Anna told us that the City Council are working on a Local Transport Strategy, a Neighbourhood Strategy and preparing a bid for part of the £10m Covid 19 fund currently available from the Scottish Government

They are focusing on 3 things:

• City Centre, creating social distancing space for businesses
• Arterial route cycle infrastructure, to allow people to cycle into the city
• Neighbourhoods work, including space on high streets for businesses.

The City Council will also be looking to extend the number of car-free zones around schools from the current 6.
Anna talked about filtered permeability for cycling, demand management and looking to the less affluent north and east of the city for improving cycle provision.

GoBike asked her 2 questions about the new cycle lane on Clyde Street and Broomielaw and she answered:
“Yes, the new cycle lane is just westbound – it could be done quickly and shows the Council’s determination to act. People travelling east may either use the road or stick to the riverside shared use path.
Yes, the cones will stay, “We will keep the cones there for as long as they are needed to keep people safe. ”

So that’s good news, a wee bit disappointing about there being no new cycle lane for eastbound cycle traffic on the Broomielaw and Clyde Street, but it does give us more space and cycling on the Fastlink bus lanes has been formalised.

GoBike has been calling for cycle lanes on arterial routes into the city and for cycling permeability in areas of one-way streets for a long time, with contraflow cycling and cycle filters, so delighted with that news.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes TOMORROW, 30 October
2. Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking restrictions, closes FRIDAY, 01 November
3. **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Filtering Silvertonhill Avenue, Snap Survey, closes?
4. **NEW** Dundee, Low Emission Zone, closes?
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20 mph Speed Limit Zone Order, closes 11 November
6. East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November
7. **NEW** Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November
8. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December
9. **NEW** Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, public consultation event TOMORROW, 30 October
2. Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, 15 November – plus more disruption on University Avenue!
3. Glasgow, Skirving Street and Deanston Drive, place-making, 21 November

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue
2. North Lanarkshire, Work to start on Horsley Brae junction improvements
3. Scotland’s National Transport Strategy consultation: GoBike submission
4. Glasgow, Planning Application for 48 homes, Beith Street, Partick
5. East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.54
6. Glasgow, Winter Gritting Arrangements, now to include some cycle lanes
7. Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes TOMORROW, 30 October

We detailed this short survey in Digest 45, Item 1.5, so do please look at it before the survey closes tomorrow. It’s just a short survey with lots of views already in supporting the removal of motor traffic. Do add to this!

1.2 Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking restrictions, closes FRIDAY, 01 November

This was a new item in Digest 45 – see Item 1.6, where we have detailed the parking chaos to the west of Dalmarnock Station across to the Police Scotland offices, which even spreads to the other side of the river at Shawfield. Here’s the letter GoBike sent in 2 weeks ago – do please add your support.

1.3 **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Filtering Silvertonhill Avenue, Snap Survey, closes?

Here’s a drawing of the proposal to close the through route from Silvertonhill Avenue to Chestnut Crescent in Hamilton to motor vehicles, but maintain two-way cycle access. Here’s the information that GoBike member, Derek Y, sent in:

” South Lanarkshire Council have proposed a filter at bottom/north of Silvertonhill Avenue with cycle access. This cuts down through traffic on residential streets and makes it easier for children to cross to Woodside Primary School west of Johnstone Road. A shame it keeps 1-way at north without cycle contraflow – you might wish to suggest this in your response to the Survey (with plans on p2) at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=157053578908 “

Derek had tried to improve even further on permeability for cycling in this area so if you know this part of Hamilton do please advise South Lanarkshire Council of what more could be done – there’s a space in the survey to add comments.

This is just the sort of thing that we’d love to see more of all over the Greater Glasgow and Strathclyde area as modal filters make local areas nicer by discouraging rat-running, short journeys by car more unattractive and provide alternatives for people travelling by bicycle.

There’s no apparent closing date for the survey so do respond to it quickly. It’s really easy and very short.

1.4 **NEW** Dundee, Low Emission Zone, closes?

This is another quick survey that we have heard about from Friends of the Earth, but there is no indication of a closing date. You might only cycle in Dundee on your hols or travel to the city to visit the V&A or the Discovery but surely you will want the air to be as clean as it can be?

Here’s the email received on 24 October from FoE:

” Everyone who lives, works or visits Dundee city centre is being exposed to dangerous air pollution. The Council has a plan that will do little to change that. That’s why we need everyone in Scotland to speak up. 

Dundee Council are asking for the public’s views on their Low Emission Zone (LEZ) plans. We have provided a step-by-step guide that will help you respond quickly and effectively. Click to take action

A Low Emission Zone should restrict the worst polluting vehicles and protect the health of people who live and work in the area. But Dundee’s LEZ plans are a tiny zone which ignores Lochee Road –  consistently one of the most polluted roads in the whole of Scotland! 

This Zone needs to improve air quality for anyone who spends time in Dundee and that means making sure it cleans up the most polluted areas. 

The First Minister, and many councils, have declared a climate emergency. But we’re still seeing business-as-usual ideas. Climate emissions from transport are the same now as they were in 1990. 

There is an opportunity for Dundee to show real leadership and move away from fossil fuelled vehicles. If Dundee Council hear from enough people demanding more ambition, they will have to pay attention. 

Please take a few minutes to respond to the consultation now “

I found the various option pictures a wee bit confusing so the FoE guidance was a big help.
Do respond to this quick survey and let’s get Low Emission Zones in all Scotland’s cities.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20 mph Speed Limit Zone Order, closes 11 November

Sighthill redevelopment continues and Glasgow City Council is looking to introduce a 20mph speed limit for the area. Here’s the email that we received on 21 October:

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

Dear Sir / Madam
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SIGHTHILL), (MANDATORY 20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) 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 are proposing to implement a mandatory 20mph speed limit in Sighthill. 

The purpose of the Mandatory 20mph Zone is to ensure that vehicle users reduce their speeds to 20mph or less, and therefore improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and all other vehicle users.  By turn, it is anticipated that this will encourage more people to walk and cycle, which will naturally see improved health benefits.  

Area affected by the proposed Order

The roads affected by these proposals are bounded by:-
The order will affect the residential area generally bounded by St. Rollox Drive to the north,  Springburn Road to the east. The M8 motorway to the south and the railway line to the west.

The roads affected by the proposals are:
Cuddies, Campus Place, Fountainwell Drive, Fountainwell Gardens, Fountainwell Groove, Fountainwell Road, Hopepark Wynd, Hopepark Court, Huntingdon Street, Huntingdon Road, Huntingdon Close, Huttons Drive, Pinkston Road, Pinkston Drive, Pinkston Wynd, Sighthill Avenue, Sighthill Circus, Sighthill Park Gate,  Sighthill Park Terrace, Stalk Court, Tower Place.

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

·        The implementation of a 20mph speed limit. 

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (reply by 11^th November 2019).

In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, do not hesitate to contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike)

Should the Council proceed with these proposals; a copy of the Notice of the proposed Order will be forwarded to you intimating an opportunity to lodge any objections to the proposals.

Yours faithfully

Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

The plan mentioned above is here.

GoBike will be supporting this proposal, probably the first time such a large area has been covered by a 20mph TRO, our only concern being how compliance will be ensured. If you live in Sighthill or travel through there please do add your support to this move; Sighthill is a residential area where children, and everybody else, should be able to move about without fear of being mowed down by a motor vehicle going too fast.

1.6 East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November

This consultation was featured in Digest 45, Item 1.7 and there is now just one Consultation Event left to go to – and that’s tomorrow!
Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Wednesday 30 October – 3pm-7pm

If you can get there please do, and send any views to consultations@gobike.org so that we can include them in our response.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November

Work on the proposals initiated by local businesses was unfortunately postponed when concerns were raised about the initial proposals for Byres Road, but GoBike received this email on 18 October:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (QUEEN MARGARET DRIVE), (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 plan (drawing 5126-001 A), 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 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, Exchange House, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or to Christine Francis by e-mail, to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 15 November 2019.

Yours faithfully

Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”

The documents mentioned in the email are here: copy of the draft order, the plan, the statement of reasons and the report.

We have already, 28 October, submitted a clear GoBike response , written by Calum, but the main proposals, from the City Council, which you might wish to read before you read the GoBike view are given in the report and are repeated here:

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

1. Removal of parking and extension of the existing ‘No waiting, no loading at any time’ restrictions on the West kerbline of Queen Margaret Drive between Clouston Street and Kelbourne Street.
2. Proposed segregated two-way cycleway on West footway of Queen Margaret Drive between Hamilton Drive and the existing bus stop located approximately 175m north of Hotspur Street.
3. Existing bus stops to be retained.
4. Existing loading bays to be retained.
5. Existing taxi rank, on East kerbline of Queen Margaret Drive, to be retained.
6. Removal of the existing bus lane on Queen Margaret drive from a point approximately 40m North of Kelbourne Street for a distance of approximately 220m north to accommodate a two-way segregated cycleway. “

While the proposals will improve things for people cycling on Queen Margaret Drive, we have found that issues we have highlighted on other schemes are repeated here. This is worrying but we have made clear our concerns in our submission.

1. 8 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December

Here’s the email that we received from East Dunbartonshire Council on 23 October:

“The East Dunbartonshire Council (A81 Milngavie Road and A81 Maryhill Road, Bearsden)(Redetermination Of Means Of Passage To Be By Pedal Cycle And Foot Only) Order.

The Council is promoting the above mentioned Traffic Regulation Order. Enclosed is a copy of the draft Order together with a copy of the plan indicating the locations of the footways and Statement of Reasons for the proposal. Also enclosed is a copy of the Notice that is to appear in the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald that is published on 1st November 2019. Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 2 December 2019. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ. (See attached file: 191022 Draft Redetermination Order Cluny Park area.pdf)

Regards,
Fiona Stirling, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ”

Here’s a further copy of the document from East Dunbartonshire Council, which includes a copy of the plan and the redetermination proposal.

This proposal is very near to the area where GoBike has supported the earlier proposal, see Digest 45, Item 1.2, to introduce parking and loading restrictions at the south end of Rannoch Drive.
It appears to be a move to ameliorate potential collisions and near misses at the junction of the A81 and the Switchback, by allowing people to cycle on the footway. It would have been better all round if the extension south of the Bears Way had been built.
GoBike will be submitting a response but if you do have views please get them to us, by emailing consultations@gobike.org

1.9 **NEW** Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Here’s an interesting email that we received on 16 October from the UK Law Commission:

“Dear All,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the second consultation paper in our three-year review of the UK’s regulatory framework for automated vehicles. This launches a three-month public consultation.

This paper looks at the regulation of self-driving vehicles which could travel empty or only with passengers, without a human driver or user-in-charge. We focus on self-driving vehicles providing mobility services to the public, which we refer to as Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS. Today’s paper builds on the work in our first consultation on safety assurance and allocating legal responsibility.

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

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

Yours sincerely,

Automated Vehicles Team – Law Commissions

Automated Vehicles | Law Commission | Public Law Team
1st Floor, Tower, Post Point 1.54, 52 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AG“

We weren’t too impressed with the first consultation on this topic, see Digest 27, Item 1.1
The banner picture above is from their email so they do acknowledge that these driverless vehicles will be operating near people walking or cycling. We’ll be conferring with other organisations as to their views, but if you have any do let us know.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, public consultation TOMORROW, 30 October

This event, tomorrow, mentioned also in Item 1.6 above, is the last in a series of public meetings about the Local Transport Strategy:

Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Wednesday 30 October – 3pm-7pm

Do please get there if you can.

2.2 Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, 15 November – plus more disruption on University Avenue!

GoBike member, Derek M, told us about this meeting that might just be of interest? Here’s the email he forwarded to us:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Item 1 could keep the discussion going for quite a while! Do get along if you are studying or working at the university or if you have been involved in the campaign for good cycle infrastructure on University Avenue.

PLUS, just in case you don’t find negotiating University Avenue traumatic enough, here’s news of services works, that we received on 26 October:

“I’m writing to let you know we will shortly be starting our project to upgrade the gas network in University Avenue, Glasgow. This essential work involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply.
Following discussions with Glasgow City Council our project will start on Monday 4 November and last approximately ten weeks. We’ll be carrying out the work over two phases to help minimise disruption.

Each phase is described below.

Phase one – approximately five weeks
On Monday 4 November, we’ll begin working in University Avenue between Kelvin Way and Hillhead Street. During this phase, most of our work will be taking place on the footpath however, cycle lanes may be closed to allow pedestrian access.

Phase two – approximately five weeks
From Monday 6 January 2020, we’ll be working in University Avenue between Hillhead Street and University Gardens. During this phase, we’ll also be installing temporary three-way traffic lights in University Avenue at its junction with Hillhead Street. The lights will be manually controlled during peak hours to help minimise inconvenience as much as possible.We’ll be posting regular updates on our website https://one.network/?112401221 and using social media and traffic bulletins to keep residents and motorists informed.
Please feel free to share this information with your stakeholders and anyone else who may be impacted by our work.

one.networkone.networkOne platform to plan, monitor, communicate and analyse traffic disruptions.”

No mention of temporary cycle lanes or cycle phases in the temporary traffic lights, but good that they will be keeping “motorists informed”!

If you attend the event on the 15th, you might wish to ask about this?

2.3 Glasgow, Skirving Street and Deanston Drive, place-making, 21 November

GoBike member, Alasdair, has told us about this Sustrans event to be held in Shawlands:

Consultation Feedback

3.1 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue

GoBike supported moves to prohibit parking and loading around the car showrooms in this area, see our last Digest, Issue 45, Item 1.2 and we have now received this acknowledgement from East Dunbartonshire Council:

“Good morning Tricia
Thank you for responding. A copy of your email with attached letter has been forwarded to the Council’s Roads and Transportation.
Regards Fiona Stirling, Legal Services“

This now appears to be part of moves to improve active travel in this part of Bearsden – see also Item 1.8 above.

3.2 North Lanarkshire, Work to start on Horsley Brae junction improvements

GoBike gets very little information from North Lanarkshire but we doubt that the forthcoming changes to this area make an improvement for cycling. They will certainly speed up northbound through traffic and extend the potential conflict with merging motor traffic southbound. Read on for the message we received on 21 October:

“Work to start at Horsley Brae junction

Work starts from today (21 October) on improvements to the road layout at the A71 Horsley Brae junction with the B7011 Brownlee Road.

North and South Lanarkshire Councils and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) are investing a total of £1.6 million in the project which aims to reduce congestion at the busy junction.

The A71 will be widened to create a right-turn lane northbound, for traffic turning on to Brownlee Road, and a merging lane for traffic travelling south on Brownlee Road and joining the A71.

A contractor JH Civil Engineering Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work, which is expected to take approximately 26 weeks.

Traffic management will be used to allow vehicles to continue using the A71 during the majority of the works, however during certain phases of the proposed works, it is expected that road closures will be necessary. The most effcieint diversion routes will be advised in advance of the closure.

“This is a very busy junction particularly at morning and evening peak times, with traffic queuing to turn right which leads to delays and congestion back to the Garrion Bridge roundabout,” said Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee.

“By creating a right-turn lane with capacity for approximately 14 cars, we will reduce the queue of northbound cars while the southbound merging lane will improve traffic flow away from the junction.

“Improvements will also be made to pedestrian routes across the junction to make the popular Clyde walkway safer.

“We appreciate that the roadworks will cause delays over the coming months but, when complete, we will see significant improvements in traffic flow and road safety for drivers and pedestrians.”

Information about the project will be on the web site and updates posted on Facebook and Twitter @nlcpeople.

SPT are investing £800,000 in the project with both councils contributing £400,000 each.”

No mention of people cycling there and probably no allowance will be made for bikes during the works – although we live in hope – so do take care if you are out and about in this area.

3.3 Scotland’s National Transport Strategy consultation: GoBike submission

This consultation closed on 23 October – details have been in our last few Digests – and our well-considered submission was sent in on 21 October. Here it is, and we are very grateful to Brenda for giving it so much thought and investigation.

And we received this automatic reply:

“Thank you for submitting your response to the draft National Transport Strategy consultation.  An analysis of all responses will be carried out to allow us to shape the Strategy and help us all to achieve better outcomes for Scotland’s citizens, communities and businesses.  The results of the consultation will be published on the Transport Scotland website by the end of 2019.  Once published, you will be notified by email and an update on the next stage will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact  NTS2@transport.gov.scot“

3.4 Glasgow, Planning Application for 48 homes, Beith Street, Partick

GoBike joined many others in opposing a residential development in the green space between Beith Street and the Expressway. Our objection was published in Digest 42, Item 3.6 and we have now been sent this message, dated 23 October:

“Dear Sir/Madam

I refer to representations made by you regarding the above application for Planning Permission.

I am writing to advise you that Glasgow Planning Local Review Committee has received a request to review the decision taken by the Appointed Officer under delegated powers.

The Committee will take into account your previous representations during its deliberations. Any further representations you wish to make on the review should be submitted to the address below within 14 days of the date of this letter, quoting the review reference number. A copy of the representations will be sent to the applicant for comment.

Planning Local Review Committee
Development & Regeneration Services
231 George Street
Glasgow, G1 1RX
E-mail: onlineplanning@glasgow.gov.uk 

A review of the case by virtue of Section 43A(8) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) will be conducted by the Council’s Planning Local Review Committee. Details of the date, time and place of the meeting will be forwarded to you as soon as possible after all the relevant information has been received. At that meeting, the Planning Local Review Committee will consider if the review documents provide sufficient information to enable it to determine the review and may determine the review without further procedure.

However, the Committee may determine that the review is to be conducted by one of, or a combination of the following:-

• by means of written submissions
  • by the holding of one or more hearing sessions; and
  • by means of an inspection of the land to which the review relates

If the Committee decide to hold a hearing you will be contacted again and given the opportunity to attend.

All the documentation relating to the review is available to view online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/onlineplanning.

Please note that parties to a review will be expected to meet their own administration costs.“

Let’s hope that in the face of well over 100 objections that this is the end of the road for such an anti-active-travel proposal that would destroy green space and bring more motor vehicles to this residential street.

3.5 East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.54

We received East Dunbartonshire’s LDP Newsletter 54 on 17 October with this explanatory email:

“Please find attached the latest newsletter from East Dunbartonshire Council’s Land Planning Policy team. This edition includes details of the following:
Local Development Plan 2 ‘Main Issues Report’ consultation
Draft Local Transport Strategy consultation “

3.6 Glasgow, Winter Gritting Arrangements, now to include some cycle lanes

GoBike’s co-Convenor, John, has been involved in discussions about the gritting of cycle lanes and now GoBike members, Derek M and Alasdair, have sent this link to the arrangements for this coming winter:

https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=d383df28e39d48b294e66826d2c1456d

Do take care, though, when you are out and about.

3.7 Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme

In Digest 45, Item 3.2 we published the reply sent by Glasgow City Council to our concerns about the proposed traffic calming scheme for Glencairn Drive near Maxwell Park, along with our response.
On 28 October this further reply was received, showing absolutely no acknowledgement of the concern that there appeared to be a mistake on one of their drawings!

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted e-mail, I can advise that your comments will be taken on board for future proposals.

As previously advised, the responsibility for the installation of speed cameras lies with Safety Cameras Scotland, who have their own criteria for the installation of speed cameras, which is stricter than our criteria for the installation of traffic calming.

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

Michael Brady, Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability

From: Tricia Fort [mailto:consultations@gobike.org]
Sent: 11 October 2019 16:04
To: Mailroom, Land Services (NS) <LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: FW: The Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme – Mail id no 393585

Dear Mr Brady,

Thank you for replying to our letter of 17 September and your response to some of the points made therein. For your reference I attach one of the drawings issued as part of this TRO, which clearly shows a gap of 0.55m between cushion and kerb. The GoBike response was based on this drawing. Will you please issue the correct version of the drawing?

I also attach a screenshot showing a view of the road that shows the setts in the gutter, which do not form an acceptable cycling surface. However, I note your comment about the space between the middle cushions and we have to hope that people will be confident enough to use this gap when they are cycling on this road.

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

We maintain our support for the reduction of dangerous speeds but object to the proposed method of achieving your aims at this location.

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

A telephone call to the City Council has elicited the information that the drawing issued, with the critical dimension shown above, was incorrect, but who knows what the final as-built arrangement will be?

Almost world-wide news in this edition, but we hope you have found it of interest.

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.