cycling provision and improved public realm along the A77 road corridor. Unfortunately we are unsure whether these proposals will be supported by Sustrans and/or the ERC Environment Department, however I hope to be in a position to update you by July/August 2019.

Should we be unsuccessful in our CL+ proposal we will endeavour to explore alternative options, such as those highlighted in your email below, to improve the cycling experience and support active travel along the A77 corridor.
Many thanks for your representations on the matter.
Kind regards

John Shelton
Green Network Project Officer”

If you live in East Ren or cycle along the Ayr Road, please do write in to John and /or your Councillors to support the GoBike proposals.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow/South Lanarkshire, Toryglen survey – Urban Roots reply to the GoBike response

In Digest 33, Item 1.1, we reported on the Urban Roots proposals for North Toryglen and included the letter of support we sent. We were delighted to get this prompt response: ” This is great, much appreciated! Best wishes Gemma “

Let’s hope they can bring it to fruition.

3.2 Experience the Hitachi Class 385 Event – 8 May 2019

Through Glasgow City Council’s Active Travel Forum, GoBike were invited to Lanark on 08 May to view the new trains being operated by ScotRail and about to be introduced on the route out to Lanark. These trains are already operating on other routes, including the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk line, so some of you may have seen them already, but Tricia and George went along to see the space available for bikes. It’s more than some of the older units but not as much as the Class 380s that have been operating on the lines down to the Ayr coast.

3.3 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside updates, 08 May and 16 May

Those of you who have been to the Connecting Woodside events might well be receiving these updates direct but here’s the latest, issued on 08 May.

And here’s the link, sent out on 16 May, to a series of Canal Workshops , with a photo of new art work being completed by the woman sorting her equipment to the left of the mural. The photo was taken on Saturday 11 May during the Bromptonites tour of street art in North-West Glasgow.
The 2 hour workshops were held on 14 May, with 2 more to be held on 18 and 21 May.

3.4 Glasgow, Heathcot Avenue, Drumchapel, Traffic Regulation Order, one way.

The consultation on the change from two way to one way for Heathcot Avenue featured in Digest 29, Item 1.2 and you might remember that we consider that the default of two way cycling should be permitted here. That, yet again, is not Glasgow City Council’s view. Here’s their email of 10 May:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

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

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

This Order will:

• Improve road safety by removing potential driving conflicts, and associated reversing manoeuvres, through implementing a single directional flow of traffic.
• Improve road and pedestrian safety by prohibiting vehicles from parking at obstructive or inconsiderate locations.
• Improve pedestrian safety by increasing visibility at pedestrian crossing points.

The Order was made on 10 May 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 13 May 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.
The earliest date the parking controls will come into force will be 24 June 2019.

I realise that this may not be the outcome you wished for, however Glasgow City Council’s Local Transport Strategy includes a high level objective within Improving Road Safety.
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (details removed)

Yours sincerely” etc

Thus it becomes increasingly clear that the inclusion of active travel measures, particularly the maintenance and improvement of permeability for cycling, is not one that is routinely considered in traffic schemes within the City Council. This is yet another opportunity lost to get people out on their bikes.

3.5 Glasgow, “Quiet Way”, Langside to Muirend

Some years ago GoBike members and others who attended the Glasgow Cycle Forum were invited to view and comment on a proposal for a “quiet way” to link Langside to Muirend. On the GoBike ride of 05 May we had the opportunity to experience this “quiet way”. What is it, you might well be asking? It’s the painted white line cycle lanes that run along Langside Drive from near Langside Railway Station and, annoyingly, stop 100 metres or so short of Muirend Railway Station, ie just where the road narrows as it goes over the railway bridge, and where a cycle lane (protected) is needest most. And guess what? Cars are sometimes parked on the cycle lanes! So come on Glasgow City Council – you can do better to get people cycling.

3.6 Bottle Deposit Scheme approved

Some good news to end on. You will have heard from the media that the bottle deposit scheme has been approved. So that’s more cash for the weans and fewer punctures for us as bottles are returned, rather than discarded. Here’s the BBC link and this is a link to the results of the public consultation – hope many of you responded?

That’s a bumper bundle for you to peruse and hopefully get tapping on your keyboard to respond. All being well, your next Digest will be with you on Tuesday 28 May.

As a part of Pedal on Parliaments pop up weekend last week GoBike hosted a pretend parking ticket hill climb race designed to protest the need for safer cycling conditions in East Renfrewshire. This attracted local participants on Ayr Road, who rode bikes up the hill and delivered fliers to cars parked in the cycle lanes.

Organiser Iona Shepherd from GoBike said “The cycle lanes on Ayr Road are a popular commuting route for people on bikes. Despite the long, steep hill, the popularity of these lanes shows just how important they could be as an active travel corridor if they were made safer. Currently parked cars make the lanes dangerous for people cycling and we would like to see efforts made to make them safe for everyone to use. It is really important for our climate and health that we make road conditions for cycling safer so that more people are able to choose active travel.”

20 cars parked in the cycle lanes were flyered in the space of half an hour.

One East Renfrewshire local (and GoBike member!) who rode the hill climb race, Joel Cooney, said “The A77 is one of the most heavily-cycled routes in East Renfrewshire and yet the people of Giffnock and Newton Mearns are poorly-served by it. We can see great things happening just over the border in Glasgow and we would welcome similar efforts coming from our own council. In the meantime, the least that could be done is keeping the lanes clear of cars.”

The winner of hill climb race was Chris Greenaway with a time of 13:50

This event was part of a full weekend of cycling action co-ordinated by Pedal on Parliament (PoP), who are campaigning to make Scotland a cycle-friendly country. On Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of this weekend “Pop-up PoPs” happened all over Scotland, with dozens of protests highlighting the barriers to safe cycling that people find in their own area.

Pedal on Parliament, who traditionally hold an annual mass ride to protest the need for better cycling provision, are focusing on local protests this year, aimed at improvements that could be made by local councils. Events happened as far and wide as Inverness, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen and Dundee.

We have contacted East Renfrewshire Council to say:

You may be aware of a cycling protest that happened on Ayr Road on Saturday as a part of a weekend of Pedal on Parliament events. (link)
We flyered cars with the attached leaflet in an attempt to highlight the dangers that parking in the advisory lanes on Ayr Road cause to people on bikes. To help ease the problem we would like to ask East Renfrewshire council to make the cycle lanes physically segregated or at the very least to consider changing the status of the lanes to mandatory in order to allow for parking enforcement, and that the double yellow lines stretch the full length of the road. Currently the double yellow lines painted on short sections of the road are actually leading to more parking as they appear to suggest to drivers that sections without double yellows are OK to park in. We were disappointed to see the removal of the previous Urban Clearway status of the lanes and have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of parking on the lanes since then. Our ideal, which we would also ask you to consider, would be to see physical segregation for the lanes which would create an even better level of safety for people cycling and would allow for many people who don’t currently want to cycle due to road danger, the option of choosing active travel.

We would also like to highlight the issue of the layout of the painted cycle lane at the junction of Davieland Road. Currently the design encourages people travelling north (downhill) to remain on the far left of the road even if travelling straight on. This creates increased risk of left hook collisions. We would like to see the road markings changed to encourage people on bikes to move to the right of left turning vehicles when heading straight on.

The cycle lanes that exist on Ayr Road are the one almost safe haven for cycling that there is in East Renfrewshire. Although they are only painted lanes they are a good width in comparison to other cycle lanes in Glasgow, and are used by a large number of people on bikes. We would like to see East Ren Council show greater support for active travel and consider our improvement proposals.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

Pop weekend continues with loads more action on Sunday.