Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. North Lanarkshire, City Deal, Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange Planning Application, closes 08 June
2. University of Stirling, EU-funded survey on Gender and Transport – please help, no closing date given
3. Scottish Government – Just Transmission Commission, closes 30 June
4. Scottish Parliament EHRi Committee, Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equalities and Human Rights, open-ended but nominally closes on 01 January 2021
5. Scottish Parliament, EEFW Committee, COVID-19 – impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy, no closing date

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Still no news for you here.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. North Lanarkshire, City Deal, East Airdrie Link Road, Consultant’s response to GoBike submission
2. UK Government, Results of Law Commissions’ Second Consultation on HARPS

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 North Lanarkshire, City Deal, Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange Planning Application, closes 08 June

We received this email update from North Lanarkshire Council on 20 May:

“Plans for the Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange project are progressing, with a planning application now submitted.

The application, for change of use of vacant land at Muir Street, sets out how we propose to create a new railway station access road and taxi rank as well as improvements to bus facilities and pedestrian crossings.

You can find more information about the project and view the planning application at our project web page. The planning application reference number is 20/00345/FUL.

We are delivering this project as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange will complement redevelopment work planned by Abellio Scotrail at Motherwell Rail Station. This includes creating an enhanced station building with a brighter, larger concourse and improved ticket sales and passenger facilities.“

In Digest 25, issued in January 2019, Item 3.7, we included this link to details of a consultation, which we had missed, to proposed improvements around the railway station, quoting “Improvement to walking and cycling routes”

Here’s a link to a ScotRail article about the proposals; it’s dated 2018 so we aren’t sure what has happened since. The article mentions improved cycle access and while the plans submitted with the Planning Application show a 3m cycle lane to the station, there is no other detail.

GoBike has submitted the following comment of tentative support to the plans but if you support the Planning Application or have concerns, do please follow the links in the North Lanarkshire message to the project web page and use the reference 20/00345/FUL to insert your comment.

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

1.2 University of Stirling, EU-funded survey on Gender and Transport – please help, no closing date given

We received an email recently from a Dr Yvonne Hail and Prof Ron McQuaid from the University of Stirling, who are taking part in an European funded consortium exploring gender and transport (https://diamond-project.eu/) 

“The aim of the project is to evaluate different fairness criteria relating to people’s use of various transport modes, including bike share schemes in order to develop measures to increase the number of women who use the services and to compare and evaluate different fairness criteria. The fairness criteria will be based on an analysis of demographic data, socio-economic data and location to ensure fairness for all in access to bike sharing facilities.
Due to social distancing and the wider societal impacts of COVID19 we are looking for assistance in our data collection campaign and hope you can help us, by sharing our online questionnaire with your networks (users/non-users).“

Questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfecB23Wd4jzApEORNSKbatMZkqJSfgaL3U8sb1c3U3WCUbGg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Do help them please by completing the survey – it’s a bit clunky, but you should find it of interest – even if you have never used a hire bike.
There’s no closing date given but do please fill it out before you forget.

1.3 Scottish Government – Just Transmission Commission, closes 30 June

The details of this consultation were given in our last Digest, Digest 60, Item 1.1, but here’s the wording from the Government’s website:

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)(Scotland) Act 2019 recently passed by the Scottish Parliament contains some of the most ambitious statutory emission reduction targets in the world. The transition required to meet these targets will be one of a number of long-term structural changes to the economy that will require a response and active management from the Scottish Government.

Against this backdrop of increasingly ambitious emission reduction targets, calls for fairness in climate change action and securing a ‘just transition’ have grown. Originating from the trade union movement, the concept of just transition refers to the need for Governments to take action to reduce emissions in a way which is fair and leaves no-one behind.

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

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

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

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

This open-ended inquiry was covered in Digest 60, Item 1.2 and according to the parliamentary website:

“There is no set deadline to submit your views. The call is open-ended to enable the Committee to monitor any ongoing or emerging equalities and human rights issues, so that steps can be taken to protect those most in need.“

We have all seen that our streets are emptier, the air is cleaner, more people are walking and cycling; these are the very things we need to see continue and unless we tell the Government we need them to continue, they will just go with the easy option and let cars return.
Here’s more information from the website:

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

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

We want to hear your views on:

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

This is your chance to say that people without cars are being given better air to breathe and those of us who choose to walk and cycle now have more space to do that. If things are allowed to revert to what they were before we will all be disadvantaged. Please do respond.

1.5 Scottish Parliament, EEFW Committee, COVID-19 – impact on Scotland’s businesses, workers and economy, no closing date

This is the third high-level consultation that was first aired in Digest 60, Item 1.3 and here’s the link to the Parliament’s website. Again, no closing date is given but if you do run a business or have significant concerns, please do submit your views. The website request you to:
“Please send your response by email to: economyenergyandfairwork@parliament.scot“

GoBike is grateful to Transform Scotland for bringing these last three Scotland-wide consultations to our attention.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

No, we are not aware of anything at the moment.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 North Lanarkshire, City Deal, East Airdrie Link Road, Consultant’s response to GoBike submission

We last mentioned the consultation on this in Digest 59, Item 1.2 and we had submitted this letter of opposition to the new road on 14 April. On 15 May we received this email with a letter from the Consultants, Aecom, who are dealing with this scheme:

“Thank you for your recent public exhibition response on the above.

Please find attached a letter as above which ought to be self-explanatory.

We had planned to hold a number of specific workshops during Option Development for the East Airdrie Link Road, however, given the current COVID-19 situation this is now not possible.  We would however still like to commence some early engagement and would like to invite you to join a virtual workshop through Microsoft Teams with a focus on Active Travel.  Please could you let us know if you would be interested in joining us using this approach and we can send on further details in due course.

Any other queries, please let me know.

Regards

Ryan Hutchison, BSc CEng MICE FCIHT
Technical Director, Roads, Scotland & Ireland“

GoBike member, Derek, has volunteered to join the virtual workshop mentioned in the email so we hope to have more news for you as work progresses.

2.2 UK Government, Results of Law Commissions’ Second Consultation on HARPS

In Digest 52, Item 1.3 we last gave details of the most recent consultation on this topic and published the GoBike letter of response, dated 06 January. On 20 May we received this update:

“Dear All,

The Law Commissions’ automated vehicles team are pleased to share the results from our second consultation on passenger services and public transport.

People’s responses cover some of the new challenges and opportunities arising from HARPS (Highly Automated Road Passenger Services) like creating safety standards and remote supervision of this new service. Prominent themes include the need to balance national and local governance, the importance of access to data, and to support rather than undermine mass transit.

We are very grateful for all the input received. You can find all of our published documents, including a 160 page analysis (which includes quotes), a 23 page summary, and the full text of each response listed alphabetically (alongside our original consultation documents) on our website: https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/automated-vehicles/ .

Our consultation closed at the start of February before the impacts of COVID-19 became so widely felt. We hope you and yours are safe and well, and to have the opportunity to reconnect with you as we progress to the next phase of our work. In our third paper (which we aim to launch in the fourth quarter this year) we will go back to the safety assurance framework for automated vehicles, legal responsibility as well as integrating input from this HARPS consultation.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

With all best wishes,

The AV Team

Automated Vehicles | Law Commission | Public Law Team
1st Floor, Tower, Post Point 1.54, 52 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AG
(access via 102 Petty France)
Tel: 020 3334 3969 | Web: www.lawcom.gov.uk
Email: automatedvehicles@lawcommission.gov.uk

GoBike gets a couple of mentions in this document, though it’s a bit beyond our normal comfort level for consultations.

They say they are working up to another consultation later this year, so it’s keeping them busy, at least.

Back in a fortnight – hopefully!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** GoBike, Glasgow Eco Trust and On Bikes, Walking & Cycling in Glasgow: Give us your views, open
2. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments, closes 09 March
3. East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, closes 16 March
4. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, closes 16 March
5. **NEW** Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March
7. Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March
8. **NEW** Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, drop-in session and workshop, Glasgow, 17 March

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation event held on 19 February, brief notes
2. ScotRail, future of Cycle Forum uncertain, with completion of contract by Kathryn MacKay, Cycling Officer
3. North Lanarkshire, Local Development Plan update
4. Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals
5. Glasgow, Belmont, confirmation of Traffic Management Order
6. Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals
7. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, Garscube Road, work started on 2-way segregated cycle lane
8. Glasgow University, March newsletter from Multiplex
9. North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project update
10. South Lanarkshire, new cycle lanes!
11. Glasgow, Active Travel Forum
12. Sheriffhall success – what next? Update from Scottish Greens

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** Walking & Cycling in Glasgow: Give us your views, open

Yes, GoBike is consulting. Along with Glasgow Eco Trust and On Bikes we are working together to collate information across Glasgow to help improve walking and cycling to create Streets for All, see here for more information and the commonplace map.

If you like what GoBike is doing, with our very limited funds – our only funding comes from our members, unlike most other groups who get public funding – then do please join us. Our minimum annual membership fee is £5 and you can join online here. The more members we have, the stronger our voice.

1.2 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments, closes 09 March

This featured as Item 1.3 in our previous Digest, Digest 54 and here’s the link you need to the most recent update and the commonplace map. Do get your comments in soon!

1.3 East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, closes 16 March

This proposal, to remove on-street parking from a short section of Westerhill Road just off Kirkintilloch Road in Bishopbriggs and the junction areas with Dalkeith Avenue and Wellington Road, arrived by email on 11 February from East Dunbartonshire Council and the details were given in Item 1.4 of Digest 54. GoBike normally supports the removal of on-street parking, since it generally interferes with clear routes for cycling – unless we are told of good reasons otherwise. So do please let us know if there are reasons for not supporting this!

1.4 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, closes 16 March

This proposal, which came in on 18 February, just too late for Digest 54, is to remove parking in the section of Townhead where the van is. The wasteland now has flats built on it.
Here’s the email we received from East Dunbartonshire Council:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

PROPOSED: THE EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL (TOWNHEAD, KIRKINTILLOCH) (NO WAITING AT ANY TIME RESTRICTIONS) ORDER

The Council is promoting a Traffic Regulation Order which would introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on a section of Townhead, Kirkintilloch. Enclosed is a copy of the draft Order, plan and Statement of Reasons, together with a copy of the Notice that is to appear in the Kirkintilloch Herald which is published on 19 February 2020
Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 16 March 2020. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ.
(See attached file: 200218 Townhead proposed Order & documentations.pdf)

Yours faithfully
Fiona Stirling, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ“

GoBike will be supporting this proposal.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March

Last November, GoBike responded to the Stage One consultation for this proposal and we highlighted 3 concerns:

• Removal of 2-way cycling. Streets are proposed to be 1-way with no exemption for cycling. Contraflow cycling is the default on 1-way streets in Cycling by Design and there is no evidence of it being unsafe.
• The lack of cycle parking. We suggested cycle shelters for residents and cycle stands for visitors to the area.
• Angled or perpendicular to the kerb parking. If this type of parking is to be allowed then common sense and guidance suggests that drivers reverse in to their parking place. Thus they will drive forward when leaving, rather than reversing into oncoming traffic.

Have our concerns been included in the public consultation?

Here’s the email that we received on 28 February:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (NORTH KELVIN AND NORTH WOODSIDE), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS), ORDER 202_

Further to my consultation email of 31 October 2019 regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with the statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy for the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons, detailed report and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/saferparking.

Please note the following modifications have been made since the consultation phase:

• The inclusion of 8 more electric vehicle recharging bays; 1 on Fergus Drive, 4 on Hopehill Road, 1 on Hotspur Street, 1 on Raeberry Street and 1 on Shakespeare Street to promote more sustainable vehicles.
• Removal of 6 No. shared use parking spaces on Hopehill Road to accommodate a project to re-design the junction of Hopehill Road with Maryhill Road.
• The inclusion of the following roads which were missed from the previous list of affected roads due to an administrative error; Belmont Street, Clouston Lane, Kelvinside Grove, Lothian Lane, Malloch Street, Un-named Road (north of the west section of Henderson Street) and Yarrow Gardens Lane.

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to NorthKelvinAndNorthWoodside@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 27 March 2020.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to in the email are here: press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map A (see below – the link here is to the correct, updated version of this drawing), relevant map B, relevant map C, statement of reasons, detailed report and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

A promising extract from the documentation that local resident and GoBike member, Alasdair, has noticed is:
“Cycling permeability:
To assist with cycling throughout the area, a ‘no entry except pedal cycles’ restriction is proposed at the junction of Jardine Street with Garriochmill Road. In addition to this, the physical features on Clouston Street, Doune Gardens, Dunard Street, Hathaway Street, Hopehill Road, Hotspur Street, Kelvin Drive, North Woodside Road, Striven Gardens and Wilton Street to prevent vehicular access will also be assessed and upgraded where necessary to better facilitate cyclist permeability.”

We think this means that measures will be taken to prevent car parking where there are already filters across streets!

A query on the drawings was raised by phone with the Assistant Group Manager, Traffic and Road Safety in the afternoon of 03 March and 2 hours later this reply was received:

“Further to your telephone conversation with AB, Assistant Group Manager, Traffic and Road Safety, he has advised of a discrepancy regarding the “No entry except cycles” signage in the drawing 001 for the proposed North Kelvin and North Woodside parking control scheme. This has now been rectified and the online drawings available have been updated to show this.

I note your request for the location of proposed “Prohibition of driving, except pedal cycles” restrictions and can disclose that they are at the following locations (all areas where there is a physical barrier preventing vehicles from driving on the carriageway):-

Avenuepark Street

Clouston Street

Doune Quadrant

Hathaway Street

Kelvin Drive

Striven Gardens

The prohibition of driving except cycles on Shakespeare Street (northwards) and Maryhill Road onto Trossachs Street will remain in place.

Pedal cycles will also be permitted to travel in both directions through the Bus Gate on Hotspur Street and through the Fire Path on the north carriageway of Wilton Street.

As previously discussed there are no plans at this time to include contraflow cycling within the one way streets in this area. “

So there we are, better than it could be but it is still disconcerting that the City Council is ignoring the evidence on contraflow cycling.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March

Here’s the email that we received on 25 February:

“Good Afternoon

Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2018 to reduce air pollution from road traffic and to protect public health.

Our LEZ affects local service buses only at present, however its second phase, which is expected to be enforced from 31 December 2022, will apply to all vehicles driving into the city centre zone, including private cars.

LEZ Public Consultation

To inform how Glasgow City Council should implement the second phase of our LEZ, we are seeking views through consultation on key local aspects; including its boundary, enforcement dates and temporary exemptions – as well as how it might affect your future transport choices. The online consultation is open until 29 March 2020 and can be accessed at this link.

LEZ Stakeholder Workshop

To complement the online consultation, we are holding a Stakeholder Workshop on Tuesday 10 March 2020 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and we would be delighted if you would attend.

Taking part in this Consultation Workshop will give you the chance to discuss and share your opinions on Glasgow’s LEZ.  There will also be the opportunity to hear from council air quality officers as well as Transport Scotland and Cllr Anna Richardson, Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction.

Registration is required to attend the Consultation Workshop as spaces are limited. Should you or a colleague be able to attend, please reserve your place (link removed by GoBike)

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Many thanks.

Sustainable Glasgow
Neighbourhoods & Sustainability
Glasgow City Council“

One of GoBike’s committee members will be attending and we will have feedback in Digest 56 in 2 weeks, but do remember to complete the survey on the council website. It’s an easy one to do, but concerning that they propose exemptions! There’s always a get-out for the bad guy! So please do the survey and let’s get the air in Glasgow cleaner.

1.7 Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March

We mentioned the drop-in sessions and workshops for this consultation back in Digest 53, Item 2.1. There’s a drop-in session and workshop in Glasgow on 17 March, see this link for details of this and other events round Scotland.

The same link gives details of just how important this consultation is and GoBike member Sebastian says ” The NPF4 will be a hugely important Government plan for Scotland up to 2050 – it decides national investment, development and infrastructure plans for the future. They have said they will use is to take forward the transport projects needed for the future (from STPR2) – so a big opportunity to re-state what infrastructure we think is needed for cycling and active travel. NPF3 in 2014 included the National Cycling and Walking Network so NPF4 must do much more.“

We were also told about this by our friends in Transform Scotland; see this link to their website.

Do we have a volunteer to write GoBike’s response?

1.8 **NEW** Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

GoBike committee member, Thomas alerted us to this consultation, which we need to study. There are moves to prevent commuter parking, but a quick glance at the drawings shows a key for “proposed one / two way operation except pedal cycles”, which looks promising.

If you live or work in this area, or cycle through, do please have a look on the City Council’s website and let us know, at consultations@gobike.org the good and any bad points. We’ll have more information for you in Digest 56 or 57.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, drop-in session and workshop, Glasgow, 17 March

See Item 1.7 above and this link for details of the drop-in session and workshop to be held at the Women’s Library in Bridgeton on 17 March.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation event held on 19 February, brief notes

Brief notes from GoBike committee member, Brenda, who attended the event on 19 February (advertised in Item 1.2 in Digest 54)

• Centred on Argyle Street from PC World to a bit past the Kelvinhaugh Street junction.
• Current plans appear to include:
• Traffic lights at Argyle Street /Kelvinhaugh Street /Derby Street junction
• Derby Street and Kelvingrove Street to be one-way (opposite directions) between (at least) Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street
• Bi-directional cycleways in Kelvinhaugh Street and Derby Street (and presumably Kelvingrove Street )
• Possibility of removing parking from the south side of Argyle Street and having charging points for electric mobility scooters / wheelchairs / e-bikes

Overall, it does look as if things have moved on quite a bit since some time ago when we were shown plans of cycle lanes behind Kelvinhall but it does look as if improvements for people walking and cycling are at a fairly developed stage of planning.

The Community Council in this area is particularly active in its attempts to improve life for its residents. It’s a shame we don’t have active Community Councils right across the city.

3.2 ScotRail, future of Cycle Forum uncertain, with completion of contract by Kathryn MacKay, Cycling Officer

GoBike has attended the ScotRail Cycle Forum over the years but here is some perturbing news, with this email that we received on 18 February:

“Dear Cycle Forum Member.

I write to advise you that Kathryn’s contract as Cycling Manager with ScotRail will come to an end at the end of this month.

In the short term, I would ask that all enquiries regarding cycling activities be directed towards my colleague (name and contact details removed by GoBike).

In the longer term, a review of our resource allocation is taking place in respect of priorities for the remaining two years of the franchise, and the key objectives of the recently published National Transport Strategy 2.

During her time with ScotRail, Kathryn has made a significant contribution to the development of our cycling programme and has overseen a number of successful pieces of work. It has been a pleasure working with her and I am sure you will join me in wishing her all the best for the future.

I will be sending out a note to the wider stakeholders group later today but wanted you to know first.

Regards

James
James Ledgerwood
Head of Economic Development & Communities
ScotRail“

Kathryn oversaw the introduction of the new 385 Class trains on the Edinburgh – Glasgow service and it is no doubt down to her that, while not perfect, we have as much bike carriage as we have on our trains. Let’s hope they take on a new Cycling Officer.

3.3 North Lanarkshire, Local Development Plan update

Here’s the email that we received on 21 February from North Lanarkshire Council:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

NORTH LANARKSHIRE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE

Our modified proposed Local Development Plan went out to consultation last year.

We have since been reviewing the comments provided and the Planning Committee will be considering our responses at its meeting on 27 February 2020.

The relevant documents can be viewed at: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/planningdocuments

Should you wish further information please contact us at Yourplan@northlan.gov.uk or phone 01236 632622 for assistance.

Strategy and Policy Team
North Lanarkshire Council
Enterprise and Communities
Fleming House
2 Tryst Road
Cumbernauld
G67 1JW
Telephone Number: 01236 632646

3.4 Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals

In Digest 54, Item 3.3, we published our submission for the proposal to install speed cushions on Ardencraig Road. On 24 February we received the following response, which continues Glasgow’s love affair with speed cushions:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your attached enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding the installation of speed cushions on Ardencraig Road, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery. Given the presence of Miller Primary School and the results of a recent speed survey carried out on this section of Ardencraig Road, this location met the criteria for the introduction of traffic calming measures.

With respect to your comments regarding a default speed limit of 20mph in Glasgow, I can advise the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. It should be noted however that not all within Glasgow roads will be appropriate for the lower limit.

I can further advise that whilst the principles of Designing Streets should be applied on existing roads where practical, this would be subject to re-design and would involve considerable costs to the Council. Designing Streets is expected to be used predominantly for the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new streets.

Finally, you may be aware that the Council and are currently running a pilot project known as School Car Free Zones. The project is running for an initial trial period of 18 months across 6 selected schools where it is known that traffic related issues at the beginning and end of the school day already occur. If the trial proves successful, it is anticipated that this project will be extended to include additional schools in appropriate locations across the city. Schools have been advised to contact the Council should they wish to be included within any future phase of the School Car Free Zone project.

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

3.5 Glasgow, Belmont, confirmation of Traffic Management Order

In Digest 50, Item 3.1 we supported the move to prohibit commuter parking in this area and on 25 February we received this confirmation that the Order was approved:

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

Dear Sir/Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BELMONT), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2005 (VARIATION NO.2) ORDER 2020

I am writing to notify you that the above named Traffic Regulation Order was made on 18 February 2020 to improve the safety and the actual and perceived security of travelling within the City by reducing accidents and enhancing the personal security of all users of the transport network.

This Order will:

• Prevent commuters parking all day, giving residents priority over these commuters.
• Reduce the availability of long term free parking to discourage people from using their private car to commute to work and thereby encouraging them to use other methods of travel such as public transport, walking and cycling. This can reduce congestion and pollution.

An advert will be placed in the Evening Times on 26 February 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

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

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

Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely,” etc

The plan attached to the email shows just how much resident parking there is in this area – quite a bit.

A further email on 26 February included this information :

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

The Order was made on 18^th February 2020 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 26^th February 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.“

3.6 Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals

In Digest 54, Item 3.5, we published our response to the proposals for the installation of traffic calming measures, ie speed cushions, on Castlemilk Drive. Here’s the City Council’s rebuttal of our alternative proposals, received on 26 February:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your attached enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding the installation of speed cushions on Castlemilk Drive, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery. Given the results of a recent speed survey carried out on this section of Castlemilk Drive, analysis of the Police Scotland injury accident database and the presence of the nearby primary school, this location met the criteria for the introduction of traffic calming measures.

With respect to your comments regarding a default speed limit of 20mph in Glasgow, I can advise the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. It should be noted however that not all roads within Glasgow will be appropriate for this limit.

I can further advise that whilst the principles of Designing Streets should be applied on existing roads where practical, this would be subject to re-design and would involve considerable costs to the Council. Designing Streets is expected to be used predominantly for the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new streets.

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

There we have it: disappointing news about the use of “Designing Streets” and no consideration of our contention that installing cycle lanes would narrow the road and reduce traffic speeds.

3.7 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, Garscube Road, work started on 2-way segregated cycle lane

Here’s some better news: work has started on the 2-way cycle lanes on the east side of Garscube Road, part of the Connecting Woodside works, (shame it’s not 2 1-way lanes, but, hey, it’s better than some of the items in this Digest). Here’s an email from one of our members, who is also a member of his Community Council, sent out on 27 February:

GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL(SAWMILLFIELD STREET, GLASGOW)(TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 2020 

I am pleased to advise that construction of the first phase of the Connecting Woodside project, a two-way segregated cycle lane on the eastern side of Garscube Road commenced on 24 February 2020. 
J McGeady Ltd is the appointed contractor to undertake the construction works. 
During the construction phase, a Temporary Traffic Regulation order will be in place on the eastern part of Sawmillfield street at junction with Edington. This section will be inaccessible by the general public as it will  be used as the main compound by the contractor. Traffic management will be utilised to prevent unnecessary disruption for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic using Garscube Road and the surrounding roads network.  
I trust this is of assistance; however, should you require any further information, please contact Sustainabletransport@glasgow.gov.uk  
Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

3.8 Glasgow University, March newsletter from Multiplex

Latest newsletter on what’s happening at this University.

3.9 North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project update

It’s while since we heard much from Toryglen but here’s the latest update received on 02 March:

Dear All,

North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project

The latest design proposals were showcased at an information session in Toryglen Community Base on Tuesday 18th February. Thanks to everyone who came along.  For those interested to find out more, please see the latest updates on the project webpage here https://www.urbanroots.org.uk/northtoryglen/

There’s some good stuff going on here: do take a look.

3.10 South Lanarkshire, new cycle lanes!

GoBike member, Derek, told us about this, though we don’t recall any consultation coming our way:

Surprise announcement by South Lanarkshire Council that they’re starting to build a short stretch of segregated cycle way in East Kilbride on Monday. Hadn’t heard anything or seen plans beforehand. See: https://twitter.com/southlancouncil/status/1233425786574639104?s=21.

3.11 Glasgow, Active Travel Forum

Some news from GoBike committee member, Calum, who attended the recent Active Travel Forum in Glasgow on 26 February:

Officer update from Steve Gray, including updates on many items where GoBike has responded to consultation:

• Garscube Road construction started on Monday (see Item 3.7 above)
• East City Way works are to start at Mount Vernon from 01 April
• South City Way, Queens Park to Five Ways, ie Cumberland Street to be complete May 2020 (not before time, do I hear you say?)
• Wallacewell Road – Spring on site – this is upgraded and new cycle lanes
• Battlefield – paternity leave caused delay to consultation planned for 18 February (see item 2.1 in Digest 54) cancelled at very short notice
• George Square – working on Experimental TRO for July 2020, reducing traffic around the square for an initial 18 months.
• Underline Avenue works from Cambridge Street to St George’s Road – delayed until after COP26 to start of 2021. Embargo on construction works, related to security cordons for the event.
• Sighthill bridge over the M8, construction begins in March

3.12 Sheriffhall success – what next? Update from Scottish Greens

You might remember that in Digest 52, Item 1.1, we published a message put out by Alison Johnstone, the Green MSP, asking us to oppose the construction of a massive roundabout at Sheriffhall? Here’s the next step:

“Success!

Thanks to you and the thousands of other supporters who objected to the £120m Sheriffhall flyover, we’ve secured a review of this congestion-fuelling, climate-busting scheme. We hope that this will lead to this project being scrapped in favour of green transport investment instead.

The commitment was part of a budget deal the Scottish Greens negotiated that also includes a commitment to introduce free bus travel for all under-19s from next year and a £45m climate emergency package that includes more funding for cycling and walking.

Read all about the Green budget deal.

What’s next?

As the transport spokesperson for the Scottish Greens in Edinburgh, I’ll be writing to the leaders of Edinburgh and Midlothian councils, Adam McVey and Derek Milligan, and to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Matheson, to urge them to change the plans for Sheriffhall. I’ll tell them about your strength of support for investing £120m in cycling and walking, instead of building a flyover that will only increase congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

If politicians like Adam McVey and Michael Matheson want to declare a climate emergency, then they need to act on it!

Claire Miller
Green councillor and transport spokesperson in Edinburgh Council”

________________________________________________

Heartwarming to end with some good news. Let’s hope there is more in our next Digest, due out on 17 March.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September
2. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, St George’s Road and West Princes Street on-line consultation closes 13 September
3. Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, St George’s Road and West Princes Street consultation event 27 August
2. Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August, NOW POSTPONED UNTIL 10 SEPTEMBER

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Avenues preview events for Renfrew, Killermont and North Hanover Streets, 06 August
2. Glasgow, Construction work to start on University Place
3. East Renfrewshire, Aurs Road Upgrade and Realignment Project – Information Session 13 August
4. ScotRail Cycle Forum 15 August
5. New cycling offences: an update from CyclingUK
6. Glasgow City Council (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order 201, GCC response to GoBike submission
7. Glasgow, support for the ban on cars at school gates
8. Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls Order, GCC response to GoBike objection

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

We are still working on this, which we first advertised in Digest 37, Item 1.7 and we will definitely have our response in the next Digest on Tuesday 03 September, just before the closing date.

1.2 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, St George’s Road and West Princes Street on-line consultation closes 13 September

In our Consultation Extra on 12 August we gave the details for the two Consultation events, one last week on 15 August and one next Tuesday (see below, item 2.1 for more details). However, there is also on-line consultation so please do complete this: see the details here.

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

We gave this link in Digest 40 and we will be working on the GoBike response straight after the submission for the St Enoch consultation. Do have a look and put your own views in; we need a greater focus on active travel and public transport and the more responses the better.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, St George’s Road and West Princes Street Consultation Event Tuesday 27 August, 3-7pm

As per our Consultation Extra a week ago the City Council and Sustrans will be at Woodside Library on St George’s Road on Tuesday 27th August, from 3-7pm. Here’s the link to the Connecting Woodside update with the details.

2.2 Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August, NOW POSTPONED UNTIL 10 SEPTEMBER

Despite our reports in the last 2 Digests, we received this message on 06 August, just after Digest 40 was issued that:

“As part of the Transforming Pollok Country Park project, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life are developing proposals to improve access to and within Pollok Country Park. Following a period of engagement, emerging proposals are now entering the pre-planning phase and will then form the subject of a planning application later this year.
Please find attached documents relating to the Proposal of Application Notice that was submitted today (6^th August) for access proposals in Pollok Country Park.
As part of the pre-planning process, a consultation event will take place at Pollokshaws Library on the rescheduled date of 10^th September from 12 noon – 8pm which you are welcome to attend and will allow the opportunity for comments.
Kind Regards,
Glasgow City Council/Glasgow Life”

Here are the four documents that are mentioned: Site Plan, the Exhibition Leaflet, the Proposal of Application Notice and the Letter of Invitation to Consultees.

Do try and get along to the event if you can; most of us go to, or through Pollok Park at times and the proposals do appear to be genuinely active travel friendly.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Avenues preview events for Renfrew, Killermont and North Hanover Streets, 06 August

This event, held by Civic Engineers, who are carrying out the design work of this part of the City Deal Avenues project for Glasgow City Council, was well attended with good support for the proposals. The main points raised were:

• The aim is to normalise cycling; the main speaker was keen to say that the avenues are not for speed cycling.
• The amount of tarmac on the 16 core streets of the Avenues programme will be reduced, with swales and rain gardens introduced to absorb rain water – and to improve the environment.
• The project is in line with the aims of the Connectivity Commission, encouraging active travel for all abilities, reducing private car use in the city and encouraging use of public transport.
• The through cycle route along Sauchiehall Street will continue to Cambridge Street, then to Renfrew Street, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street.
• There will be no shared space.
• Discussions are taking place with SPT and bus operators about changing/reducing access to the bus station.
• The overall timescale is tight, but the tender package for Argyle Street (also part of the work being done by Civic Engineers) will be issued by the end of 2019 with work possibly starting as early as next spring.
• Questions asked by the audience included a request for contraflow cycling on connecting streets such as the one-way section of Renfrew Street at the west end, for traffic lights to be phased to give active travel priority and a concern that cars might use Townhead as a rat-run if access to North Hanover Street is reduced.

3.2 Glasgow, Construction work to start on University Place from 12 August

We know that cycling, and widespread consultation, was only an afterthought in a lot of Glasgow University’s planning but here’s some information that one of our members received on 05 August and passed on to us:

“Dear neighbour,
Please note that parking will be removed and barriers erected on University Place from Monday 12 August to allow for infrastructure and landscaping works through the University of Glasgow’s Campus Development Programme.
Construction will be ongoing until early 2021, to create a pedestrian and cycle priority route between Byres Road and University Avenue.
The works will also improve the look and feel of the environment, turning University Place into an accessible and attractive gateway for the new Western campus, including a small number of disabled parking spaces at its western end.
Parking on University Place is currently unrestricted and not covered by the University’s permit scheme.
Residents of University Place and staff requiring access to the underground car parks at the Wolfson Medical and BHF Sir Graeme Davis Buildings, staff of the NHS Pharmacy facility, as well as service and emergency vehicles, will still be able to access University Place.
The street will be open to pedestrians and cyclists during the works, and be one-way for cars, from University Avenue towards Byres Road.
The road will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists during the works. University Place will also be made one-way for cars, from University Avenue towards Byres Road.
Please see the plan for University Place works for more details. 
Construction will start in August with drainage works at the West (Byres Road) end of University Place, working along the road towards University Avenue.
Later in the year, landscaping and resurfacing work will begin from the East (University Avenue) end of the road and work back along towards Byres Road. This work will complete in early 2021 in time for the opening of the Clarice Pears Building, which will house the University’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing. 
Cycle racks, currently located outside the Wolfson Medical Building, will be relocated temporarily the Bower Building. Once complete, the landscaping for University Place will include over 100 cycle parking spaces.
The Next Bike facility will remain in its present location, however a new permanent location will be constructed nearby as part of the improvements.
Read more about the University’s Campus Development Programme
For any feedback please contact campus-development@glasgow.ac.uk”

One bit of good news in the above is that the one-way restriction applies only to cars, so University Place will remain two-way for people walking or cycling.

3.3 East Renfrewshire, Aurs Road Upgrade and Realignment Project – Information Session 13 August

GoBike was invited to this session and one of our members attended. Here is the feedback:

The scheme is being designed by Peter Brett Associates who have been given a wide brief to create not just a realigned road but an active travel route which will in time link into a visitor centre.

1. The scheme is to realign Aurs Road from Springhill Rd to Stewarton Rd. Major bends will be removed and speed limits will be reduced from the current 60mph to 30 mph & 40 mph depending on location
2. As yet not all funding is in place but there is expectation that funds will be located (e.g. from Sustrans) allowing the complete project as envisaged to be completed.
3. It is planned that this is part of a larger overall redevelopment and to fit in with new housing north of the railway line and a visitor centre. There will also be a new 100place car park south of the Balgray Reservoir to allow folk access to the area.
4. There is also talk of a new railway station, Barrhead South, north of Balgray Reservoir, to serve the new housing, but the likelihood/timetabling are very unclear.
5. The essence of the plan is to take the bends out of the road, reduce the speed limit to 30/40mph and provide lighting. If they did nothing else the cycling environment would be greatly improved, particularly in winter. They also plan a cycleway and footway to the west of the existing road. For most of the length these will be segregated and in the case of the cycleway up to 3m in width. In some areas, in particular near the area of the proposed car park, limitations of space mean that shared space is inevitable. Space over much of the length is certainly a problem and to get the cycleway built means building a boardwalk over the edge of the reservoir itself. All very ambitious. Note that the cycleway will be lit.

We have some concerns, particularly about the start and end points and will be following them up.
Note that planning permission has not yet been sought. Once this has happened the plans will go on line.
The hope is to tender in the next 2-3 months with works starting in April 2020. The road will be closed in its entirety and the works will take (at least?) a year to complete.
The presentation given at the event is here.

3.4 ScotRail Cycle Forum 15 August

ScotRail hold their Cycle Forum two or three times per year and GoBike was represented at the most recent, held in Glasgow on 15 August. The main points of interest were:

• From May 2020 dedicated cycle carriages will be added to the formation of trains where there is mandatory booking, starting with Glasgow to Oban, followed by Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig and then the Far North Lines.
• ScotRail have a Cycle Fund which awards match funding to such projects as improving cycle access to railway stations. GoBike is hoping to meet with ScotRail and Sustrans, and eventually the City Council, to explore improving links to stations in Glasgow.
• ScotRail is to review its policy on the carriage of electric bikes, which are currently officially banned on all UK trains because of concern about the batteries! It was suggested at the meeting that owners are probably unaware of this policy and load them onto trains anyway.
• ScotRail is reviewing its cycle hire scheme in light of usage and other schemes in operation.
• There is ongoing concern about the carriage of bikes on HSTs to intermediate stations that are unstaffed.
• Generally the carriage of bikes works well.

3.5 New cycling offences: an update from Cycling UK

Last September, in Digest 17, Item 1.8 we informed you of “Open Consultation from the UK Government, Department of Transport, New Cycling Offences, Causing Death or Serious Injury while Cycling”. Cycling UK were quick off the mark to submit opposition to the proposals and GoBike supported the move, calling for a complete overhaul of road traffic offences.
Many of us who are individual members of Cycling UK added our voice and the following update was received on 07 August:

“Last autumn, the Government launched a consultation on new cycling offences.
You were one of over 13,000 people who supported Cycling UK and called on Government to stop tinkering around the edges and, instead, to launch the wholescale review of road traffic offences first promised in 2014.
Ten months on, we’ve finally had some news.
Last month’s Road Safety Statement listed 74 upcoming actions to improve road safety and, interestingly, plans to introduce new cycling offences were not included. Instead there was an acknowledgement that this is “a complex area” and that the Government is “considering bringing forward legislation to deal with this”.
Although this may seem insignificant, and we wouldn’t suggest reading too much into it, it’s a shift in position from the infamous announcement from the Conservative twitter account last year announcing that they were “cracking down on dangerous cyclists”.
So, let’s just say we’re more optimistic than we were this time last year – and that’s thanks to you, and 13,000 others, taking the time to write to the Government and your MP.
With Parliament on summer recess, and a new Transport Minister recently appointed, we’ll be sure to keep you updated as things develop over the coming months.
In the meantime, the urgent issue for cycling is the upcoming Government spending review: cycling needs more investment to ensure it’s safer and more widely accessible.
Please support our campaign for cycling funding by writing to Chris Heaton-Harris, the new Minister responsible for cycling.  
Duncan Dollimore
Head of Campaigns
Cycling UK“

Those of us fortunate enough to live in Scotland do not have a new Transport Minister, so if you do wish to ask the Scottish Government for more cycle funding do please contact Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

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

GoBike support for this move, with the concern about the city’s patchwork approach to implementing 20mph across the city, was given in Digest 39, Item 1.5 and here’s the response we received on 08 August.
There’s a lot of detail about how the zone will be applied but still no recognition of the speeding that clearly occurs on streets that are already 20mph, eg the Broomielaw and the High Street.

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (NORTH KELVIN, NORTH WOODSIDE AND WOODLANDS), (MANDATORY 20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201_
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, your comments have been noted.
I can advise that the funding has been made available through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme funded by Transport Scotland as part of the Connecting Woodside project to introduce mandatory 20mph speed limit zones within the residential areas.
The 20mph speed limit zones will be signposted according to the TSRGD 2016 and there will be triangular lamp-post wraps prior to the 20mph speed enforcement coming into effect to notify the public of the new speed limits in the area.
I refer to the extremely positive change in regulations outlined in the recent Transport Scotland document titled the ‘Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions’.  Whilst this guidance allows certain areas to be considered without physical traffic calming measures, unfortunately the council are unable to make the full council boundary a mandatory 20mph speed limit zone at this time.  This would require substantial funds given the sheer volume of work that would require to be undertaken such as speed surveys, material costs and physical traffic calming measures required throughout the council boundary, particularly on existing roads with existing speed limits of 40mph and above. 
The Police are included in the consultation process when a 20mph zone is being introduced.  However, following Transport Scotland guidance and by introducing traffic calming measures where speeds are above 24mph, it is intended that the zones are mainly self-enforcing.  Indeed, during discussions with Police Scotland Officers, they have indicated that they support the Council’s traffic calming policy.  The Council has no direct input into where and when the police carry out enforcement. 
Your support will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.
Yours sincerely
Steven Gray
Assistant Group Manager (Sustainable Transport)
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

3.7 Glasgow, support for the ban on cars at school gates

In Digest 34, Item 1.3, we published the proposals for banning cars from accessing close to the gates of six primary schools in the city. This has now achieved the support of Evening Times readers, see: https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17832845.car-ban-glasgow-primary-schools-city-backing/?ref=ebln
Let’s hope now that the practice is spread to all schools across the city and beyond.

3.8 Glasgow, University Avenue and University Place, Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls Order, GCC response to GoBike objection

Many of you will remember the demonstration we had in February to demonstrate that painted cycle lanes offer no protection to people trying to cycle over the hill that is University Avenue and we submitted this letter of objection in June to the City Council.

We received this response on 13 August:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dear Ms Fort
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY PLACE), (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
With regards to your concerns:
The University of Glasgow’s proposals for University Avenue and University Place were developed in consultation with Council officers and following consideration of all options available, including the incorporation of segregated cycle lanes in University Avenue and the introduction of bus gates at either end of the Avenue.

Options investigated the requirements for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport provision, University and local access issues and wider traffic management issues in line with the established hierarchy.

The resultant proposal significantly improves pedestrian passage both along and across University Avenue and has removed all existing parking. However, it was necessary to accommodate public transport routes in both directions as well as larger bus stops at the University. The two way traffic corridor will also accommodate emergency service vehicles and local service access. To mitigate other traffic access, a supporting Traffic Regulation Order will reduce the speed limit to 20mph. More severe traffic restrictions e.g. bus gates, were found to have a detrimental impact on adjacent streets such as Byres Road and were therefore discounted.

Unfortunately, due to land availability, local topography and a number of listed structures, it was not practicable to accommodate fully segregated cycle lanes in both directions. This is demonstrated in your own proposals which resulted in a single 3m one-way traffic lane and would not be supported by the Council, and would be likely to raise objections from other stakeholders including emergency services and bus operators. When considering the 20mph speed limit, the need to accommodate bus stops for large numbers of passengers and the sharp gradients, up to 8%, and campus cycle access available at either end of University Avenue, it was concluded that the mandatory cycle lanes would be provided only on the uphill sections.

The University has also taken a number of steps to improve the local campus environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The campus will be opened up with a number of signed routes, routes will remain accessible after hours. Car parking on the campus will be significantly reduced and other vehicle access controlled. Public realm including cycle storage facilities will be improved.

Addressing your specific observations:

1. The painted cycle lanes are dangerous.

Painted lines are a recognised means of cycle lane provision. It is noted that they are not ideal but they are the best that can be practicably achieved in this particular location. The university will investigate the practicability of introducing forms of light segregation, however there are concerns that this in turn may introduce a trip hazard.

2. The design of the painted cycle lanes within the TRO makes cycling even more dangerous.

Bus stops are located on either side of the crossing at the junction with Hillhead Street and, as there was insufficient road width to provide lay-bys, without the loss of pedestrian space, this made any opportunity to provide cycle lanes over the entire length of University Avenue impracticable.

The designers were required to work within the bounds of the existing public road limits. Unfortunately, as noted above, segregated cycle routes cannot physically be accommodated in both directions. Due to the grades it was determined that segregated cycle lanes on the downhill sections would be a greater risk due to the lack of width and proximity of pedestrians on narrower footways.

3. Painted cycle lanes on University Avenue do not prevent waiting, loading or parking.

The formalisation of the cycle lane means that if a vehicle crosses over the solid white cycle lane for any reason – for example, to drop off a passenger – they are in contravention of the Highway Code and this would be a police enforcement matter.

Practically, a vehicle stopping for any reason would block the carriageway and would be likely to be moved on by other road users. Equally a segregated lane would not completely deter dropping off activities.

4. The plans are in contravention of the Transport Hierarchy.

The plans are in accordance with the Transport Hierarchy as they prioritise pedestrian safety above all others by widening the footways and improving crossing facilities. It is necessary to maintain the route for two-way public transport, and private vehicle use has been affected with the removal of all parking spaces on University Avenue as well as the reduction to a 20MPH speed limit zone. Whilst full segregation has not been provided, the reduced speed limit and removal of vehicle parking spaces will benefit cycling. These measures are consistent with Cycling by Design.

Cycling by Design (2010) Hierarchy of Measures, “It should be recognised that measures are more easily accepted and implemented if they directly benefit the wider community, not simply existing cyclists. Strategies that emphasise safety in terms of motorised traffic restraint and speed reduction while promoting health and sustainability will aid the development of cycling.”

5. The plans fail to recognise Climate Change Emergency status.

University Avenue has to maintain accessible for public transport in both directions. Modelling was carried out on potentially making University Avenue a bus only route; this was not feasible due to the level of disruption that would be created on Byres Road, Great Western Road and Dumbarton Road, and the associated side streets in the area. Similarly, a one-way street would not be possible either.

6. The plans fail to recognise recommendations made within the Connectivity Commission Report.

Policies can only be applied within the context of the local situation and if delivery is reasonably practicable in terms of issues such as physical aspects, user priorities, essential requirements and wider cost implications. Where you are seeking to adapt an existing streetscape it is not always possible to accommodate all aspirations in one situation. In the case of University Avenue, the reasons why it was not feasible to reallocate road space in strict accordance with the user hierarchy -which would see a larger portion of the road being dedicated to cyclists – are derived from the presence of physical constraints (level change, gradient and pinch point) which, if a segregated route was to be introduced, would compromise the safety of the most vulnerable road users i.e. pedestrians.

8. Double yellow lines with kerb marked lines are not legally compatible with mandatory cycle lanes.

The double yellow line marking restrictions apply from the heel of the footway to the centre of the carriageway. As previously mentioned, the solid white line marked cycle lanes are the boundary in which a vehicle cannot cross over. A vehicle is still within their right to drop off a passenger without crossing over the white solid line marked cycle lane. Any form of waiting beyond the reasonable amount of time for a passenger to board or alight is a traffic offence.

Glasgow City Council do not have a policy on the use of red line markings; there is potential for future implementation around the city with red line markings, however, the policy would have to be created to allow for this.

9. The TRO drawing is inconsistent with other approved planning drawings.

Whilst the omission of the drop off lay-by on the TRO drawing is noted it does not affect the actual restriction. The lay-by is for drop off only and parking would be an offence as it would on the rest of the carriageway.

10. Lack of public support.

The TRO process allows the public to formally object to the proposals and I can advise that the Council received 26 formal objections to the TRO. Several of these objections were supportive of the 20 mph speed limit.

Considering that staff and students of the university alone amount to almost 40,000 people, a figure increased significantly when considering local residents and businesses in the Hillhead / Byres Road area, the level of objection is relatively low in terms of other TRO consultations.

Having considered the above, should you wish to withdraw your objection I would be pleased if you would inform me by 3^rd September 2019 by 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

If you do not wish to withdraw your objection then there is no requirement for you to write to us again.

Your objection will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.

Yours sincerely” etc

Needless to say we are not favourably impressed, we will not withdraw our objection on the strength of this response and might even reply to the City Council.

Sorry to end on a low note but there is some good news above and let’s hope we get some more before the next Digest is due out at the start of September.