Nine of us set off on Sunday 01 February, along by the Clyde and then through Newton as we started to climb – here’s the full route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3220777

From the high point we turned and returned to the city via Cathkin, Burnside and King’s Park – past lots and lots of pebble-dashed houses. The South City Way led us back to the Clutha crossroads (with its not-so-excellent traffic light system where the ride ended.

Of the 9 who set off 1 person left us when we moved away from the Clyde and 2 southsiders left on our return to the city centre.

March’s ride will be on Sunday 01 March, when we head out to the north-east via Hogganfield Park for a 25-miler.

We will follow the Clyde Walkway upstream to Cambuslang, then continue on NCN route 75 through to Newton.

Then we will head south to climb up and around Dechmont Hill to the south of Cambuslang, before returning to Glasgow via Cathkin and Hampden. Finishing on the South City Way back at the River Clyde.
22 miles, mostly on paths and quieter roads, with a climb up to Dechmont.

Meet 10:00 hrs at the north end of Bell’s Bridge, at the SEC

For more information see here

Glasgow City

*ADDITION* Chinatown Masterplan

Potential plans for Glasgow Chinatown – the block between New City Rd, Garscube Rd and the M8. Development was to be linked to the Underline route, which has been delayed indefinitely by M8 viaduct works (and is missing from latest Avenues project map). Chinatown plans seem to include high rise towers, like the student flats at the other end of New City Rd just north of the M8.
Events:
Wed 10 December 2025, 3-7pm at Dundasvale Residents Hall, G4 0JS.
Mon 2 February 2026, 3-7pm at Garnethill Community Hall, 21 Rose Street, G3 6RE.
Links: Urban Realm article and Glasgow Times article (with event dates).

Improving Drumchapel Town Centre

Glasgow City Council say: “As part of the plans to improve Drumchapel town centre, we want your views on how best to change the roads layout of Kinfauns Drive from Hecla Ave down to Duntreath Ave, to make it easier to get around the area and make it more attractive.” The visuals show a revised raised platform on Kinfauns Dr with several sets of steps and a central ramp. Further south, the biggest change in the plans is removing the Drumchapel Roundabout. A (two-stage) crossing will be added on Duntreath Ave with an interesting junction at Aldi. There seems to be a wide verge on the western side of Duntreath Ave but sadly no segregated cycling route there or on Kinfauns Dr. There’s definitely cycling in the area as Drumchapel Cycle Hub are based just along from the junction on Drumry Road East.
Links: Drumchapel Town Centre survey.
Deadline: Monday 15 December 2025.

Thornwood Roundabout and NCN7 Project

A long overdue project for active travel improvements around Thornwood Roundabout and National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7). The roundabout plans are for new crossings and pavements/shared paths (widened onto verges). Crossings at north and east are 2-stage but close to ‘desire line’, with a few pinch points at corners. Crossings at west and south are set much further back (on existing paths). Sawmill St has a shared path south to crossings to a bi-directional cycletrack on South St/Castlebank St. That protected route runs most of the way to Pointhouse Place where there’s a shared path from the corner at the Riverside Museum. There’s a useful fly-through video of the route on the council webpage (and many visuals, which show cyclists riding on the right!). The cycletrack continues west along South St to the crossing at the end of the old railway path on the north side (near Dilwara Ave). While Thornwood roundabout is still car-dominated the plans are an upgrade for active travel. The cycletrack would be a very welcome improvement compared to NCN7’s current shared pavement.
Links: Thornwood-NCN7 consultation, Thornwood-NCN7 survey, Thornwood roundabout plans (PDF) and NCN7 plans (PDF).
Deadline: Wednesday 17 December 2025.

North Lanarkshire

Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South

Another month, another City Deal-funded consultation in North Lanarkshire. This time it’s Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South (RAIS), which includes the underbridge at the West Coast Mainline. It’s part of a wider Pan Lanarkshire dual carriageway between the M74 and M80. Previous plans were for a huge 100m wide roundabout in the middle of Motherwell. NLC say: “The overall footprint of the roundabout has been reduced significantly” – it’s now 80–90m wide. There are still up to five lanes on each arm. It’s also lost a direct crossing at the eastern end of Airbles Rd (now split into three stages at Manse Rd). There are some widened pavements but the route into Ravenscraig is broken up by slip roads (and the dual carriageway severs Orbiston St). Phase 2 is at the western end of Airbles Rd, adding an extra lane heading towards the junction at Strathclyde Park. Again, there are wider pavements. However, the distance between each phase is around 1.25km so there’s no continuous route. The consultation also covers suggested artwork based on the iconic cooling towers of the former Ravenscraig steelworks. A rusty version on a roundabout will not have the same impact but is at least a nod to history.
Links: Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South webpage, RAIS Storymap and RAIS feedback survey (saying ‘Yes’ to changes gives you a text box with 1,000 character limit).
Deadline: Sunday 14 December 2025.

South Lanarkshire

Draft Transport Strategy Consultation 2025 – 2035

South Lanarkshire Council say: “This survey follows on from the first round of engagement undertaken in 2023 and subsequent work to develop South Lanarkshire’s next Local Transport Strategy (LTS), which will cover the period 2025 to 2035. This consultation will inform the finalisation of the Local Transport Strategy for adoption at the end of this year.”
SLC Local Transport Strategy on cycling: “…it is recognised that further investment is crucial to achieve the level of change required to meet climate targets, tackle poor health and address social exclusion. South Lanarkshire Council will further extend the active travel network during the lifetime of this LTS, including the provision of supporting infrastructure.” There’s very little further detail (and the LTS wasn’t mentioned at the last South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership meeting).
Links: Draft Local Transport Strategy document, LTS consultation page and LTS survey.
Deadline: Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Merry Christmas and a Guid Hogmanay – see you in the New Year.

East Dunbartonshire

Westerhill Development Road
(Bishopbriggs Relief Road)

Feedback that this new road has been given planning permission. Back in 2024 (Digest 151), the route was chosen to extend the current Westerhill Road north past Low Moss prison. It would then join Kirkintilloch Rd (A803 – between Cadder/The Stables pub). EDC say it will include a “new active travel route for walking, wheeling and cycling.” In the ‘General arrangement’ layout, this seems to be a shared pavement continuing from the crossing at the northern end of the Wester Way (near the former Aviva office building). Unfortunately, since some parts (like Cole Rd) aren’t being upgraded, the AT route stops near Loretto playing fields. A dashed orange line indicates ‘Masterplan Future Active Travel route’. That may refer to the ‘Primary Active Travel route’ in a previous Planning Guidance document (see Digest 157). There’s no detail on why it’s not being built along with the road. Also, it’s not clear why a redundant section of Crosshill Rd will be used for “mosaic habitat” instead of cycling?
Links: East Dunbartonshire Council WDR article and Planning application TP/ED/25/0151.

Glasgow City

North Laurieston masterplan – Stage 2

A further consultation following the Stage 1 event (June update). The project website has summaries and survey results to feed into Stage 2. ‘Connected cycle routes’ was ranked third in their Movement strategy survey. The masterplan area on the south bank of the Clyde includes Carlton Place, South Portland St (Avenues project) and the South City Way on Gorbals St (past the Sheriff Court and Central Mosque).
Event: Wednesday 12 November, 2pm–8pm at the former Savings Bank, 67 Bridge St, Glasgow G5 9JB (presentation at 6.30pm).
Links: North Laurieston microsite (sideways scrolling).

Improving Drumchapel Town Centre

Glasgow City Council say: “As part of the plans to improve Drumchapel town centre, we want your views on how best to change the roads layout of Kinfauns Drive from Hecla Ave down to Duntreath Ave, to make it easier to get around the area and make it more attractive.” The visuals show the curving raised platform has gone from the northern corner of Kinfauns Dr. Further south, the biggest change in the plans is removing the Drumchapel Roundabout. A (two-stage) crossing will be added on Duntreath Ave with an interesting junction at Aldi. There seems to be a wide verge on the western side of Duntreath Ave but sadly no segregated cycling route there or on Kinfauns Dr. There’s definitely cycling in the area as Drumchapel Cycle Hub are based just along from the junction on Drumry Road East.
Links: Drumchapel Town Centre survey.
Deadline: Monday 15 December 2025.

Thornwood Roundabout and NCN7 Project

A long overdue project for active travel improvements around Thornwood Roundabout and National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7). The roundabout plans are for new crossings and pavements/shared paths (widened onto verges). Crossings at north and east are 2-stage but close to ‘desire line’, with a few pinch points at corners. Crossings at west and south are set much further back (on existing paths). Sawmill St has a shared path south to crossings to a bi-directional cycletrack on South St/Castlebank St. That protected route runs most of the way to Pointhouse Place where there’s a shared path from the corner at the Riverside Museum. There’s a useful fly-through video of the route on the council webpage (and many visuals, which show cyclists riding on the right!). The cycletrack continues west along South St to the crossing at the end of the old railway path on the north side (near Dilwara Ave). While Thornwood roundabout is still car-dominated the plans are an upgrade for active travel. The cycletrack would be a very welcome improvement compared to NCN7’s current shared pavement.
Links: Thornwood-NCN7 consultation, Thornwood-NCN7 survey, Thornwood roundabout plans (PDF) and NCN7 plans (PDF).
Deadline: Sunday 17 December 2025.

North Lanarkshire

Bellshill to Mossend Active Travel
(Eurocentral Active Travel links project)

North Lanarkshire Council say: “The project is funded by NLC through the Glasgow City Region Deal which provides for infrastructure projects that connect people with employment opportunities. Three of the five routes are already at the detailed design stage, while the remaining two are at the concept design stage.” The latter runs through Bellshill town centre. The preferred route uses mostly back streets (John St and an awkward junction onto Dean St). Alternatives in the consultation include a route on Main St (which has a high school and very wide pavements in places). As it goes east, the route uses main roads through Mossend and Holytown towards EuroCentral (A755 corridor). North Lanarkshire favour widened pavements over on-road protected lanes so it’s likely this route will follow the pattern set in Motherwell (Muir St), Wishaw (Alexander St) and elsewhere.
Links: Eurocentral Active Travel Links StoryMap, Bellshill–Eurocentral survey
Deadline: 30 November 2025.

South Lanarkshire

Draft Transport Strategy Consultation 2025 – 2035

South Lanarkshire Council say: “This survey follows on from the first round of engagement undertaken in 2023 and subsequent work to develop South Lanarkshire’s next Local Transport Strategy (LTS), which will cover the period 2025 to 2035. This consultation will inform the finalisation of the Local Transport Strategy for adoption at the end of this year.”
SLC Local Transport Strategy on cycling: “…it is recognised that further investment is crucial to achieve the level of change required to meet climate targets, tackle poor health and address social exclusion. South Lanarkshire Council will further extend the active travel network during the lifetime of this LTS, including the provision of supporting infrastructure.” There’s very little further detail (similar to the recent South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership meeting, which failed to mention this consultation!).
Links: Draft Local Transport Strategy document, LTS consultation page and LTS survey.
Deadline: 9 December 2025.

SPT

Buchanan Bus Station Masterplan

Radical redevelopment proposals for the bus station. The current building and neighbouring multi-storey car park would be demolished. Only the Gallery Apartments/Sainsbury’s building would be kept. The rest of the block would be used for the new bus station and housing/student flats. The curved layout seems to have fewer stances than the current bus station. The bridges from Cowcaddens Rd may deal with the level difference but could raise issues of anti-social behaviour (on the buses below). On three sides will be Avenues cycle lanes (Cowcaddens St/N Hanover St/W Nile St). No obvious details about bike parking in plans.
Links: Buchanan Bus Station Masterplan webpage and BBS online survey.
Deadline: “before 23 November”.

Glasgow City

Thornwood Roundabout and NCN7 Project

A long overdue project for active travel improvements around Thornwood Roundabout and National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7). The roundabout plans are for new crossings and pavements/shared paths (widened onto verges). Crossings at north and east are 2-stage but close to ‘desire line’, with a few pinch points at corners. Crossings at west and south are set much further back (on existing paths). Sawmill St has a shared path south to crossings to a bi-directional cycletrack on South St/Castlebank St. That protected route runs most of the way to Pointhouse Place where there’s a shared path from the corner at the Riverside Museum. There’s a useful fly-through video of the route on the council webpage (and many visuals, which show cyclists riding on the right!). The cycletrack continues west along South St to the crossing at the end of the old railway path on the north side (near Dilwara Ave). While Thornwood roundabout is still car-dominated the plans are an upgrade for active travel. The cycletrack would be a very welcome improvement compared to NCN7’s current shared pavement.
Links: Thornwood-NCN7 consultation, Thornwood-NCN7 survey, Thornwood roundabout plans (PDF) and NCN7 plans (PDF).
Deadline: Sunday 17 December 2025.

Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove – Phase 4

“Proposals include an enhanced public realm outside Exhibition Centre Train Station, with plans aiming to create a more inviting and accessible space that supports sustainable travel. This project also explores how Corunna Street, Minerva Street and St Vincent Crescent could be improved to better support walking, wheeling and cycling, while creating more welcoming and accessible public spaces. Proposed improvements include making Corunna Street one-way northbound with a dedicated southbound cycle lane, upgrading pavements and crossings, and adding clearer signage to improve wayfinding.”
Links: Connecting Yorkhill–Kelvingrove Smartsurvey (see plans in updated Connecting Yorkhill–Kelvingrove StoryMap).
Deadline: 7 November 2025.

Yorkhill to Anderston Liveable Neighbourhood – Phase 1

“Plans for the Anderston Liveable Neighbourhood build on earlier community feedback, and focus on improving the environment for pedestrians at Kent Road, Brechin Street, Claremont Street, Breadalbane Street and Dover Street. Proposed changes include upgrading pavements with dropped kerbs and tactile paving, improving pedestrian crossings, and adding new infrastructure such as cycle shelters, green planting and enhanced drainage.”
Links: Yorkhill to Anderston LN Smartsurvey (see plans in updated Yorkhill to Anderston LN StoryMap).
Deadline: 7 November 2025.

South Lanarkshire

East Kilbride Masterplan – planning consultation event

SLC have announced a further consultation event for the first phase of East Kilbride town centre redevelopment. It follows previous consultation and events in EK shopping centre. This one may be linked to a Pre-Application Notice (PAN), ahead of plans being submitted, but it’s not clear. The redevelopment site is south of Cornwall St, which has a Spaces for People cycleway on its northern side. An article in South Lanarkshire View says: “The proposals that local residents and communities are being consulted on include:

• a reduction of 42% in retail floorspace
• up to 400 new homes in a new town centre neighbourhood
• a new Civic Hub
• a food supermarket as an anchor retailer
• the transformation of entrance points, including a new hotel”

Event: East Kilbride Central Library from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 30 October.
Links: East Kilbride Masterplan, SL View article.

Country Park Masterplans

Visuals and plans for Calderglen Country Park (East Kilbride) and Chatelherault Country Park (Ferniegair/Hamilton). These follow consultations last year (see Digest 165). Plans for both parks include upgraded facilities and infrastructure. The highlight for cycling is a proposed new active travel path and bridge over the burn at Calderglen. An article in South Lanarkshire View says: “Phase one projects include the creation of a new ‘pump track’ for three–to seven-year-olds close to the existing adventure playground at Calderglen.” Also, “a study is underway to look at options to reinstate the White Bridge at Chatelherault. The council’s approved budget for 2025/2026 includes an allocation of £1.35m towards both projects. Approved Masterplans for each park will mean that the council can pursue new UK and Scottish Government funding as and when available.”
Links: SLC Country Parks website (note: survey has closed).

Argyll & Bute

Tarbert Ferry Terminal to Whitehouse – Community Path

Continuing consultation on a path between Tarbert’s ferry terminal, on Loch Fyne, across the top of the Kintyre peninsula to Kennacraig ferry terminal/Whitehouse. Stage 2 consultation (Stage 1 was in 2024) with concept designs for the route alongside the A83. An in-person consultation event in Tarbert has passed. This path to the south-west seems to be separate from the north-east path project (Tarbet to Inverarnan).
Links: Tarbert to Whitehouse Community Path (Engagement Hub), large plan image (ZoomHub), Tarbert–Whitehouse survey, Feedback Map and ABC website page.
Deadline: Tuesday 30 September 2025 (17.00).

East Renfrewshire

Barrhead Road Active Corridor (Newton Mearns) 

Updated plans for the third phase of this route on Barrhead Road in Newton Mearns (phase 1 is still under construction on Aurs Road at Balgray Reservoir). This will be an important active travel link across the M77 motorway between Newton Mearns town centre and greenspace at the reservoir. “Barrhead Rd would include improved paths and crossings; priority for people walking, wheeling, and cycling at junctions; traffic calming measures; improved road crossings; and new signage.”
Drop-in event with the project team: Mearns Library on Wednesday 1 October from 3-7pm.
Links: Barrhead Rd Active Corridor page
Deadline: 26 October 2025.

Glasgow City

Avenues Plus Duke St/John Knox St

A ‘meet the contractor’ event for the Avenues Plus routes currently under construction on Duke St (and planned for John Knox St). Apparently, an “opportunity to view the plans, ask questions, and meet the contractor’s team from Rainton Construction”. Perhaps also to ask about potential links to the new Avenue on Ark Lane and Westercraigs (which could lead directly into the Drives if it had a contraflow bike lane)? Also, Bike for Good will have a Dr Bike (maintenance/servicing) session outside from 4.30 to 6.30pm.
Drop-in event at Dennistoun Library on Thursday 2 October 2025, 3.30 to 7.30pm.
In other Dennistoun news, a Traffic Regulation Order for parking controls is due out shortly.

Connecting Yorkhill and Kelvingrove – Phase 4

“Proposals include an enhanced public realm outside Exhibition Centre Train Station, with plans aiming to create a more inviting and accessible space that supports sustainable travel. This project also explores how Corunna Street, Minerva Street and St Vincent Crescent could be improved to better support walking, wheeling and cycling, while creating more welcoming and accessible public spaces. Proposed improvements include making Corunna Street one-way northbound with a dedicated southbound cycle lane, upgrading pavements and crossings, and adding clearer signage to improve wayfinding.”
Links: Connecting Yorkhill–Kelvingrove Smartsurvey.
Deadline: 7 November 2025.

Yorkhill to Anderston Liveable Neighbourhood – Phase 1

“Plans for the Anderston Liveable Neighbourhood build on earlier community feedback, and focus on improving the environment for pedestrians at Kent Road, Brechin Street, Claremont Street, Breadalbane Street and Dover Street. Proposed changes include upgrading pavements with dropped kerbs and tactile paving, improving pedestrian crossings, and adding new infrastructure such as cycle shelters, green planting and enhanced drainage.”
Links: Yorkhill–Anderston LN Smartsurvey.
Deadline: 7 November 2025.

Townhead Greening and Connectivity event

Apologies that we missed this local event in Townhead in the run-up to our AGM. It was about the open spaces in the neighbourhood bordered by the new Avenues under construction on N Hanover St and Kyle St.

North Ayrshire

Maritime Mile, Irvine

This is a large development programme to improve Irvine’s harbour area. “Phase 2 will improve the layout and appearance of Harbour Street and Montgomery Street and connections between Irvine Railway Station and the Beach Park. Activity hubs and spaces will also be created providing new opportunities to enjoy the Harbourside area.” Most of the plans appear to be shared use paths.
Drop-in events:
Wed 8 October, 12 noon – 3pm: Rivergate Shopping Centre;
Wed 8 October, 5pm – 7pm: Fullarton Connexions.
Links: Maritime Mile page, proposals and survey.
Deadline: Sunday 12 October 2025.

North Lanarkshire

East Airdrie Link Road

Major changes for Stage 3 of EALR – a new access road added to the new hospital from Towers Rd. Pavements were previously dropped from the main EALR trunk road between Riggend and Newhouse. The new road, next to a school, and wider road safety measures gives an opportunity to push for better active travel provision to the hospital from both Airdrie and the village of Plains. NCN 75 passes through both places and next to Drumgelloch train station. It’s important NLC also retain existing plans for an active travel path/bridge between the hospital and station.
Links: EALR consultation page, EALR StoryMap.
Deadline: Sunday 26 October 2025.

South Lanarkshire

Coalburn path openings

No new consultations but a follow-up on previous Douglas Valley consultation and Active Travel studies of Clydesdale. Two new active travel paths recently opened around Coalburn, on NCN74 in rural South Lanarkshire, with a further path to follow between Coalburn and Douglas. Coalburn Community Action Group campaigned for the path project, which was managed by Community Action Lanarkshire.
Being close to wind farms and potential for tourism seem to have helped with funding, according to SLC’s South Lanarkshire View:
“Construction funding was provided by South Lanarkshire Scotland Renewable Energy Fund (REF) via OnPath Middlemuir Windfarm and Walking Scotland’s Ian Findlay Path Fund.… …The work is part of a larger initiative to enhance the recreational and tourism offer, which includes the development of a Douglas Valley focussed Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism scope, progressed by the Douglas Valley Advisory Group.”
Links: Coalburn to Poneil active travel path and Coalburn to Lesmahagow active travel path.

Argyll & Bute

Tarbert Ferry Terminal to Whitehouse – Community Path

Further consultation on a path between Tarbert’s ferry terminal, on Loch Fyne, across the top of the Kintyre peninsula to Kennacraig ferry terminal/Whitehouse. There are concept designs for the route between the two, alongside the A83. This is a Stage 2 consultation (Stage 1 was in 2024). There was an in-person consultation event in Tarbert that has passed. This path to the south-west seems to be separate from the project to create a path to the north-east (Tarbet to Inverarnan).
Links: Tarbert to Whitehouse Community Path (Engagement Hub), large plan image (ZoomHub), Tarbert–Whitehouse survey, Feedback Map and ABC website page.
Deadline: Tuesday 30 September 2025 (17.00).

East Dunbartonshire

LDP3 – Call for Ideas and Sites Consultation

Part of the Council’s continuing work to prepare its next Local Development Plan (LDP). The plan will guide what land in East Dunbartonshire is used for development. The call for ideas is about planning policy and spatial strategy. The call for sites is for general ideas or developers with plans about how to develop areas of land. The call for sites may be an opportunity to lobby for active travel routes.
Two drop-in information sessions (Kirkintilloch/Milngavie) have already passed.
Links: LDP3 web page, LDP3 call for ideas survey and LDP3 call for sites survey.
Deadline: Monday 15 September 2025.

East Renfrewshire

Parks & Green Spaces

ERC say: “We want to learn about your experience of visiting and using parks and greenspaces in East Renfrewshire. Which parks are your favourite? What do you like about them? What do you think could be better? The results of the survey will be used to inform the new Open Space Strategy and Local Development Plan 3.”
East Ren parks and green spaces with important active travel links include: Rouken Glen Park, Balgray Reservoir and Whitelee Wind Farm. There are also some ‘missing links’, like the wasteground and disused bridge between Williamwood train station and Eastwood Health & Care Centre.
Link: East Ren parks and green spaces consultation.
Deadline (extended): 12 September 2025.

Thornliebank Consultations

Feedback about completed projects in Thornliebank, including access improvements to Thornliebank Playing Fields.
Link: Thornliebank Consultations page and Thornliebank Projects Feedback survey.
Deadline: no obvious deadline.

Inverclyde

Proposed Installation of Road Humps – Kirn Drive, Gourock (ETRO)

Following previous consultation, Inverclyde Council propose traffic calming on Kirn Drive in Midton, Gourock. The road would be made one-way between Arran Rd in east and Divert Rd in west with humps added. Also, Staffa Street would be made one-way from Ivy Crescent to Kingsway east. An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) usually lasts 18 months to pilot a change.
Link: Kirn Dr, Gourock TRO page.
Deadline (extended): 1 September 2025.

North Ayrshire

Montgomerie Park, Irvine

North Ayrshire Council is planning the development of 188 new homes at Montgomerie Park, Irvine. Following previous consultations, the final plans for the site are available to view. A proposed road at the south of the new estate seems to include a cycle path but there are no details on width/surface.
Link: Montgomery Park page and final plans (PDF).
Deadline: Sunday 31 August 2025.

Renfrewshire

Outcomes of previous consultations

Renfewshire Council’s new website has an ‘Outcome available’ section with feedback from previous consultations. These include: Erskine Town Centre consultation and Johnston Civic Squares consultation.
Link: Renfrewshire Council consultations and ‘Outcome available’ page.

South Lanarkshire

Update on Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan

An update from South Lanarkshire Council is mostly about progress with property. Sadly, this includes demolishing the facade of the former Vogue Bingo hall on Keith St (apparently as it’s now unsafe). Other negative news includes the trial reintroduction of cars on Quarry St being made permanent. Quarry St used to be pedestrianised – see featured image at top of post from 2012 (with Vogue building in background). Car parking had crept up since the pandemic (leading to the trial). There should be disabled parking and it always had some access for loading, etc. However, officially opening the street to all cars removes safe space for walking, wheeling and cycling (even if it’s still one-way and not really a through road).

Also, work is starting to look at renewing the Duke St multi-storey car park – it’s due to be demolished (apart from the section under Wyler Tower!). However, the plan is to build a new multi-storey in the same place, on the wrong side of the road from the shops! It could potentially have been moved behind Quarry St, in the footprint of the current Regent Shopping Centre, if road access had been adjusted (see alternative plans, ignored by SLC). There is due to be an improved pedestrian/cycle path behind the Duke St car park, to Hamilton Central station, but it doesn’t seem like the rest of the town centre will be very cycle-friendly.

Local Action Fund

The Local Action Fund is £50,000 for each of the 20 council wards in South Lanarkshire. Several projects have already been awarded but there is funding remaining in some wards. There doesn’t seem to be a formal consultation or application process – constituents have to contact their councillors, who will decide where the remaining funds go.

For example, Rutherglen South, Ward 11, reportedly has £23,200 still to be spent by Councillors Robert Brown (who has attended GoBike hustings in the past), Margaret Cowie and Carol Nugent. Could some of the funding go towards improving local active travel routes?

Today’s ride had some hills, short and sharp and we encountered what can be a hazard at this time of year – fallen leaves. So do take care when you are out and about.

December’s ride, on Sunday 01 December will take us on a spiral tour of Glasgow, looking at bridges old and new, big and small. Do join us!

This ride takes us across the South Side of Glasgow, including checking up on the latest extension of the South City Way, and out to Linn Park.

We will then head over through Castlemilk Park to Rutherglen, where we will visit Overtoun Park. The return to Glasgow will bring us across the Smart Bridge onto the Clyde Walkway, to finish in Glasgow Green around lunchtime.

15 miles, mostly on cycle routes, park paths and quieter roads.

We will meet, as usual at 10am at the north end of Bell’s Bridge, Congress Road, Glasgow.

For further information about GoBike rides see here.

We are sorry for the delay in publication of this edition. Derek, who usually writes the digest, tragically lost his young step-son Edgar. We would like to pay tribute to Edgar and extend our heartfelt condolences to Derek and his family.

Featured Consultation

Glasgow’s City Network Inner North & South

Council: Glasgow.
Subject: At long last, the first public consultations have begun on Glasgow’s City Network, a city-wide network of segregated cycle lanes. These cover Inner North and South, two of the three areas intended for Phase 1 of construction. The third, Greater Govan, is also being designed.

The networks are the most complete proposal we have seen in Scotland. Inner North provides 24km of cycle lanes, and South provides 33km. These are real networks rather than arterial “highways”. If you only fill in one consultation this year, make it this one. It is incredibly important to show our support.

You can fill in the consultation online until October 20th, and attend these public events:

Inner north

SOUTH

Website links: Survey and Information
Deadline: 20 October 2024.

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

1.1 High St Avenue (Glasgow)

Council: Glasgow.
Subject: Questionnaire on proposals for High Street
The introduction of a bidirectional cycle lane, rain gardens, and a welcome reduction in car lanes on this key Glasgow street. This will form an important part of the city network, connecting to the Argyle Street Avenue.
Website links: Survey
Deadline: Unclear.

1.2: New parking laws (Renfrewshire)

Council: Renfrewshire.
Subject: How Renfrewshire will implement the national pavement parking prohibitions. Apparently “enforcing these in Renfrewshire from November 2024.” However, 22 locations would be exempt – the consultation is about the exemption order. RC invite feedback but only by letter or email: ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Website links: Renfrewshire Council’s New parking laws webpage.
Deadline: 11 September 2024.

1.3: Renfrewshire Villages Safe Walking Initiative

Council: Renfrewshire.
Subject: Despite the name, it seems to include cycling: “…transport consultants Stantec [will] carry out a study in Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Elderslie and Lochwinnoch. The study aims to create a safer environment in the villages for all road users by managing traffic speeds, to encourage people to walk, wheel, and cycle more often for local trips.”
Website links: Renfrewshire Villages Safe Walking Initiative storymap, Renfrewshire Council VSWI webpage, Bishopton survey, Bridge of Weir survey, Elderslie survey and Lochwinnoch survey.
Deadline: 22 September 2024.

1.4: Tell Us About Your Place (West Dunbartonshire)

Council: West Dunbartonshire.
Subject: A survey based on the Place Standard tool to ‘score’ areas of the county. 
Events – In Person drop-in (with presentation at 4.30pm):
– Alexandria Community Centre, 28 August 2024, 3pm – 7pm
– Dalmuir Community Centre, 11 September 2024, 3pm – 7pm.
Virtual Drop-in events: 28 August, 10am – 11:30am and 3 September, 6:30pm – 8pm.
Website links: Tell Us About Your Place webpage (including survey link).
Deadline: 30 September 2024.

1.5: South Lanarkshire – Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3)

Council: South Lanarkshire.
Subject: Plan to “set out how our places will look in the future”.
Website links: South Lanarkshire View article and LDP3 webpage (including survey link).
Deadline: 30 September 2024.

1.6: Dennistoun Parking Control Zone

Council: Glasgow
Subject: Dennistoun Area Engagement – Parking Controls and Traffic Measures
Website links: Information and Survey
Deadline:  13 October 2024.