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. Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, online, closes 09 February
2. Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
3. Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
4. Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Mosspark Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 14 February
6. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February
7. Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February
8. Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no contraflow, closes 14 February
9. Glasgow, Byres Road, Byres Road Traffic Management and Parking Controls, includes cycle lanes, closes 14 February
10. Glasgow, Byres Road, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, closes 14 February
11. Glasgow, Byres Road, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 14 February
12. Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Transforming Planning, National Planning Framework 4 – drop-in sessions and workshops February and March
2. Glasgow, Byres Road Traffic Regulation Order: Drop-In Information Session, THURSDAY 06 February
3. East Dunbartonshire Travel Survey Week, 10-16 February

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Mount Florida, Parking and One-Way, with no contraflow – Motor Traffic 1, Active Travel 0
2. East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.55 January 2020
3. GoBike Ride 02 February, we visited Sighthill, North East Travel Routes and Robroyston in our tour of the East

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, online, closes 09 February

Details of this on-line and street public consultation were given in Digest 52, Items 1.4 and 2.2 and here’s the critical information:

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

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

Do please complete the online consultation. Currently cycle lanes are shown for the very southern part of Stockwell Street, but not continuing up to Argyle Street and Glassford Street. Apparently discussion is ongoing, so do press them to do better!

1.2 Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

This was the first of 3 new traffic calming with speed cushions schemes that just made it into our last Digest, Item 1.5 and it’s now been joined by a fourth in this issue. Ardencraig Road is in a residential area and there are 6 schools in the area, so why isn’t the road being made more people-friendly? It really is depressing that we can’t have a more people-friendly approach to our streets. This really is a major concern and the City Council continues to treat speeding traffic in this piecemeal way, just as they did with 20mph zones.

1.3 Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

This was detailed as Item 1.6 in Digest 52 and here’s a view of Bankfoot Road, just off Paisley Road West, leading up to Wedderlea Drive.

As may be seen, the houses all have room for off-road parking, so plenty of room for improvement in line with Designing Streets. This document was issued in 2010 and “is the first policy statement in Scotland for street design and marks a change in the emphasis of guidance on street design towards place-making and away from a system focused upon the dominance of motor vehicles.” We don’t think it’s hit the desks of Glasgow City Council’s staff yet!

1.4 Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

Castlemilk Drive is a major route down to Croftfoot and King’s Park railway stations and upwards to Carmunnock and the rural areas of South Lanarkshire, so why isn’t cycling being encouraged here? All the details of the proposed traffic calming were in Digest 52, Item 1.7
We fully understand that finances are tight, with the end of the financial year approaching so money has to be spent or lost, but the lack of forward thinking is extremely disappointing.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Mosspark Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 14 February

This proposal arrived just too late, on 24 January, for our last Digest; it’s for the eastern end of Mosspark Drive, from Arran Drive up to the junction with Mosspark Boulevard. A helpful member of staff at the City Council confirmed that west of Arran Drive, where cars are parked both sides it was not considered that traffic calming measures are required. Even here, though, where there are houses both sides, all with gardens, cars reign supreme, taking up the place on the roadway where people would normally cycle. Here’s the email that we received:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

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

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

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

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

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

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

·       5 sets of 3, 1.9m, 75mm high, speed cushions,

·       The installation of bollards beside the proposed speed cushions.

·       The installation of a pedestrian island at the junction with Mosspark Boulevard

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (Reply by 14^th February 2020).

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

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

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

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the plans associated with the proposal: Full view, Island, Section 1 and 2, Section 3 and 4 and Section 5.

It’s very upsetting that so many motor drivers, in so many places, drive at speeds that endanger lives and all we do is install a few speed cushions to try to slow them down.

1.6 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February

This featured last in Digest 52, Item 1.8 and it’s a high-level document that will be used as a basis, or an excuse, for years to come. Our response is still being prepared as this Digest goes out but it will be sent in before the closing date.

1.7 Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February

Digest 52, Item 1.9 gave all the details for this consultation and here’s the reply we sent in for the Stage One consultation. We don’t object to car clubs as such but they do take up cycling room on our roads and add to the clutter on our footways. Our reply will be similar to that at Stage One but do get your own views in, particularly if you live in the area affected by this or any other car club, or if you are a car club member yourself.

1.8 Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no contraflow, closes 14 February

Digest 52, Item 10 explained this proposal and it really highlights the City Council’s refusal to implement the default position of contraflow cycling in their selected design guide, Cycling by Design, Section 5.1.5. Our comments when we replied to the Stage One consultation are in this letter and will be repeated; side roads should be available and welcoming to people who choose to respect well-publicised concerns for our health and the environment by cycling. We should not be pushed onto busy main roads when alternatives are available.

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

The details we were sent of this Order were in Digest 52, Item 1.11 and, as we informed you, we sent in detailed concerns for the Stage One consultation. We received this reply on 23 January, after querying whether our views had been received:

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

Dear Ms Fort,

I refer to your email of 9^th January and can confirm that we did receive the stage 1 response. Your previous objections will be carried forward into this stage of the consultation process, however, a large portion of your letter does not specifically relate to the TRO process (mostly design choices) and will not be considered as part of the objection to the TRO.

In terms of the design of the cycle lanes, these are for the most part are finalised in terms of specification (i.e. at footway level with an asphalt surface). Future design changes would be limited to localised alignment changes along Byres Road in relation to potential layout tweaks and potentially colour in addition to street furniture placement etc. Any other significant changes would be restricted to the outcome of the TRO consultations.

I can also advise that our records have been updated to reflect the change of contact information for our consultation stage emails to consultations@gobike.org – any future TRO updates will now be directed to that email address.

If you require any further information regarding the Byres Road TRO please contact ByresRoadTRO@glasgow.gov.uk

Yours sincerely,” etc

While we support the limited range of the TRO, as per our post of 27 January, we remain extremely concerned that the clear and basic guidance given in Cycling by Design and good practice elsewhere is apparently not being followed for the detailed cycle lane design. See this extract from page 86 of Cycling by Design:

Our response will go in next week, but if you haven’t sent in your views yet, do please get them in by the 14th.

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

Digest 52, Item 1.12 gave the details for this proposal, which we support. Suggested wording for you to add your voice was given in our post of 27 January, so do write in. Our letter will be going in soon.

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

No, the picture’s not Hillhead but there is parking nose to tail there that severely limits walking and cycling. Details of this order were given in Digest 52, Item 1.13 and our suggested wording for your response was in our post of 27 January. GoBike generally supports parking restrictions but we have become aware of one general concern and a specific one for this Order. The general concern is that parking charges in Glasgow are so low, only 80p for an hour – compare this with the cost of a return bus or subway journey and you can easily see that it is the car driver, and not the bus or subway passenger, who is being encouraged to visit Hillhead and Byres Road, and other parts of the city. The specific concern in Hillhead, one of the more affluent areas of Glasgow, is the proposal that residents be offered a second parking permit – in a city that’s hosting COP26 this year! Where’s the City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction when you need her? Let’s support her with opposing these 2 aspects of the parking Order.

1.12 Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

Just about all new housing in Scotland is built as per this example, ie with car parking space and/or a garage, so it’s no wonder so few people cycle. Do please respond to this national consultation, which was detailed in Digest 52, Item 1.14.

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

Do have a look and let’s get lots of responses in that mention cycling and active travel. We know it’s the way to go.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Transforming Planning, National Planning Framework 4 – drop-in sessions and workshops February and March

The Scottish Government says: “We are committed to encouraging interest and wide public involvement in the preparation of NPF4 and want to engage with the public, community, voluntary and private sectors, as well as academics, experts and professional bodies.
We will make a particular effort to reach beyond the people and organisations normally involved in planning consultations.“

Locally drop-in sessions followed by workshops are being held in Foxbar (Paisley) on 18 February, Glasgow on 17 March and Kilmarnock on 27 March. See this link for further information.

Jim, from Cycling UK in Scotland told us about this, with this email:

“Hi

This is a quick note to highlight that the Scottish Government is seeking early views on the National Planning Framework 4 and is holding a series of workshops and drop in sessions throughout Scotland. See the full list here https://www.transformingplanning.scot/national-planning-framework/get-involved/  I’m planning to be at the Glasgow event.

They also are looking for written comments – so check the same page. Its always to get ideas in early!

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.

Please pass this on through your networks to anyone you think might be interested.

I will be providing more information on NPF4 opportunities in the future but I’m happy to discuss with anyone.

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

GoBike needs members to go to these events and feed back – please get in touch at consultations@gobike.org

2.2 Glasgow, Byres Road Traffic Regulation Order: Drop-In Information Session, THURSDAY 06 February

An event at Hillhead Library, hosted by Byres Road Corners and Hillhead Library from 2-6pm. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/traffic-regulation-order-drop-/622550555222298/

Do go along if you wish to know more!

2.3 East Dunbartonshire Travel Survey Week, 10-16 February

Here’s the info from the East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan
Newsletter, Issue 55 – January 2020

“The Draft Local Transport Strategy contained an action for the Council to establish an East Dunbartonshire Travel Survey. Planning has been underway for this project and the inaugural East Dunbartonshire Travel Survey Week will take place from Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February 2020.
Market researchers, Research Resource – on behalf of the Council – will be carrying out on-street surveys during the week beginning Monday 10 February in Kirkintilloch, Milngavie, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Lennoxtown, Auchinairn, Hillhead, Harestanes and Twechar.
In addition to the on-street survey, an online version is also available which can be completed between now and Sunday 16 February. Follow the link to get involved: www.researchresource.co.uk/eastduntravel.html
The survey aims to compile a picture of local travel behaviours which will provide the basis for long-term regular data collection – helping the Council to understand evolving travel behaviours and shape plans for the future.
Funding has been provided through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All.”

See Section 3.2 for a link to the whole newsletter.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Mount Florida, Parking and One-Way, with no contraflow – Motor Traffic 1, Active Travel 0

Back in July 2019 GoBike objected, with this letter, to proposals to change the parking regime in Mount Florida. These proposals included making some streets one way and refusing to countenance contraflow cycling. There was some further correspondence with this second letter from GoBike in September and an email exchange in November. This latter exchange was published in Digest 47, Item 3.1. We did meet with Michael Brady on 12 December at Glasgow City Council offices, and contraflow cycling was discussed, but we have had no further update until this final message confirming adoption of the TRO came in on 27 January:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (MOUNT FLORIDA), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 2020

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

• Removal of a small section of proposed no waiting at any time restrictions at the western extremity of McLennan Street at the request of a local resident in order to provide additional parking space.
• The existing waiting/loading restrictions will remain in place on Cathcart Road between Prospecthill Road and McLennan Street following a request from a bus operator.

The Order was made on 22 January 2020 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 24 January 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

I realise that this may not be the outcome you wished for, however this Order will introduce improvements to the existing parking restrictions in the area.  The specific objective was to assist the local community by reducing the parking restrictions on Cathcart Road and to facilitate business activities allowing all vehicle types to utilise the designated loading areas.

In addition to the above, the Council are taking the opportunity to improve parking practices and road safety within the adjoining residential areas.  This includes ensuring crossing points are accessible, sightlines at junctions are sufficient and generally parking practices are safe and not obstructive.

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

So there we have it: a resident gets extra parking space, a bus company gets space for its buses (and quite right too) and we get restrictions for cycling. Just what vehicle/transport/active travel hierarchy does Glasgow City Council work to?

3.2 East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.55 January 2020

This newsletter contains information on:

• The Local Transport Strategy 2020-25
• East Dunbartonshire Travel Survey Week (See Item 2.3 above)
• The Proposed Local Development Plan 2 – Update
• The Scottish Government’s Consultation on a Replacement National Planning Framework (NPF4) (See also Item 2.1 above)

3.3 GoBike Ride 02 February, we visited Sighthill, North East Travel Routes and Robroyston in our tour of the East

Eight intrepid souls rode out east on Sunday morning and arrived back, still in the rain, just in time for a sunny afternoon!

Here’s the cycle lane alongside Fountainwell Road on the northern edge of Sighthill. It’s separated from the road and nice and smooth, but stops before that nasty Springburn Road.

On our approach to Robroyston Railway Station, just opened in December. There are no cycle markings on the new access road or footway (See Digest 48 Item 1.6 for consultation for the accesses to this station) but the crossing was a toucan one and there are NO cycle lanes on the road. Of course GoBike requested cycle lanes when we responded to the TRO, but that was only for the double yellow lines. There was NO consultation on cycle access.

This is the station access on the Robroyston, northern side.

And the station parking. There is talk of cycle lanes on the south side, the Millerston side, along Station Road, although the boundary between North Lanarkshire and Glasgow runs down the centre of the road …..

Our ride finished in Govanhill and home via the still unfinished South City Way.

So that’s it, another mixed bag of delights, for another two weeks. Thanks for reading.

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20mph Limit Speed Zone, closes 27 December
2. Glasgow, Finnieston Bridge, taxis and authorised vehicles to use bus and cycle lanes TRO, closes 03 January 2020
3. Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), closes 10 January 2020
4. Law Commission, HIghly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020
5. Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January 2020
6. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February 2020
7. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closing date 14 February 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event 22 January 2020

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order, parking, GoBike submission
2. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed TRO and road humps, Maxwell Avenue area, Bearsden, GoBike submission
3. Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, GoBike submission and GCC response
4. Glasgow, Robroyston Station, parking restrictions, GoBike submission and GCC response
5. Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking changes approved
6. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside update, construction to start on Cycle Lanes
7. Glasgow, Beith Street, developer wins appeal to build flats
8. Glasgow, North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands, Mandatory 20mph speed limit zone approved
9. East Renfrewshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 Representation, ERC response
10. Renfrewshire, City Deal, GAIA Construction Update
11. GoBike met GCC, 13 December
12. Glasgow, Ashgill Road traffic calming scheme
13. Glasgow, Duror Street, another traffic calming scheme
14. Glasgow, Gartnavel Hospital Site Active Travel Meeting 18 December

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20mph Limit Speed Zone, closes 27 December

This proposal first featured in Digest 49, Item 1.9 and here’s the GoBike letter supporting the proposal. Please add your voice, if you have time, particularly if you live, work or cycle in Sighthill.

1.2 Glasgow, Finnieston Bridge, taxis and authorised vehicles to use bus and cycle lanes TRO closes 03 January 2020

This consultation was brand new in Digest 48, Item 1.9 and it just makes Fastlink worse if possible. Taxis and authorised vehicles are now able to use all four lanes of this bridge on a permanent basis after a “trial” for 18 months. The trial was to check whether the inclusion of taxis slowed buses down, but since the main hold-up for buses is on Lancefield Quay, we are now told that there has been no deterioration, so taxis may stay. The change puts active travel back, not forward and this won’t look good when COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, comes to Glasgow next year. Here’s the GoBike letter of objection. Do put in your own letter/email of objection – unless you are a taxi-driver ……

1.3 Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) closes 10 January 2020

This important consultation was Item 1.11 in Digest 49 and, if you haven’t already, do respond to the survey if you have time over Christmas and the New Year. Here’s a link to the survey.

1.4 Law Commission, HIghly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

We first mentioned this UK consultation back in Digest 46, Item 1.9 and the information and consultation details are here. Do have a look and see if you find anything that is reassuring!

1.5 Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January 2020

This consultation appeared in Digest 48, Item 1.11 but was then excluded from Digest 49 in favour of the Central District Regeneration Framework (see Item 1.7 below). Apologies for the confusion but we do have 2 city centre consultations at the same time! This is the higher level document and our in-house expert has been looking at it. The GoBike response should be in the next Digest, appearing in the New Year.

These high-level documents can seem quite vague but more detailed policy is based on them, so it’s important that we look at them. The link to this one is here, although the link is to a list of current consultations and this one is on page 2!

1.6 Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February 2020

Item 1.13 in Digest 49 gave the details for this on-line consultation and, although it’s open for over a month, do please respond before you forget. Here’s the link to the City Council’s consultation page where you have to scroll down to find this one.

Done well, the South West City Way, running all the way from the City Centre to Pollok Park, could be a significant boost for cycling in Glasgow.

1.6 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closing date 14 February 2020

We featured this in Digest 49, Item 1.14 and we are working on our response. The link, which is the same as the last two items is here – scroll down to the correct document. It’s similar to the previous Regeneration Frameworks that we have reviewed, more detailed than the City Centre Strategic Development Framework in Item 1.5 above, but still not a lot of specifics.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event 22 January 2020

Featured in Digest 49, Item 2.2 this consultation event will be held at St Albert’s Primary School,  36 Maxwell Drive, on Wednesday the 22nd of January 2020 between 3.30pm and 7pm.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order, parking, GoBike submission

GoBike supported the proposal, first featured in Digest 47, Item 1.3, to restrict commuter parking with this letter on 28 November.

3.2 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed TRO and road humps, Maxwell Avenue area, Bearsden, GoBike submission

This consultation, which closed on 16 December, was first featured in Digest 47, Item 1.6. We aren’t too happy with the speed tables, which only leave a narrow gap at the side for cycling – here’s the letter we submitted on 12 December.

3.3 Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, GoBike submission and GCC response

GoBike supported the consultation, which closed on 13 December, to control the chaotic commuter parking around Dalmarnock Station and the Police Scotland offices, with this letter on 15 December. All the details were first given in Digest 48, Item 1.5.

On 19 December we received this reply from GCC:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (DALMARNOCK WEST)(TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 20___

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

I note your comments regarding Shawfield Road and would reiterate that this falls outwith the Glasgow City boundary, however, I can confirm that an officer will contact South Lanarkshire Council to raise your concerns.

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“, etc

So, good news that the two neighbouring councils will speak to each other!

3.4 Glasgow, Robroyston Station, parking restrictions, GoBike submission and GCC response

The TRO to prohibit parking on the new road from the M80 to the new Robroyston Railway Station was first featured in Digest 48, Item 1.6. We supported the ban and strongly suggested that now is the time to construct cycle lanes, with this letter, dated 12 December.

On 18 December this reply was received from Glasgow City Council:

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

Dear Ms Fort,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (ROBROYSTON STATION) (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order on behalf of GoBike.

As previously advised it is intended to provide cycle measures on Station Road to connect to Robroyston Station and this will be subject to future consultation which you will be advised of when progressed.

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” etc

We live in hope that this will be both the original Station Road from Cumbernauld Road to the station and the new road from Robroyston and the M80 junction!

3.5 Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking changes approved

Back in June, and featured in Digest 36, Item 1.4 we were sent proposals for parking restrictions and a two-way cycle lane on Garscube Road, to which we responded with this letter. We were sent this email on 04 December:

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

Dear Ms Fort,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (GARSCUBE ROAD, (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROLS) 2019

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 with changes as specified below:-

·       Provision of on-street short-term pay and display parking on the west side of Firhill Road.

The Order was made on 11^th November 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 22November 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

Should you require any further information on the above named Order please email SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk

Yours sincerely” etc

See the next item for news of the cycle lanes!

3.6 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside update, construction to start on Cycle Lanes

The latest Connecting Woodside update, received on 17 December:

And here’s the headline news: ” Construction on the first phase of the Connecting Woodside project will begin in early 2020! This is a segregated cycle route on Garscube Road, from Firhill Road to the underpass at Dobbie’s Loan. “

3.7 Glasgow, Beith Street, developer wins appeal to build flats

This is the saddest and most disgraceful news we have had in a long time. In the face of 160 objections, from local residents, from Patrick Harvie, MSP (Green Party) and GoBike, planning permission has now been granted to the developer who wishes to build 48 flats on the green space shown here, adjacent to the shared cycle/foot path that is National Cycle Route 7.
Details of the planning application are here and here are the details of the final outcome: https://reglasgow.com/flats-plan-for-yellow-ribbon-partick-open-space-gets-go-ahead/

3.8 Glasgow, North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands, Mandatory 20mph speed limit zone approved

A 20mph speed limit has now been approved for this area. Here’s the email we received on 04 December:

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

Dear Ms Fort,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (NORTH KELVIN, NORTH WOODSIDE AND WOODLANDS) (MANDATORY 20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) 2019

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.

The Order was made on 11^th November 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 22^nd November 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

Should you require any further information on the above named Order please email SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk.

Yours sincerely,” etc

3.9 East Renfrewshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 Representation, ERC response

GoBike responded to the consultation on the LDP2 with this letter, as reported in Digest 49, Item 1.3 and we received this response on 12 December:

“GoBike
Dear Sir / Madam
East Renfrewshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) and Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report (October 2019)
Your Reference LDP2/174

Thank you for your representation (s) in respect of the above documents. The Council will aim to resolve issues raised by representations prior to submission of the Proposed LDP2 to Scottish Ministers. You may be contacted for further information or clarification if required. Following the close of the consultation a report will be produced summarising all representations received and detailing the Council’s response. This will be reported to Council and made available on the Council’s website.

If there are unresolved representations the Scottish Ministers will appoint an independent Reporter to examine the Proposed Plan. The Reporter appointed will consider all matters and make recommendations to the Council and to Scottish Ministers on any changes that should be made to the Plan. The Council must incorporate these recommendations prior to adopting the Plan. Once adopted, the Plan has a legal status and is used for the assessment of planning applications and will guide development within East Renfrewshire.

Please quote reference number LDP2/174 in all future correspondence.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Strategy Team on 577 3001 or email ldp2@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk if you have any further queries.

Yours sincerely,
Gillian McCarney Strategic Services Manager”

3.10 Renfrewshire, City Deal, GAIA Construction Update

Here’s the latest on what’s happening out near Glasgow (Renfrew?!) Airport:

3.11 GoBike met GCC, 13 December

As we advised in Digest 49, Item 2.1, Ali, Brenda and Tricia from GoBike cycled out to the new Glasgow City Council offices on London Road, to meet Kevin Hamilton, Michael Brady and one of their team who all deal with parking and traffic calming.
We had a good discussion and hope to meet again.
On parking our main concern is the removal of two-way cycling to allow adequate space for the parking that local residents claim they need, even when commuter parking is being removed by the City Council. We heard that there is a plethora of documents, and opinions, that do or do not support contraflow cycling and the Council is understandably concerned to keep our streets as safe as they think they can.
On traffic calming and the universal use of speed cushions, we heard that there is pressure from residents and City Councillors to act quickly to reduce dangerous motor traffic speeds. Speed cushions certainly do the job but do not necessarily answer our concerns about making streets active-travel-friendly. Unfortunately a decision is made early in the process about which box a proposal fits and currently something that requires speed reduction does not get to be a cycle scheme. Funding is critical too.

3.12 Glasgow, Ashgill Road traffic calming scheme

Continuing from the item above, Ashgill Road is one that we discussed with the City Council. As you can see from the photo, Ashgill Road is wide and lends itself to high speeds requiring a crash barrier on the bend outside the Community Centre, preventing people from crossing the road to get direct access.

Ashgill Road is in the north of the city but has not been designated as a cycle route, even though it connects to Balmore Road, a significant arterial road and is near railway stations. We were given to understand that traffic calming schemes are a 2-part process and the notice we received on 28 November proposing speed cushions was the Stage One consultation. We replied with this letter on 18 December.

We have since learnt that traffic calming using speed cushions does not need a Traffic Regulation Order and that there is local consultation at the same time as the statutory consultees are notified. Here are the plans of the speed cushion locations we were sent on 29 November: Full proposal, Plan 1, Plan 2.

We’ll be on the ball in future!

3.13 Glasgow, Duror Street, another traffic calming scheme

Here’s another wide road, in Shettleston, and the residents are concerned about the high speeds of motor vehicles. Here’s the email that we received on 29 November:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Duror Street) Traffic Calming Scheme

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

Background to the proposed Scheme

The scheme is aimed at improving road safety by reducing vehicle speeds.

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme

The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-

Duror Street

Details of the proposed Scheme

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

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

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (Reply by 20 December 2019).”

This is the letter submitted on 18 December, suggesting that the road be stopped up to motor traffic midway. As with the item above, from now on, traffic calming proposals will be published in these Digests soon after receipt. However, if you become aware of moves to reduce motor speeds in your locality do let GoBike know and do let your local council know that you want something better than speed cushions or tables.

3.14 Glasgow, Gartnavel Hospital Site Active Travel Meeting 18 December

Notes from Gartnavel Active Travel Route Meeting 18.12.2019 from GoBike member Caroline:
“The meeting was held to discuss plans to improve cycling conditions within the Gartnavel Hospital site.
Second Next Bike station, sited in close proximity to Hyndland Train Station exit – highly likely to be installed.
Additional covered bike parking requested, it was advised that there may be additional facilities required e.g. showers to promote cycle commuting to staff.
Connectivity with QEUH – it was advised that this will be reviewed as part of a wider NHSGG strategy to improve access to sites. Sustrans advised that they would welcome a Glasgow-wide application for matched funding.
Widening the existing path from Hyndland Station was touted as a possibility by Sustrans, but their rep was reminded of the conflict this could lead to between pedestrians and those on bikes.
Site visit- highlighted need for design improvements at the Great Western Road (GWR) junction and to connect the shared use path that runs parallel to GWR (continuing on road past the restaurant), desire lines across grass, asked why path wasn’t continued here – GCC were too late with funding, allegedly. Also Hughenden residents objected to cycle route running past their homes.
Second desire line running alongside steps down to Hyndland Station – Sustrans rep requested that a ramp be installed here. ScotRail have been consulted about installing a Falco ramp on the Underpass steps at Hyndland Station, but they might object as the stairway width is insufficient. The need for improved signage and wayfinding on proposed routes was highlighted, and it was requested that the access from Claythorn be improved to better accommodate non-standard bikes e.g. tag-alongs/ trikes. I asked what the longer-term strategy was to improve the hostile cycling conditions bordering the hospital site. Crow Road has been prioritised for 20mph limit, however Sustrans advised it’s unlikely to be implemented any time soon, improvements will be made to the Southbrae Drive/ Crow Road junction and access to Jordanhill Station but the future of cycling on Great Western Road remains unknown. I asked if GCC have an interim Transport Strategy to aid decision-making until the Transport Strategy is completed in 2021 but they don’t; Sustrans stated they are still using the Transport Strategy that related to the Commonwealth Games, which doesn’t contain much relating to those commutes starting outwith the city-centre.” 

That’s a lot of information, but Caroline does make the point that Crow Road and Great Western Road are still not attractive cycling routes.

______________________________________________

Enjoy yourself over Christmas and the New Year. Your next Digest will be with you in January.

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Glasgow, Road Satisfaction on-line survey, closes ??
2. Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order 2005 (Variation No. 2) 20__-Publication of Proposals, closes 29 November
3. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road and Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December
4. East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan 2, closes 13 December
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, closes 13 December
6. **NEW** Glasgow City Council (Robroyston Station) Traffic Regulation Order 201_ , closes 13 December
7. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order and road humps – Maxwell Avenue Area, Bearsden, closes 16 December
8. **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Stewartfield Way proposed upgrade, closes 20 December
9. **NEW** Glasgow, Finnieston Bridge taxis and authorised vehicles to use bus and cycle lanes TRO, closes 03 January 2020
10. Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020
11. **NEW** Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Scottish Government, Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2)

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Elmbank Street, we have found an alternative route!
2. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Lenzie Waiting Restrictions
3. Glasgow, Bob Downie’s petition to keep National Cycle Route 75 open through Glasgow Green during events
4. Glasgow, Bob Downie’s petition to bring in a default 20mph speed limit in Glasgow
5. Glasgow, South West City Way at Buchanan Wharf (Clyde Place and West Street), progress!

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** Glasgow, Road Satisfaction on-line survey, closes ??

GoBike members Derek and Neil alerted us to this on-line survey. The City Council is looking for residents’ views of the city’s roads. As seems quite standard with these things there is no closing date given, so please try to respond as soon as you can, using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/glasgow-city-2

1.2 Glasgow, Belmont Traffic Management Order 2005 (Variation No. 2) 20__-Publication of Proposals, closes 29 November

The publication of these proposals was reported in Digest 47, Item 1.3 and GoBike fully supports the proposed restriction on parking. We’ll be writing in later this week confirming our support.

1.3 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road and Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December

These proposals have been in recent Digests, including Digest 47, Item 1.4. While we support protected cycle lanes and are concerned about shared footways, we recognise that for those many people who do not wish to cycle on road with all the single occupancy motor commuters at this busy junction area, these proposals will improve their journey. Our letter of response is here.

1.4 East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan 2, closes 13 December

This was first mentioned in Digest 47, Item 1.5 and we have now started a new channel on Slack for GoBike members who live, work or have a strong interest in East Renfrewshire active travel. Members have been to the Local Consultation events and are busy finding out the issues and concerns about the Local Development Plan 2. Here’s the link to the document and consultation details. If you would like to get involved, do please contact us. We aim to have a GoBike response ready in good time for 13 December.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, closes 13 December

Yes, this is another that we unwittingly published at the Stage 1 Consultation Stage. Our response, given in Digest 46, Item 1.2, one of support, but also concern about parking being displaced across the river, is here. The City Council replied on 12 November with this email:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (DALMARNOCK WEST) (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 20__

Thank you for your comments on behalf of GoBike, in relation to the above named Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
I note your comments regarding Shawfield Road and would advise that this falls outwith the Glasgow City boundary and is not included within the above TRO.

However, your comments regarding this and your further comments about the National Cycle Route 75, have been passed to the appropriate team, who will respond to you in due course. 

I trust this is of assistance, however should you require further information please contact my assistant, (Name and phone number removed by GoBike).

Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

The information now put firmly in the public domain and sent to us with this email on 18 November is here:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (DALMARNOCK WEST) (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 20___

Further to my consultation email of 4^th October 2019 regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons, detailed report.

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

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads Neighbourhoods and Sustainability or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 13^th December 2019.

Yours faithfully

Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

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

GoBike will maintain its support for these proposals but will emphasise the points we made before about Cycle Route 75 and our concern about parking transferring to South Lanarkshire, just across the river. Do write in to the Council if these proposals affect you or you have a view on them.

1.6 Glasgow City Council (Robroyston Station) Traffic Regulation Order 201_ (OFFICIAL), closes 13 December

Stage 1, north of the railway
GoBike received the initial proposals for this scheme, to restrict parking on a new road (not shown on this map) from the M80 (at the roundabout to the north-west of the new station) to the station itself on 28 October 2019. We replied on 19 November with this letter, basically saying that we support the parking restrictions but that cycle lanes should be constructed from Robroyston along this new road to the station.

Here’s the email reply that we received from the City Council on 22 November:

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

Dear Ms Fort,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (ROBROYSTON STATION), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your support of the above named Traffic Regulation Order on behalf of GoBike.
It is intended to provide cycle measures on Station Road to connect to Robroyston Station and this will be subject to future consultation.

I trust this is of assistance, however should you require further information please contact my assistant (name and contact details removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely” etc

Note the intention to “provide cycle measures”!

Public consultation 2018, south of the railway
This would link in excellently to the proposal we submitted for cycle lanes to be constructed in conjunction with parking restrictions on Station Road Millerston, linking the new station to the A80 Cumbernauld Road last October. Our final mention of that consultation was Item 1.1 in Digest 22. Here’s our letter of support with comments .

For the proposal above, for Station Road, Millerston, it slipped our notice last year that the eastern side of Station Road is in North Lanarkshire, not Glasgow, so residents in the houses on the right-hand side of the road in the photo above might well be plagued by cars left outside their homes once the station opens in a few weeks!

Public Consultation north of the railway
This brings us back to the public consultation for the new road north of the railway and this email that we received on 21 November 2019:

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

Dear Sir/Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (ROBROYSTON STATION), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

Further to my consultation email of 28^th October 2019 regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report. Additional corner protection has been added to the initial draft order at Millersneuk Crescent to ensure safe access for the local community.

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

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Group Manager, Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 13^th December 2019.

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to in the email: Press Notice, map/plan, Report and Statement of Reasons.

We will be repeating our request for cycle lanes on this new road in our response. The overall scheme has the potential of creating good active travel access from Robroyston across to Hogganfield Loch and the Seven Lochs wetland park . The east and north of the city has been neglected so far on the active travel front and this is a chance to address that shortfall. Do please write in to support our suggestion!

For these overall works, ie the new road to the north of the railway, the double yellow lining on all the new road and the west side of Station Road south of the railway plus the east side of Station Road at the railway end – see this plan from last year for the Station Road Millerston proposal, it’s critical that there is liaison between Glasgow City Council and North Lanarkshire! If you live in Glasgow Ward 17, Robroyston, Glasgow Ward 21, North East or North Lanarkshire Ward 5, Stepps, Chryston & Muirhead do please contact your councillors to press on them the need for good cycling provision.

One of the councillors for Ward 17 is Martin McElroy, who briefly oversaw cycling issues in the previous Glasgow administration and spoke at a GoBike AGM a few years ago. He also cycles regularly, so do please contact him if this is your ward.

1.7 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order and road humps – Maxwell Avenue Area, Bearsden, closes 16 December

This was a new public consultation that we publicised in Digest 47, Item 1.6. We commented on the proposal at the initial stage with a view that the gap at the side of the speed tables should be more than 750mm. This hasn’t been included in the final proposal but we will not object to the scheme overall.

1.8 **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Stewartfield Way proposed upgrade, closes 20 December

GoBike member, Derek, posted this on Slack and all those of you who live, work or travel in East Kilbride please do take notice of this. Here is the link to the proposal, with photos and videos plus details of how to respond.

Derek’s comment on this Stewartfield Way fly through video screenshot is: “Looks like narrow shared path, not primary cycle route as marked in amended network plan. Huge roundabout in background with few crossings.” Certainly, just a quick look at the website link gives the impression that the proposals are to cater for the motor vehicle congestion by building more road, rather than looking for modal change, with the emphasis on public and active travel. Derek gives us another comment, probably from twitter “consultation on dualling. Narrow shared paths, few crossings but now dressed up like it’s primary route in active travel network.”

Do please get your views in – this may be done on-line; see the link given above, and repeated here.

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow, Finnieston Bridge taxis and authorised vehicles to use bus and cycle lanes TRO, closes 03 January 2020

In June 2018 we received the proposals for an experimental TRO to allow taxis and authorised vehicles to use the Finnieston/Clyde Arc/Squinty Bridge for an 18-month period. This was reported in Digest 11, Item 1.8 and we were not happy. Here’s the letter of objection that we submitted on 08 June 2018.

The City Council have apparently decided to make the trial a permanent feature and here’s the email that we received on 25 November:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

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

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report.
Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 
As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Projects Manager, Project Management and Design, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, 231 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 3^rd January 2020.
Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to in the email are here: Press Notice, Map/Plan, Statement of Reasons and Report.

We are unaware of any improvements that have been made to the active travel regime in the area of this bridge and Fastlink overall, but presumably there have been no incidents reported to Police Scotland in the duration of the temporary TRO. No doubt the taxi operators are delighted with the additional road use they have gained! If you have any views on your experience of using this bridge do please email them to consultations@gobike.org so that they may be reflected in our first message of the New Year to the City Council.

1.10 Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

This consultation was first given in Digest 46, Item 1.9 and we are hoping that we see the views of those organisations with more insight than us before submitting our response in the New Year. If you do see reviews of this proposal do please send the details to consultations@gobike.org

1.11 **NEW** Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January 2020

GoBike member, Pat, alerted us to this latest in the series of Strategic Development Frameworks for Glasgow. Here’s the link to the consultation and we will be reviewing it over the next few weeks. If you have any specific concerns do please let us know.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Scottish Government, Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2)

CyclingUK in Scotland alerted us to this forthcoming consultation and here’s the email that we got on 18 November:

“Hi campaigners and supporters

What’s on your cycling Christmas list? I’m talking about cycling infrastructure that you want in your area rather than new tyres for your bike or a thicker pair of gloves!

Government and their consultants are right now finalising an online consultation for the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) – a kind of spending review of major transport projects for the next 20 years. See this set of slides abut STPR2: https://transformscotland.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/STPR2-Presentation-1st-May-2018.pdf

The online consultation is a way of gathering ideas for consideration in the spending review. It’s massively important that we use this consultation to say what is needed in Scotland, and use it to give Government confidence that there is support for spending money on cycling infrastructure.

We expect the consultation to be launched this month so do look out for it. I want to give you advanced notice so you can think about how to work with others in your groups, clubs, and networks to develop ideas. I also want to be of assistance in helping you and will provide more information when I know more about the consultation. But please do get in touch if you want to discuss or if you have questions.

This consultation is important – STPR2 will apportion £billions on transport – we need to make the case for sustainable transport loud and clear and tell Government what we want.

Regards

Jim
Jim Densham
Campaigns and Policy Manager – Scotland
Cycling UK in Scotland
Email: jim.densham@cyclinguk.org“

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Elmbank Street, we have found an alternative route!

Regular readers of this Digest will surely remember the fury we vented on Glasgow City Council when, as part of the plans for the Sauchiehall Street Avenue and Cycle Lanes project (which we very much support) it became clear that there was to be no easy way to reach Sauchiehall Street from Elmbank Street and the busy area to the south of Bath Street?
At a stroke the north part of Elmbank Street was made one-way southbound, and why? To allow car parking on either side! Yes, even though there is a multi-storey car park on Elmbank Crescent to the rear of the King’s Theatre. Numerous requests were made to the City Council for details of the cycle route from Bath Street to Sauchiehall Street but, we were told, such detail was outwith the remit of the Sauchiehall Street project.

GoBike member, Derek (and note we have 2 very active members with the first name Derek), has now brought it to our attention that Bath Lane, running south to and parallel to Bath Street has been resurfaced from Elmbank Street to Holland Street. Holland Street, which was made one-way southbound from Sauchiehall Street to Bath Street for the duration of the works, has now reverted to being one-way northbound. Thus there is a feasible route from the two-way section of Elmbank Street, ie via Bath Lane and Holland Street.

This route, of course, is not signposted, so won’t be obvious to the many visitors to our fine city and it does not absolve our City Council of their refusal to allow contraflow cycling and improve permeability for cycle traffic.

3.2 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Lenzie Waiting Restrictions

Back in March we published proposals for parking restrictions in Lenzie and surrounding areas in East Dunbartonshire in Digest 30, Item 1.7. Our response, supporting the proposals was in Digest 31, Item 1.7. East Dunbartonshire have now approved the TRO and here’s the email that we received on 12 November:

“THE EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL (LENZIE) (WAITING RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2019

The above-mentioned Traffic Regulation Orders has now been made and will become effective on Monday, 6 January 2020. Enclosed are copies of the Order and plan, together with copy of the Notice that is to appear in the editions of the Kirkintilloch Herald which is published on 13 November 2019.

(See attached file: 191112 Lenzie Area – Waiting and Loading Restrictions.pdf)

Regards
Fiona Stirling
Legal Services“

3.3 Glasgow, Bob Downie’s petition to keep National Cycle Route 75 open through Glasgow Green during events

As reported in Digest 47, Item 3.2, Bob Downie’s petition was heard by the City Council’s Wellbeing, Empowerment, Community and Citizen Engagement City Policy Committee on 14 November. Here is the Committee Report and the recommendations are:
“After consideration, the committee
(1) agreed that the issues raised in the petition deserved further attention; and
(2) instructed the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods and Sustainability
(a) to implement his proposals
(i) to develop more robust, clear and visible signage directing cyclists and walkers to the alternative route when temporary closures of the National Cycle Route 75 were required;
(ii) to install early warning signs advising of up-coming events;
(iii) to arrange that the alternative route via the South embankment of the River Clyde be reviewed and improvements made to the surface and signage to further enhance the diversion; and
(iv) to ensure that officers engaged directly with affected groups; and
(b) to consider opportunities to consult alongside the major review of events and public parks. “

So far, so good. We’ll let you know if and when we hear any more.

3.4 Glasgow, Bob Downie’s petition to bring in a default 20mph speed limit in Glasgow

Some of you might remember that back in 2015 Bob Downie presented his petition calling for the introduction of a default 20mph speed limit in Glasgow. The petition was well received by Councillors but then fell away and the policy of bit by wee bit was reverted to. Well, a lot has happened since then so we can’t give Bob all the credit but Glasgow City Council has now agreed to roll out a 20 mph limit across the city, see: https://stv.tv/news/west-central/1442576-glasgow-roads-set-for-20mph-speed-limit-over-next-four-years/

This is good news indeed. GoBike has been supporting every new introduction of a 20 limit in the city but has been appalled at the arbitrary nature of these zones, of which there are now over 80. Yes, that’s right, over 80. Goodness knows how much all these have cost both in terms of TROs, signage and, of course collisions, as drivers go too fast for the conditions. It will be good to get some standardisation.

3.5 Glasgow, South West City Way at Buchanan Wharf (Clyde Place and West Street), progress!

GoBike members on Slack will be aware that we have been in correspondence with Fairhurst, the Design Consultant for the Barclays Bank development on Clyde Place, about concerns over the South West City Way. GoBike member, Tor, sent in this photo, which is on her daily commute, because vehicle drivers exiting Riverview Gardens, to the right on the photo, appeared to be taking no cognisance of cycle traffic, particularly if it was coming from their left.

The latest news from Fairhurst, is this email, sent today, 26 November:

“Please find attached our drawing number BWHARF-FHS-IN-XX-DR-D-94-151 C01 which shows changes to the road markings at West St / Riverview Gardens that have been approved by GCC, following consultation with them. The edge of carriageway and centre line markings that go through the cycleway are to be removed to help emphasise that cars are approaching a junction where they are to give way to cyclists. The Council preferred to retain give way lines rather than using a stop line.”

Lots of good news in the feedback in this Digest. Let’s hope that it’s not just a one-off and we have more to tell you in 2 weeks’ time.

Here’s the link to the Survey and here’s the document that is referred to:

The team at South Lanarkshire Council especially want to know people’s preferences for early priorities and for a core route from the south (East Kilbride) to the north-west (Glasgow Road).
Please share this information and do please complete the survey.

We have some interesting new proposals for you this time, from parking changes to allow a new cycle lane at Speirs Wharf to pedestrian crossings to climate change. Also, fascinating feedback that demonstrates a lack of overall compliance with aspirations for active travel, with contraflow cycling denied yet again in the west of Glasgow and ongoing concern about University Avenue. Read on!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Glasgow, Port Dundas, Controlled Parking Zone Order 2002, Variation No 3, Speirs Wharf, closes 19 April
2. East Dunbartonshire Council, Lenzie – Waiting Restrictions , closes 22 April
3. Glasgow Pollokshaws Road/Eglinton Street Traffic Regulation and Parking Control, closes 24 April
4. North Toryglen green space and active travel designs, event Monday 15 April, open on-line until 30 April.
5. ** NEW** Edinburgh Napier and Transform Scotland, Pedestrian Crossing Facilities User Survey, closes 10 May
6. **NEW** Glasgow Climate Change Survey, closes 31 May

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Nothing new coming forward that we are aware of.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework
2. North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan
3. Glasgow, Blythswood Street and Holm Street contraflow lanes
4. Glasgow Byres Road Design Workshop
5. Glasgow, University Avenue
6. Glasgow, HYNDLAND, HUGHENDEN AND DOWANHILL WEST (MANDATORY 20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201
7. Glasgow Avenues, Sauchiehall Street and others Consultation Event
8. Glasgow, Doune Gardens – fixed, or is it?
9. Renfrewshire, Glasgow Airport Improvement Area, Design and Construct contract awarded.

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** Glasgow, Port Dundas, Controlled Parking Zone Order 2002, Variation No 3, Speirs Wharf, closes 19 April

This is one that almost slipped through the net but was rescued from the inbox just in time!
Here’s the email received from Glasgow City Council on 22 March:

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

 Dear Sir / Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (PORT DUNDAS) (CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE) ORDER 2002, (VARIATION NO 3) (SPEIRS WHARF) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report.
Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro. 
As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Stephen McDonagh, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 19^th April 2019.

That doesn’t tell us much but the first paragraph of the Report does:

1. Reason for the proposal: Glasgow City Council proposes to implement a new two-way segregated cycle track on the north side of Craighall Road, linking proposed works on North Canal Bank Street with proposed improvements to the pedestrian and cycle link between Speirs Wharf and Garscube Road. This will incorporate a new signalised junction at Speirs Wharf and Craighall Road, providing a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists to cross an otherwise busy road.

So that’s a lot better isn’t it? But, before you ask, no we haven’t been given sight of the plans for the segregated cycle lane. However, it’s a move in the right direction – best to support it. Here’s the GoBike letter of support.

The supporting documents are here: Advert/Press Notice, Report, Statement of Reasons and the Plan (showing only the parking changes)

1.2 East Dunbartonshire Council, Lenzie – Waiting Restrictions , closes 22 April

Our response to this consultation was submitted on 01 April and here’s the confirmation reply:
“Good afternoon Tricia
I acknowledge receipt of your email and would like to thank you for taking the time to respond.
Regards
Fiona Stirling“

If you haven’t done so already, and you know this area do please reply before the 22nd. Here are the details.

1.3 Glasgow Pollokshaws Road/Eglinton Street Traffic Regulation and Parking Control, closes 24 April

We mentioned this first in our last Digest, Digest 31, Item 1.8. The documents are the Advert, the Plan, the Report and the Statement of Reasons.

Here’s the wording of the Report:

“This order will amend the existing ‘Glasgow City Council (Eglinton Street, Pollokshaws Road, Allison Street, Calder Street, Kilmarnock Road, Thornliebank Road, etc.) (Traffic Regulation) Order 1998’ parking and no waiting/no loading and unloading restrictions on the existing western footway along Pollokshaws Road and Eglinton Street. This corridor will support and enhance ongoing regeneration of the surrounding area, manage parking and promote active and sustainable travel
Development of the route will provide links to a network of existing walking and cycle routes spanning the city and surrounding areas, serving: parks, shops, academic, leisure and cultural establishments along and close to the core route helping make cycling and walking the most convenient modes of transport over short distances.”

Thus it is one that we should all support to ensure that the South City Way may be built. The email from the City Council was in our last Digest, Digest 31, and the email address to send responses to is: land@glasgow.gov.uk. The GoBike response will be going in soon.

1.4 North Toryglen green space and active travel designs, Monday 15 April, open on-line until 30 April.

This was a new item, 1.6 in our last Digest, Digest 31 and, if you didn’t get along to the event yesterday, you can still respond on line from 15 – 30 April. Here’s the link:
https://www.urbanroots.org.uk/workshops/northtoryglen This is a neighbourhood programme of improvement so do please support it if you know the area.

The event yesterday was excellent, with attendees ranging from the Traffic and Transportation Engineer from South Lanarkshire Council to young children from the local nursery. The proposals include better cycle and walking access across North Toryglen plus park areas with activity equipment for young and old. It will become far more than a housing scheme with derelict land around it, for more an interesting and desirable place to live and to visit.

1.5 **NEW** Edinburgh Napier and Transform Scotland, Pedestrian Crossing Facilities User Survey, closes 10 May

Here’s one that arrived on paper in some flyers inside our newspaper (yes a paper paper!) and allows the use of my zebra crossing photo again!

Here’s the survey link: https://crossingsurvey2019.questionpro.com

The survey is being done by the Transport Research Institute of Edinburgh Napier University and Transform Scotland (of which GoBike is a member).

It’s an easy survey to do so do please complete it.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow Climate Change Survey, closes 31 May

Here’s another survey that we heard about from the Tweet above and that GoBike member, Greg, also told us about. It’s at:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ClimateChange2019/ so do please complete it.

Helpfully, Greg provides some information from Extinction Rebellion: “The questions asked are not multiple choice and require some thought so we’ve put together a list of suggestions to help people complete the form. They are just suggestions so please do pick and choose, customise your answers, add in your own thoughts. The suggestions can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KKgT9ats_8yp9r5GTvvbDcCOJ9JcnitaaC271xjdol4/edit?usp=sharing

There are lots of ideas in this document so do please put those brain cells to work and tell the City Council what they need to do – and what we, as citizens, need to do.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework

We finally got our response in for this consultation – and hope you all did the survey! Here’s the letter we submitted on 05 April and here’s the response we got – within minutes or submission:

“Thank you very much for making the time to read and respond to the Framework document. I will ensure that your comments are fed into the consultation process.
Best regards
Ian”

Let’s hope we see the transformation this framework promises.

3.2 North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan

Here’s the letter we submitted just in time on the closing date, 05 April, for responses. (See previous Digests at: https://www.gobike.org/consultations for details. We received this automated response soon after submission:

“Thank you for your email. Please accept this in acknowledgement of receipt and please note that we will contact you should further information be required.
If you wish more information on the Local Development Plan Modified Proposed Plan, please see our website:
Local Development Plan Modified Proposed Plan<http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=32484> “

3.3 Glasgow, Blythswood Street and Holm Street, contraflow lanes

You might remember that in Digest 25, (in the final item) after the GoBike Infrastructure ride on 06 January we reported on the blocked contraflow lanes on these two streets? After two emails to the City Council and no response, it can now be seen that some improvement has been made; see this series of photographs, taken 07 April, going south down Blythswood Street:

On Holm Street, around the corner, things aren’t quite so good, with the fence horizontal rather than vertical and, along at the Robertson Street end we still have the part-time contraflow, part-time car park situation. We must, though, be grateful for a wee bit of progress? We have been trying to push the council to make cycling and walking diversions around works policy more effective and hope we will soon reach a status that won’t require us to complain to them about every individual instance before improvements are made.

3.4 Glasgow Byres Road Design Workshop

We were euphoric after a meeting with the City Council just before Christmas, see Digest 25, Item 3.4, where we were told that, despite previous denials, there is room on Byres Road for segregated cycle lanes. However, things have slipped; we were told the design would be completed in January with a Traffic Regulation Order following soon after. We heard nothing until then being invited to a Design Workshop, which finally took place on 21 March.
Here are the notes from the meeting, which were sent to attendees. Our Co-Convenor, Iona, who attended, sent back this response:
“Thank you for taking the time to gather this info and for sending it through. We are concerned that the record holds an inaccurate bias within the feedback of section ‘3. Cycle Infrastructure’ and would like to request that it is corrected. The notes state that
“There was very little consensus in relation to measures proposed to improve the cycle friendliness of the street. The decision to include segregated cycle infrastructure was not supported by a number of stakeholders who felt that the benefits to cyclists were outweighed by disadvantages to other users of the street. There was particular concern in relation to loss of on-street parking, localised narrowing of footways and the fact that the introduction of an additional kerb line will make it more difficult to cross the street.’
but the notes don’t make any reference to the support in the majority for the segregated cycle lanes within the voting, which showed that 3 tables were in support and only 1 in opposition.
We accept that the voting results are included within the report, however we have seen how evidence can so easily be overlooked when people are asked to give up space for active travel, and that those who oppose it can shout loudest, without necessarily being in the majority. It is therefore really important that the majority support for the segregated cycle lanes shown in the voting is also reiterated within the text.
Could you please confirm that the record can be amended to balance this correctly?

Another point to make is on the legitimacy of including the question of support for the segregated cycle lanes at all. Being that we agree that the transport hierarchy mandates that space for cycling needs to be included in redevelopment schemes, that question shouldn’t need to be asked at all. We wouldn’t ask “should there be pavements” or “should there be a road”.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Let’s hope there is no back-tracking on what we were told in December!

3.5 Glasgow, University Avenue

There has been NO consultation on the proposals for University Avenue, just the almost final nails in the coffin for what was once a flagship cycle route for the City Council, ie the Colleges Cycle Route linking Glasgow Caledonian University to Glasgow University and then out to the old Strathclyde campus at Jordanhill.

See our post of 12 April for our latest update on this sorry tale.

3.6 Glasgow, HYNDLAND, HUGHENDEN AND DOWANHILL WEST (MANDATORY 20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201

Back in February, and reported in Digest 27, Item 1.6 we reported on the proposals for introducing a 20mph speed limit in this area. Back in 2017, Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West were brought into the city’s restricted parking zones and streets were made one-way to facilitate “legal” parking, but with no exemption for bikes – despite the default position given in Cycling by Design. GoBike submitted this letter supporting the 20mph but deploring the cut in permeability for bikes.

We received this response on 04 April:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (HYNDLAND, HUGHENDEN AND DOWANHILL WEST), (MANDATORY 20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201_

Thank you for your support for the above named traffic regulation order.
I note your comments reiterating GoBike’s aspirations for one-way roads with exemptions for cycling which was related to the Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West (Traffic Management and Parking Controls) Order 2019 however, this is unrelated to this Order.
As previously advised, once the parking controlled zone and associated 20mph speed limit zone scheme have been introduced and ‘bedded in’ the Council will have a better understanding of the parking demands and associated traffic movements. Any cycling improvements, including one-way except cycles could be considered as part of a future strategic cycling strategy which would require amendments to the existing parking control scheme and would require to undergo the statutory traffic regulation order process.
Your support will be considered and included within the final report to the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods and Sustainability. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.

Yours sincerely”

This really does make a mockery of using design guides and having a policy of encouraging active travel. It’s another point to put in your response to the Climate Change survey advertised in Item 1.6 above!

3.7 Glasgow Avenues, Sauchiehall Street and others Consultation Event

Last week one of our members went to a Consultation Event about Sauchiehall Street and the other Avenues proposed for Glasgow (with City Deal funding). Here’s the feedback from what seems to have been a disappointing experience:

“Today I went to the Sauchiehall and other avenues event. A friendly lady from the community engagement company (Icecream, icebox? Something like that) was there and an Engineer from the company doing the streetscape. They had the usual post-it-notes on a street map for feedback on Sauchiehall St. This work should finish “soon” but when I was there zero construction was happening.

The only information they had on the other avenues was a timeline chart. Argyle St planned to start work May 2020 but this might change as traffic modelling by the council is not complete. Cathedral St work planned to start May 2022 but traffic modelling work is not done so no renders to show. No updates for George Square as traffic modelling work is not done so no planning can be done (You might start to notice a trend here)

There was supposed to be a council planner there but he was not there at 1300. I was there for a while, left for a coffee and went back and left again at 14:00 but still was not there.

Only 1 other member of the public was there when I was. He expressed total frustration with another round of consultations (Just build it! Was the best phrase) . Overall a total waste of everyone’s time but a nice box ticking exercise I guess.”

What a shame but then, just what is happening now with Sauchiehall Street?

3.8 Glasgow, Doune Gardens – fixed, or is it?

Over 18 months ago Alasdair and Tricia from the GoBike committee toured Hillhead and Maryhill wards with City Councillors Jane Morgan and Martha Wardrop, GoBike member, Steph, tells us that the cut-through for bikes on Doune Gardens has been fixed. Let’s hope that this arrangement does stop parked cars blocking access for bikes, as the previous arrangement did. The before version is below, with the cut-through blocked and the only access via the footway, see here on the right:

However, although it might be better for a standard bike, will it take a tricycle or a cargo bike? Here’s some guidance for “Making Streets Better: A Guide to Filtered Permeability” from City Infinity. It’s also on the Design Guides page of the GoBike website, at: https://www.gobike.org/cycling-info/design-guides

3.9 Renfrewshire, Glasgow Airport Improvement Area, Design and Construct contract awarded.

Here’s an email that should have been in the last Digest, sorry, but some good news from Renfrewshire:

“GAIA construction contract approved.

The design and construction contract for the Glasgow Airport Investment Area project has been approved for awarding to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Limited.

Councillors on the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board approved the £21million construction contract to the Motherwell-based company.

The Glasgow Airport Investment Area project is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal and will see new roads, bridges, cycleways and footpaths being built to connect into a site at the centre of the emerging Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).

The construction contract award was also subject to approval of the Full Business Case by the Glasgow City Region Chief Executives Group – this approval was given on the 28 March.

Final procurement procedures are now being completed, with construction work set to start this summer and be completed in 2020 on the enabling infrastructure and environmental enhancements underpinning AMIDS – a major innovation district being developed in Renfrewshire.

Abbotsinch Road will be upgraded and realigned, and a new bridge spanning the White Cart from Wright Street to an approach road off Arran Avenue, offering access for cyclists, pedestrians and Wright Street businesses. There’s also a new cycle and pedestrian bridge crossing the Black Cart and an off-road cycle link between Abbotsinch Road and the A8 Greenock Road.

This will improve connections into a 52-hectare site next to Glasgow Airport, which is already confirmed as the location for the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC).

The construction work will ensure the site is ready to welcome its new tenants and provide the perfect investment opportunity, focusing on innovation, research and advanced manufacturing.

Planning Permission in Principle

Future development at the innovation district also took a major step forward with the granting of planning permission in principle.

Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board approved an application for planning permission in principle on 26 March 2019.

The planning permission in principle addresses common planning, environmental and statutory requirements for the land and establishes the appropriateness of the proposed uses: a business park with a focus on advanced manufacturing and research & development.

This helps streamline the planning process for future developers, making the site more attractive for investment.

The site has already attracted its first tenants in the form of two new national innovation centres; the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) which will be the catalyst for the development of Scotland’s advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors, providing support for businesses of all sizes and connecting all of Scotland’s engineering universities and colleges.

Further information on investment opportunities can be found at www.paisley.is/amids and further information on all of our City Deal projects can be found on our website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal. “

Always good to end on a high; let’s hope we have more good news in a fortnight’s time.

News just in from GoBike member Derek Y, with this information from South Lanarkshire Council:

“South Lanarkshire Council undertook a consultation exercise in February 2019 regarding people’s travel habits and sought their views on walking and cycling in East Kilbride.

More than 400 responses were received to the survey as well as 300 comments on an online map.

The feedback from this exercise was used to identify a future cycle network within the town as well as proposed priorities for creating it.

To inform the development of the proposals, we are again seeking the views of individuals who live, work or travel in the East Kilbride area. I can advise that a survey is currently available on the South Lanarkshire View website until the 15th of April 2019 to collect views on our proposals. The survey can be found by following the link below:

http://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/65/East_Kilbride_cycle_network_-_your_views_wanted

Please do not hesitate to feedback any views that you, or your constituents have, on what needs to be done to help more people choose active travel modes for journeys in East Kilbride. I would also be grateful if you could share information about the study and associated survey to those who may be interested.

I trust that you will find this information useful.

Yours sincerely,

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Traffic and Transportation Engineer”

The article goes to document download – last page of PDF links to survey, but here’s the direct link: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=155316874158 . It’s a really short survey so do please fill it in.

Message from South Lanarkshire Council about consultation for Cambuslang/Rutherglen:

“South Lanarkshire Council is currently undertaking a study to identify opportunities for increasing active travel journeys in Cambuslang and Rutherglen. SYSTRA, a specialist transport consultancy have been commissioned to undertake this study.

The study aims to identify the barriers (real and perceived) to more people cycling and walking, and to provide recommendations for how to encourage more people to travel actively for their everyday journeys in the area. The study’s recommendations will be used to support future applications for funding.

To inform the development of the recommendations, we are seeking the views of individuals who live, work or travel in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area. I can advise that a survey is now available on the South Lanarkshire View website to collect information about how people travel in the area, and their attitudes toward active travel. The survey can be found by following the link below:

http://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/62/Have_your_say_on_walking_and_bike_travel

Please do not hesitate to feedback any views that you, or your constituents have, on what needs to be done to help more people choose active travel modes for journeys in Cambuslang and Rutherglen. I would also be grateful if you could share information about the study and associated survey to those who may be interested.

I trust that you will find this information useful.
Yours sincerely
On behalf of Stuart Laird, Traffic and Transportation Engineer”

Here’s a direct link to the survey:

https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=155377440328

It’s quite easy to do and there’s a placecheck map, too – though it’s easy to add something in the wrong place! Should all my comments have been so negative?