In this Digest there are consultations for a few parts of the Southside and traffic orders for a few City Ways. Also, surveys and events on traffic and town hubs in North Lanarkshire.

If you’re in the city, see Andy’s three infrastructure routes around Glasgow to take in Spaces for People infrastructure. Part of the Southern route includes the SfP ‘pop-up’ bike lane on Dumbreck Road, which was recently removed “by mistake” but then reinstated.

Andy has also started to inform GoBike about closures and diversions; if you hear of any please do let us know.

Looking further ahead towards spring, and an election, Pedal on Parliament have news about their events in April.

This Digest includes links in the Contents page so you can jump straight to a topic if you want to.

Contents
(new consultations in bold)

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow City Council – St Andrews Drive (Sustainable Transport Route) Order – closes Sunday 7 March
2. North Lanarkshire Council – Town hub community engagement events – events from 8–18 March
3. Glasgow City Council – East City Way Phase 1 (London Drive to Daldowie Road) Order – closes Friday 12 March
4. Glasgow City Council – London Road/Hamilton Road (30mph Speed Limit) Order – closes Friday 12 March
5. Scottish Canals – Stockingfield public meeting – Thursday 18 March
6. Glasgow Harbour Ltd – Yorkhill Quay Phase 2 – closes Friday 19 March
7. North Lanarkshire Council – Consultations on traffic issues in Calderbank and Chapelhall – closes Sunday 21 March
8. Waverley Park Collective – Liveable Streets Waverley Park
9. Glasgow Urban Sports – GUSM74 Urban Sports Sculpture Park survey

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

None this time

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Urban Roots – Malls Mire Newsletter February 2021
2. Sustrans – Glasgow Cycle Counters (revisited)

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

1.1: Glasgow City Council – St Andrews Drive (Sustainable Transport Route) Order –Sunday 7 March

Digest 80 covered the St Andrews Drive TRO to extend the South West City Way. The order deals mainly with parking to clear the way for the route.

Further details about the route are still available on the original consultation website (from 2019/2020) including a ‘Storymap’ and links to PDFs of technical plans. The existing SWCW is 2-way (bi-directional), with both lanes on one side of the road. The extension will be too but using ‘cycle lane separators’ (a.k.a. zebras/orcas/armadillos) instead of kerbs.

A GoBike response to the SWCW extension plans was sent to Glasgow City Council in late January 2020. An updated GoBike response supports the order but notes that the other design issues haven’t been addressed.

There’s a consultation period for the TRO with a deadline of 7 March. Since it involves car parking, there are likely to be objections. Supportive emails may help to counter those. See the GCC website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro.

1.2: North Lanarkshire Council – Town hub community engagement events

More from North Lanarkshire Council for the second Digest in a row. This consultation isn’t strictly cycling-related but is relevant to the eight places in NLC’s Town Visions plans (Digest 80).

NLC have “ambition to replace every school not replaced or remodelled since 1996, our vision is to make these places for the whole community rather than only the school community. To do this, hubs will be places where education is delivered alongside other council and community services. Hubs will have a form and facilities based on the needs of the local community.”

Those needs should include access by active travel. Schools are also where Bikeability training (formerly Cycling Proficiency) takes place and some already have fleets of bicycles. NLC’s website has further background information on the town hubs.

An email from NLC said: “We are carrying out online engagement with our communities throughout March about potential locations for new town hubs in North Lanarkshire.”

• Kilsyth – Monday 8th March – 6:30pm
• Cumbernauld – Tuesday 9th March – 6:30pm
• Airdrie – Wednesday 10th March – 6:30pm
• Coatbridge – Thursday 11th March – 6:30pm
• Bellshill – Monday 15th March – 6:30pm
• Motherwell – Tuesday 16th March – 6:30pm
• Wishaw – Wednesday 17th March – 6:30pm
• Shotts – Thursday 18th March – 6:30pm

The link for each town goes to an Eventbrite sign-up page to register for the event.

1.3: Glasgow City Council – East City Way Phase 1 (London Drive to Daldowie Road) Order – Friday 12 March

The East City Way traffic order was covered in Digest 80. Phase 1 is currently under construction on London Rd and Hamilton Rd around Mount Vernon train station. The order prepares the ground for it hopefully being finished soon. A new GoBike response about ECW went to Glasgow City Council, referencing our points from our response at the draft stage. Mostly about the switch between 1-way and 2-way cycle lanes and the banned turn. The order will be on GCC’s Proposed TRO webpage for comment until Friday 12 March.

1.4: Glasgow City Council – London Road/Hamilton Road (30mph Speed Limit) Order – Friday 12 March

The London Road/Hamilton Road 30mph Speed Limit was also in Digest 80. It lowers the speed limit all the way along London Rd and Hamilton Rd between Dewar’s distillery and the Dog’s Trust. Again, we sent a new GoBike response supporting the change of speed limit and the order is up for comment until Friday 12 March.

1.5: Scottish Canals – Stockingfield public meeting – Thursday 18 March

Scottish Canals maintain and develop canals, towpaths and bridges, including the major works at the Stockingfield junction on the Forth & Clyde canal. This is the canal t-junction without a bridge, where you had to cross by going down through a narrow road tunnel on Lochburn Rd with no pavements or bike path. The plans for a large 3-span canal bridge were approved in March 2020 and works started in autumn. Parts of the towpath will be closed and won’t re-open until later in 2022. Further information about the project is on the Stockingfield page on the Scottish Canals website. If you have questions about issues, like diversions or the new bike-only signals on Lochburn Rd, Scottish Canals are having an online meeting about the project on Thursday 18 March.

1.6: Glasgow Harbour Ltd – Yorkhill Quay Phase 2 – closes Friday 19 March

This development first appeared on our radar in Digest 73, Item 1.1. It had a brief consultation which swiftly disappeared from the company’s website (as we noted in Digest 74, Item 1.3). That was to do with a pre-application about the masterplan for the site. Apparently, “a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) associated with the development was submitted to Glasgow City Council on 20th November 2020”. So, this consultation about the eastern side of the site is part of the 12-week pre-application period before plans go in.

The developer’s Yorkhill Quay website has new visualisations (which look very plastic) and reworked PDF plans. It’s not clear from the plans what will happen to the current path behind the site, between the Riverside Museum and the distillery. Nor how wide the new riverfront path will be (but it seems to have street furniture and trees splitting it up).

The Next Steps and Feedback page has a webform you can use to send comments. Or you can email: yorkhillquay@iceniprojects.com by Friday 19 March.

1.7: North Lanarkshire Council – Consultations on traffic issues in Calderbank and Chapelhall – Sunday 21 March

Back in North Lanarkshire, the council is consulting about traffic in the villages of Calderbank and Chapelhall, between Airdrie and the M8. Their email says:

“In response to road safety concerns raised by local residents, the council undertook a series of detailed surveys to assess traffic conditions through both villages. Information from these surveys will be included in the reports.

The public consultation, which will run until 21 March, will give both communities the opportunity to provide feedback on a range of potential road safety improvements.

The reports and online consultation are available from 24 February on our website at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/traffic-studies.”

The Chapelhall Traffic Study, in the ‘Potential Improvements’ section, suggests speed tables and mini-roundabouts. The Calderbank Traffic Study proposes mini-roundabouts too but also includes a new crossing on Main St. Each study has a survey link at the end. If you know the areas you have until Sunday 21 March to respond.

1.8: Waverley Park Collective – Liveable Streets Waverley Park

Waverley Park is an area of Shawlands in the Southside of Glasgow (where the streets are named after characters in Walter Scott novels). The Waverley Park Collective are a grassroots group of residents who’ve previously organised community events for children as well as things like cycling training. They’ve recently won funding to plan changes to local streets and set up the Liveable Streets Waverley Park consultation. If you know the area, you can add a pin to the map. No obvious closing date for this one (seems to be open-ended).

1.9: Glasgow Urban Sports – GUSM74 Urban Sports Sculpture Park

This item is about a different kind of cycling to your average GoBike ride! The Glasgow Urban Sports group want to bring land under the M74 extension into productive use as a park for ‘urban sports’ – BMX, skateboarding, inline skating, parkour, etc. The area is between the back of West St Subway station and Eglinton St (a few blocks from Batley’s cash & carry warehouse). The idea for the project originally came up around 2014 (as a legacy of the Commonwealth Games).

Recently, GUS have come up with a new survey to try and demonstrate support for the project. It’s mainly aimed at skaters, or their families, to find out how often they/their relatives might use the park, etc. If you’re not likely to be down there yourself grinding any rails then feel free to share it with friends or family who might. No obvious closing date.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

None this time.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1: Urban Roots – Malls Mire Newsletter February 2021

Malls Mire was first covered (under its current name) in Digest 74, Item 3.4. The latest February issue of the Malls Mire newsletter reached us this week. It has a few updates about progress and related projects like Polmadie Plots Community Garden.

3.2: Sustrans – Glasgow Cycle Counters (revisited)

In Digest 79, Item 3.3 we bade farewell to the public cycle counter near Saltmarket in Glasgow Green as it was switched off. We were assured that “two replacement cycle counters were installed in the following locations: NCN75 at St. Andrew’s Suspension Bridge and NCN75 at Cuningar Loop Footbridge”. Turns out the new counters aren’t like-for-like replacements…

The new counter feeds back figures to Sustrans/the council only. While that is fair enough for collecting data, it’s not so good for campaigning. The public counter used to prove how many people cycled past, which could be useful to point out to doubters of cycling/active travel. It would be a shame if Sustrans had moved away from public counters altogether. When will we see the Saltmarket counter’s LED like again…?

In this Digest there are consultation events for areas either side of the M8. There’s a return to pre-pandemic plans for a few City Ways. Also, adding paths and removing the precinct in Motherwell.

If you’re in the city, see Andy’s three infrastructure routes around Glasgow to take in Spaces for People infrastructure. He’s also started to inform GoBike about closures and diversions; if you hear of any please do let us know.

Looking further ahead towards spring, and an election, Pedal on Parliament have news about their events in April.

This Digest includes links in the Contents page so you can jump straight to a topic if you want to.

Contents
(new consultations in bold)

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow City Council – (Y)our Districts Online Ideas Workshops – ‘Learning Quarter’, rescheduled online sessions Thursday 18th February
2. North Lanarkshire Council – Ravenscraig Active Travel Links – Friday 19 February
3. Queens Cross Housing Association – Woodside Making Places: updated masterplan and online public meeting – Thursday 25 February
4. Glasgow City Council – St Andrews Drive (Sustainable Transport Route) Order – Sunday 7 March
5. Glasgow City Council – East City Way Phase 1 (London Drive to Daldowie Road) Order – Friday 12 March
6. Glasgow City Council – London Road/Hamilton Road (30mph Speed Limit) Order – Friday 12 March

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. North Lanarkshire Council – Town Visions

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council – North Kelvin and North Woodside (Traffic Management & Parking Controls) Order
2. North Ayrshire Council – Ardrossan Connections

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

1.1: Glasgow City Council – (Y)our Districts Online Ideas Workshops – ‘Learning Quarter’

GCC’s ongoing Districts consultations featured in Digest 78, including this one for the ‘Learning Quarter’. The rescheduled workshops are on Thursday 18th February. There’s an afternoon session (2–4pm) and an evening session (6–8pm) both online.

You can still comment on the Districts Commonplace map. Other relevant consultations about the wider area appeared in Digest 74, including Strathclyde Uni’s proposed active travel project. There’s also the Avenues Plus project for Duke St/John Knox St in a few years time.

1.2: North Lanarkshire Council – Ravenscraig Active Travel Links

An email from North Lanarkshire Council on 15 February is about a very short consultation period for active travel routes into part of the Ravenscraig site in Motherwell. It says:

“Proposals for new cycling and walking routes through Ravenscraig are being published for the public to give their views.

We are working with Sustrans and Ravenscraig Limited to improve connections between Ravenscraig and neighbouring communities and to expand the active travel network.

An online consultation, including a short survey, will run from Monday 8 February for two weeks. It is available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/regeneration-and-investment/ravenscraig-active-travel-links

The two key elements of the project are:

• a south-north link to connect Craigneuk, via “The Castings” housing development, off Meadowhead Road, with the Regional Sports Facility (RSF) and new public park, and
• an east-west link to connect Craigneuk, via “The Castings” housing development, to New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus.

It’s proposed the paths will have lighting, seating, landscaping with wildflower areas and woodland planting, play features along the route, fencing and CCTV where possible.

“As the Ravenscraig site develops with new housing, business, retail, schools and leisure, we want the area to be accessible for everyone for walking, cycling and wheeling,” said Jonathan Speed, Senior Project Manager at North Lanarkshire Council.

“These active travel routes will provide direct, off-road links from the south to the facilities within Ravenscraig, as well as connecting to a wider network of paths to Motherwell, Wishaw and Carfin.

“The project is an important part of the Ravenscraig masterplan, and we would like to hear from as many people as possible during our consultation to ensure the proposals meet the need of residents.”

The project is being funded by Transport Scotland and Sustrans, through their ‘Places for Everyone’ programme.

Feedback from the consultation will inform the final plans for the project, then the council will apply for planning permission. Subject to the necessary approvals and securing funding, it is anticipated work to construct the first of the two active travel routes would start later this year.”

This seems to have been taken over by the council from Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) who started the project. While an active travel route is welcome, this only covers the south-east corner of a vast area. This route is in contrast to the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (RAI) Project from Digest 75, Item 1.2 – a dual carriageway with shared pavement. While there are road links in all directions there are no active travel links to the west of the site (behind Dalzell Works) towards the town centre. We can only hope something comes out of item 2.1, below, to improve the situation.

Deadline is this week, Friday 19 February. If you know the area at all, please fill in the survey.

1.3: Queens Cross Housing Association – Woodside Making Places: updated masterplan and online public meeting – 25 February

This featured in Digest 79 about the Woodside area, between Maryhill Rd and Garscube Rd. It could become an important link along N Woodside Rd and St George’s Rd to the segregated cycleway being completed on Garscube Rd (A81). The consultation map is on the updated Woodside Making Places website. There is an online public meeting on Thursday 25th February.

1.4: Glasgow City Council – St Andrews Drive (Sustainable Transport Route) Order – Sunday 7 March

GoBike first reported on plans for St Andrews Drive in a Consultation Extra in late November 2019. The route would extend the South West City Way (SWCW), the segregated cycleway along Shields Rd. It currently ends at a crossing on St Andrews Drive. The extension would roughly double the length of the SWCW and create a segregated route from the ‘Squiggly’ Bridge, all the way past Maxwell Park to Pollok Country Park.

Glasgow City Council have now announced a Traffic Regulation Order for the length of the St Andrews Dr route. There’s also a SAD notice, SAD report and SAD wee Statement of Reasons. These seem to deal with parking to clear the way for the route.

Further details are still available on the consultation website from late 2019/early 2020. It includes a long ‘Storymap’ and links to PDFs of technical plans for the route (starting at Shields Rd): sections 1–3, sections 4–6, sections 7–9, sections 10–12 and section 13 (Dumbreck/Haggs/Titwood Rd junction).

The existing South West City Way is 2-way (bi-directional) with both lanes on one side of the road. The extension would be the same but, instead of using kerbs as segregation, it would use black and white ‘cycle lane separators’ (also known as zebras/orcas/armadillos). These had already been used on Archerhill Rd, Knightswood. Since then we’ve become more used to seeing them on many of Glasgow’s Spaces for People routes during 2020.

A GoBike response to the SWCW extension plans was sent to Glasgow City Council in late January 2020. It covered points about the choice of route, side road junctions, design elements, 2-way provision, speed limits and implementation. It also gave detailed feedback about parts of the route, especially junctions, like at Dumbreck/Haggs/Titwood Road at Pollok Park.

It’s not clear whether GoBike’s points have been taken on board or if designs have been amended. Nor is there any detail about when construction might start. However, it could mean GCC are trying to do some of it during March, before the end of Financial Year. There’s a consultation period for the TRO with a deadline of 7 March. See the GCC website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro.

1.5: Glasgow City Council – East City Way Phase 1 (London Drive to Daldowie Road) Order – Friday 12 March

East City Way, Phase 1 had a consultation event over two years ago, as mentioned in a Consultation Extra from October 2018. Preparations for work to begin on the ECW weren’t announced until March 2020 and were then halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, GoBike put in a response to the draft plans shortly afterwards. Work eventually started near Mount Vernon station in late summer 2020 (after a further delay which angered a local Tory councillor).

A new order from Glasgow City Council suggests Phase 1 might finally be completed soon. The TRO covers the section that’s been under construction between London Drive and Daldowie Road (next to the Dog’s Trust). An email to GoBike says:

“I now enclose 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 Group Manager, Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or email SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk and it must be received by Friday 12th March 2021.”

Although it’s taken a long time, Phase 1 of the East City Way is welcome. It turns the former filter lane into 2-way bike lanes and should make the junction under the railway bridge safer for pedestrians as well as people cycling. While it’s a neat solution for the junction, it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t match up with the existing 1-way segregated lanes on Hamilton Rd. Some cyclists will have to cross over at the lights to continue their journey eastbound while others might choose to stay on the road all the way.

It remains to be seen if smooth new tarmac might tempt them into the cycle lane, away from London Road’s usual roughcast road surface. At the western end there are nearly 2 miles until you reach the Spaces for People lanes at the Shell petrol station. This stretch was traditionally a main route into Glasgow and had a higher speed limit to match. However, that is about to change…

1.6: Glasgow City Council – London Road/Hamilton Road (30mph Speed Limit) Order – Friday 12 March

Closely related to the previous item is this order to change the speed limit on a long stretch of London Rd and Hamilton Rd. Since the M74 extension was built, London Rd has become less well used as a trunk road (apart from on Celtic matchdays). The new limit starts near the Premier Inn on Hamilton Rd (A74/A721), goes past the Dog’s Trust and Mt Vernon then all the way along London Rd to join the current 30mph limit at Dewar’s distillery. It’s a distance of about 3.5 miles on a very rough road surface that isn’t very cycling friendly. While it’s unlikely to become heaven for cycling any time soon, it is a step in the right direction.

GoBike received an almost identical message to the London Rd/Hamilton Rd one, above, so it’s not worth repeating. Here’s the 30mph notice, 30mph map, 30mph report and 30mph Statement of Reasons.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1: North Lanarkshire Council – Town Visions

North Lanarkshire Council have been consulting about their town centres for a few years using various methods, including the Place Standard tool. During 2020, NLC rebranded these processes as ‘Town Visions’. This covers eight towns: Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw.

The plans shown so far range from relatively minor changes in Shotts to demolishing large parts of Motherwell town centre and building a few new railway bridges (see image above). By the way, these are different ones to the demolitions and new railway ‘underbridge’ covered in Digest 75. The main issue driving these is economic development, since there will be less retail in town centres in future, but active travel is part of the mix too.

NLC have been consulting with local stakeholders ahead of further public consultation due later in the year. See the Town Visions webpage for links to PDFs of each current town plan.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1: Glasgow City Council – North Kelvin and North Woodside (Traffic Management & Parking Controls) Order

This order featured back in Digest 55 (Item 1.5). It covers a large area on the northern edge of the Woodside project featured above (Item 1.2) and west of Maryhill Rd. Along similar lines to previous schemes in Partick and other areas, it establishes a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ). An RPZ marks car parking bays on roads throughout the area and charges for them both hourly through parking meters or annually through residents permits. However, all spaces are available on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

GoBike had commented on the draft plans and a few amendments were made by the council. To refresh your memory of the plans, see: relevant map A, relevant map B, relevant map C, statement of reasons, detailed report and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

GoBike’s response to these RPZ proposals was sent on 24 March 2020. On 8 February 2021 we received a reply:

“I note your comments regarding end-on and angled bay parking. During the design phase of the project parallel parking bays were preferred over end-on and angled bays. Where possible we have aimed to avoid end-on and angled bays with only a minimal amount included within the plans. Unfortunately the Council cannot control driving behaviours and preferences when it comes to parking.

I can confirm that another team in the Council is working on sustainable transport and cycle projects within the area, and I will pass on your noted comments for their consideration.

Your comments 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.”

So, we can look forward to future correspondence on this one (on or before January 2022?).

3.2: North Ayrshire Council – Ardrossan Connections

GoBike have been sent a follow-up email after the initial Ardrossan Connections consultation finished earlier in the month. There’s an update on the project website, including a recording of parts of the launch event (with automatic subtitles if you want a laugh). Further online consultation events are due in March.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Scottish Government propose to build “spaghetti junction” at Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, Edinburgh Bypass, closes 31 January
2. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February
3. Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation period now extended to 03 February
4. **NEW** Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, on-line, closes 09 February
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
7. **NEW** Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February
8. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February
9. **NEW** Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February
10. **NEW** Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no contraflow, closes 14 February
11. Glasgow, Byres Road, Byres Road Traffic Management and Parking Controls, includes cycle lanes, closes 14 February
12. Glasgow, Byres Road, 20mph Speed Limit Zone, closes 14 February
13. Glasgow, Byres Road, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 14 February
14. **NEW** Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event TOMORROW, 22 January
2. Glasgow Avenues, Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenue, 25 February
3. Glasgow, Transforming Pollok Country Park – Public Meeting, 04 February

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Fastlink Route, (Finnieston Bridge to Whitefield Road) Order 2015, Amendment No.1 20__, acknowledgement of GoBike objection
2. Glasgow, Ashgill Road Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns.
3. Glasgow, Duror Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns
4. Glasgow, construction of Sighthill pedestrian/cycle bridge to start next month
5. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside Update, with news of new Facebook page
6. Glasgow Avenues project, George Square and Blythswood Square.
7. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden – Waiting & Loading Restrictions, approved

Section 1: Current Consultations

1.1 **NEW** Scottish Government propose to build “spaghetti junction” at Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, Edinburgh Bypass, closes 31 January

Here’s a message that has been put out by Alison Johnstone, MSP (Green Party), which is pretty clear and self-explanatory. New road construction means less money to build cycle lanes. Please respond.

“The Government look set to spend £120 million on a new spaghetti junction on Edinburgh’s bypass. We can stop them though. Government are consulting on the new junction now. Please take a second to object and ask them to invest these funds into public transport and bike lanes instead. We can’t just keep on pouring public money into building new roads like there is no climate emergency.

Take action now
 
By their own admission, the Government expects this scheme to increase traffic by 5%. Across the world we’ve learnt that if you build more road capacity it just fills with more cars and causes more pollution.

But the same is true with the alternatives. Invest in public transport, and the buses, trains and trams fill up. Build cycle lanes, and people get on their bikes.

Business as usual is killing the planet, and it’s time for change. The Government declared a climate emergency. Sheriffhall spagetthi junction is the first test of whether they mean it.

Lets make this clear and flood them with objections. Please take action and share the campaign now.

Yours
 
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian

Take Action Now  “

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

This has been mentioned once or twice already, Item 1.13 in Digest 49 gave the details for this on-line consultation, do please respond before it closes. Here’s the link to the City Council’s consultation page where you have to scroll down to find this one.

The survey is quite short, so won’t take you long to do – and do try to ignore all the “typos” in the information in the Council’s consultation information!

While this isn’t one of the city’s radial routes, which are so important, a good cycle route out to Pollok Park from the city centre should get people to take to their bikes. You might wish to question why the route is two-way on one side of the road rather than 2 lanes, one each side? Another concern is cycle priority at side roads – including all the driveways!

1.3 Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation period now extended to 03 February

There’s no reason given as to why this consultation is being extended but here’s the email that we got on 07 January:

“Dear All,

Firstly, we would like to thank all of you who have already provided responses to the consultation.

Many of you have also been in contact to request more time to complete your responses. We are happy to announce an extension to the consultation period.  

We now invite you to respond to the paper by 3 February 2020.

Our online portal for submitting responses will remain open until midnight on this date but we also welcome input in any format. Attached is a word version of the online portal – please feel free to use this form if you prefer.  

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

Yours sincerely,

Automated Vehicles Team – Law Commissions“

Note that the word version of the online portal is not given here. GoBike uses WordPress for its website and this does not permit the uploading of word documents. If you wish to have the word version please request one direct or email consultations@gobike.org

Here’s the letter of response that GoBike sent in on 06 January. Be afraid, very afraid!

1.4 **NEW** Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation, on-line, closes 09 February

The Avenues programme has been quiet for a while but here’s a recent email that we received last week, headed “Glasgow Avenues: Glassford Street and Stockwell Street Online and On Street Consultations”:

“On 16 Jan 2020, at 19:56, Avenues <avenues@ironsidefarrar.com> wrote:

Glasgow Avenues – Your Avenues Consultation

A multi-disciplinary design team led by Ironside Farrar Ltd has been appointed to deliver the second phase (“Block B”) of the Glasgow Avenues programme which will invest £115m in the public realm of the City Centre in the next few years, introducing a network of connected ‘green’ routes across Glasgow’s city centre. 

Block B includes Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenues.

The Design Team are seeking to consult with you – local residents, businesses and stakeholders –  on the draft proposals for these two streets in the following 3 ways:

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.

3. Drop-in to our on-street consultation: look out for out friendly rickshaw displays on Saturday 25^th January, where staff will be on hand to discuss the emerging design thinking and to record your opinion on the concept designs.

Please feel free to forward this email to other parties who may be interested in getting involved.  The online consultation is open until 9^th February 2020.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kind Regards,

Charlie Griffiths“

From point 1, clicking on the link will get you to the City Council’s Avenues page. Click on the down arrow at Consultations and then on “here” under “Current Consultation”.

Or you can try this quick link: https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=94c1feae990244afb5650b928f14c959

The questionnaire for point 2 is quite curious – very generic, but you will be able to comment on the dominance of the motor vehicle, particularly with respect to the large areas on Stockwell Street given over to car parking. Why aren’t they proper parks, with trees and grass and somewhere to sit?

We’ve been told that the consultants have 2 rickshaws that will be moving about but do look for them at the Argyle Street precinct or further south at the car park area. If you go, do please have your bike with you, or your children, or ageing aunt in a wheelchair – anything to demonstrate that we should have priority over all the cars in the area.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

Glasgow City Council now seem to have an alphabetical approach to traffic calming with this and the next 2 schemes that have arrived in the Consultations mailbox this very morning, 21 January. Here is the email and attachments for the first, Ardencraig Road in Castlemilk:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Ardencraig Road), 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:-

Ardencraig Road

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

• 3 sets of 3, 1.9m, 75mm high, speed cushions,
• 3 sets of 2, 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 11 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 attached documents: Proposals, Proposals Section 1 and Proposals Section 2

It’s the standard approach to high traffic speeds, yet again, by the City Council, which is now proclaiming itself as “Glasgow – proud host of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) – UK2020” but where are the cycle lanes to the school?

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

Moving on to “B” and north-west to Cardonald, here’s the email from earlier today, 21 January, for these 2 residential roads:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea 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:-

• Bankfoot Road
• Wedderlea Drive

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

• 6 sets of 3, 1.8m, 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 11 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 Jordan Tracey on 0141 287 9173.

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

Yours faithfully” etc

Here’s one of the feeder roads on to the cycle lanes we so desperately need on Paisley Road West if we are to achieve the modal split required to save the world. Not many, sorry, not any, apologies for not reaching the target, the aim, no sorry, just an aspiration of 10% of journeys by bike this year, were there? Let’s look to doing better this decade.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 11 February

On that long Castlemilk Drive (singing along to Devil Gate Drive, a classic from Suzy Q!), struggling up to, or coasting down from, the top of the hill and the countryside of South Lanarkshire, motorists are going too fast and so we must suffer yet more speed cushions. Why can’t such concerns be declared as public realm schemes and then we might get cycle lanes, giving us enough room to wobble up the hill without danger of being clipped by a close-passing motor vehicle? However, money is tight and the COP26 delegates won’t be encouraged to visit Castlemilk, so we will be stuck with another rash of speed cushions. Here’s the email received from the City Council today, 21 January:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council, (Castlemilk 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:-

• Castlemilk Drive

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

• 4 sets of 3, 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 11 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’s the plan showing the proposed speed cushions: Castlemilk Drive plan

Note the active-travel friendly parking! GoBike will applaud the aim, but not the method, of reducing traffic speeds here.

1.8 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February

This consultation featured in Digest 50, Item 1.7 and here is the link, again, to the City Council’s consultation page. This consultation is the second item on page 1. We hope to have the GoBike response in our next Digest.

Note that the area it covers is bounded on the south-east by Glassford Street and Stockwell Street.

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow, South Side Car Club Traffic Regulation Order, closes 14 February

Here’s a consultation that GoBike responded to at Stage One – details further on – but this is the email for the public consultation that we received on 16 January:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SOUTH SIDE CAR CLUB) ORDER 202_

Further to my consultation email of 3^rd December 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 drawings, statement of reasons and detailed report.

The location proposed for Queen Elizabeth Gardens has been removed from this order and will be included in a future parking control order for the area.

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, Sustainable Transport, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G! 1RX or by e-mail to SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14^th February 2020.

Yours faithfully,” etc

Here are the documents referred to in the email above: Advert, Report, Statement of Reasons, Allison Street plan, Paisley Road West plan, Torrisdale Street plan, Kenmure Street plan and Albert Drive plan.

At Stage One we were given this information by email:

“Background to the proposed Order
This order is proposed to provide car club and electric parking on the south side at the locations below in line with the Council’s policy for sustainable transport and emission reductions.

Area affected by the proposed Order
The area is the south side of the city.

Details of the proposed Order
The order proposes the following restrictions as shown on the attached drawings:

• Electric charging and car club bays on Alison Street east of Langside Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Queen Elizabeth Gardens north of Old Rutherglen Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Paisley Road West at Cessnock Street.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Torrisdale Street west of Victoria Road.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Kenmuir Street north of Albert Drive.
• Electric charging and car club bays on Albert Avenue north of Queens Drive.“

You will see that Queen Elizabeth Gardens in the Gorbals has been removed at the Public Consultation stage, presumably because of local lobbying but GoBike objected, see this letter, to the inclusion of Paisley Road West. Paisley Road West is a major arterial road connecting the city centre to the outskirts and one of the most heavily cycled roads into the city; kerbside parking obstructs the construction of the cycle lanes we desperately need on this route if we are to meet climate change targets. We have had no response from the City Council to this well-argued letter written by one of our members.

GoBike will be responding to this public consultation but if you support our views do please write in to comment or object to the proposals.

1.10 **NEW** Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, TRO, One-Way with no, or perhaps with, contraflow, closes 14 February

The service road is a residential and shopping side road to the busy Carmunnock Road and at the Stage One consultation GoBike was told that “The Council have been made aware of road safety issues with the existing two-way traffic flow on Carmunnock Road (Service Road).  Therefore, a questionnaire was posted to the nearby residents to find out if they supported the introduction of a proposed one way system.  The results of the returned survey were 23 in favour of the proposals and 6 against.”
In its response, GoBike argued strongly that cycling must be exempt from the one-way order. Since receiving the Public Consultation email below, GoBike has emailed the City Council for an answer to the one-way question. However, we now note, from the Detailed Report issued with this public consultation that improved safety may be achieved by ” Providing a single directional route for vehicular travel.” Note the use of the word “vehicular”, which would not normally include cycles?

Here’s the Public Consultation email received on 17 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CARMUNNOCK ROAD (SERVICE ROAD)), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 20__

Further to my consultation email of 6^th December 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 14^th February 2020.

Yours faithfully” etc

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

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

You may be aware that we responded last autumn to the Stage One consultation concerning the proposed cycle lanes on Byres Road and submitted detailed questions related to the design of the cycle lanes. A major concern is about side road junctions where, to us, it’s obvious that all traffic (motor, cycle, pedestrian) has priority over traffic into and out of side roads. Unfortunately, the City Council appears to take a different view.


We informed you in Digest 51 that the 3 TROs for Byres Road had just been published but full details from the City Council arrived just too late for inclusion in that Digest.

Here’s the email that we received on 06 January, with almost no detail of the cycle lane design:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BYRES ROAD) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 20_

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, detailed report and FAQs.

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

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to ByresRoadTRO@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs

Some of our members are busy writing our response and our concern at the lack of information on the cycle lane design has been voiced to the City Council.

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

GoBike supports 20mph speed limits in our towns and cities and Byres Road is no exception. We supported this proposal at the Stage One consultation in the autumn and no doubt we will support it now.

Here’s the email we received on 06 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BYRES ROAD) (20MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 20_

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, detailed report and FAQs.

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

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to ByresRoad20MPH@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents referred to: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs.

The FAQs are certainly not directed at those of us keen on active travel; here’s one Q and A:
“Can I park / load in the cycle lanes?
 Parking / Loading from the cycle lanes is not permitted“
Yes, the motor driver is still seen as the main customer – the the FAQs are the same for all 3 TROs.

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

Car parking on the streets around Byres Road is not normally a major concern for most of us in GoBike, but if you live in Hillhead you might have a different view or particular concern about this proposal? If so, do email consultations@gobike.org and we can include it in our response.
Points we have noted so far include the introduction of a second car parking permit per household (why should that be introduced in a city that’s trying to reduce car ownership, reduce pollution and will be hosting COP26 in November?) and the ridiculously cheap parking charges (even if they are the same across the city). Surely parking charges should be at least the cost of a return ticket on the Subway or bus and not just 80p per hour?
Here’s the email received from the City Council on 06 January:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (HILLHEAD) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 20_

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, detailed report and FAQs.

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

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services or by e-mail to HillheadTRO@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 14 February 2020

Yours faithfully” etc

The attached documents are here: Press Advert, Plan, Report, Statement of Reasons and FAQs.

This information was included in the Stage One email, but there is far more information within the Report:

“Background to the proposed Order
The proposal is to amend the existing Hillhead parking controls from a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ).
RPZs are indicated by zone entry signs which have a no waiting roundel to inform that no waiting is permitted at any time outwith the bays. The zone entry signs tell you to “park only in signed bays” with a no waiting roundel which means no waiting at any time. This is the restriction which applies outwith all the marked bays.
This order will propose the conversion of “residents only” parking bays to “shared use” bays in order to bring the parking regime in Hillhead into line with other residential areas within the west-end. Whilst all bays will become “shared use”, residents will be able to acquire a second personal permit and visitor permits, fees will be in line with other zones. Permits will also be usable in adjacent zones. The order will also include proposals to pedestrianise Ashton Lane / Great George Lane with service access limited to specific times and controlled by drop-bollards. Residential access to the rear of Ashton Road will be maintained. Cresswell Lane will remain pedestrianised.“

The private car is still at the top of the transport tree, it seems.

1.14 **NEW** Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

GoBike member, Emily, alerted us to this consultation, which has a question on “Do you have any proposals that would improve the space around our homes and promote connected places and vibrant communities?” and the ‘vision’ and background refer to lots of relevant stuff about connectivity, walking and cycling, vibrant local areas, climate emergency, air pollution, etc.

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.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

Going hand in hand with Item 1.2 above, the on-line consultation on the SWCW extension along St Andrew’s Drive, is this public consultation event tomorrow, Wednesday 22 January at St Albert’s Primary School, 36 Maxwell Drive from 3:30 to 7pm. You may see details of the proposals at this link. Do try and get to the event if you can; there will be the opportunity to speak to the staff involved about the proposals.

2.2 Glasgow Avenues, Stockwell Street and Glassford Street Avenue, 25 January

Mentioned in Item 1.4 above, is this on-street, meet the people event:

“Drop-in to our on-street consultation: look out for out friendly rickshaw displays on Saturday 25^th January, where staff will be on hand to discuss the emerging design thinking and to record your opinion on the concept designs.“

We don’t have any more information but it should be quite easy to spot one or other of the 2 rickshaws that the consultants will have. If you are in the town, do look out for the displays; check out the area at the end of the Argyle Street precinct or the car park areas on Stockwell Street.

2.3 Glasgow, Transforming Pollok Country Park – Public Meeting, 04 February

On 17 January GoBike received this email from The Transforming Pollok Country Park Project Team within Glasgow Life:

“Hello,

Following previous consultation events, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life would like to invite you to a public meeting on the access proposals being developed for Pollok Country Park, as part of the Transforming Pollok Country Park project.

The purpose of this meeting is to share the proposals, summarise recent changes in response to feedback from previous consultations, and outline current progress ahead of a formal planning submission later in February 2020.

Transforming Pollok Country Park

Public Meeting

Tuesday 4 February, 6.30–7.45pm

at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, Pollokshaws Road, G43 1NE

The meeting will include a presentation lasting up to 45 minutes followed by up to 30 minutes for questions.

We hope you can join us. If you’re unable to attend but would like to find out more, please email us at PollokCountryParkTransformation@glasgowlife.org.uk.

Kind regards,
The Transforming Pollok Country Park Project Team”

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Fastlink Route, (Finnieston Bridge to Whitefield Road) Order 2015, Amendment No.1 20__, acknowledgement of GoBike objection

Our objection to the proposal to allow taxis and authorised vehicles to use the bus and cycle lanes on this bridge was published in Digest 50, Item 1.2 We received this acknowledgement on 07 January:

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

Dear Tricia Fort

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

I am writing to confirm receipt of your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order. Following the publication period, officers shall commence an analysis of all correspondence received and issue you with a considered response in due course.

Please note that timescales for preparing and distributing a considered response can be influenced by the quantity and nature of correspondence received.

Yours faithfully” etc

Let’s hope they are rethinking the proposal, especially since it is so close to the site of the COP26 Conference in November.

3.2 Glasgow, Ashgill Road Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns.

This consultation was detailed in Digest 50, Item 3.10 Our letter, sent in on 18 December, raised concerns that the GCC response to speeding on this wide road in the north of the city was to yet again install speed cushions with no thought to narrowing the road with cycle lanes etc. Note that no Traffic Regulation Order is required for the installation of speed cushions. The City Council response to our letter, with this email of 08 January, is illuminating as to how the Council currently operates:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding Ashgill Road not being included as part of the city’s cycle network, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery

I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200mm, with 1000mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.” The Local Transport Note also recommends a maximum spacing distance of 70 metres between each set of speed cushions, however, in this instance we would consider that the road bends at this location also act as traffic calming features.

Whilst I appreciate that drivers may accelerate and brake between each set of cushions, the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. Should the restrictions be introduced, a reduction in the permitted speed limit would encourage drivers to maintain a reduced speed whilst negotiating speed cushions or any other form of traffic calming feature.

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

3.3 Glasgow, Duror Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response to our concerns

Again, this consultation was detailed in Digest 50, item 3.13 and we submitted this letter on 18 December. To reduce speeding by motor vehicles on this wide road in the east of the city it seems to be a reasonable suggestion to stop most through motor traffic with a filter to allow only buses (and emergency vehicles) and bikes through but here’s the reply that we received on 10 January. Note that the installation of speed cushions does not require a traffic regulation order and that a filter, of the type we propose, ie one with rising bollards or similar, would not prevent residents accessing either side of that filter:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

I can advise that the introduction of a bus/cycle gate would require the Council to successfully promote a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The legal process of promoting a TRO is subject to formal consultation and public advertisement, is open to objection and can take in excess of 12 months to complete. The promotion of such an order also requires the support of emergency services and various other road user groups. It is highly likely that the introduction of a bus/cycle gate on Duror Street would lead to objections from local residents as they would be unable to park near to their properties. In view of the foregoing, there are no plans at present for a bus/cycle gate to be introduced at this location.

I can advise that the Local Transport Note for Traffic Calming (LTN 1/07), which gives guidance on the design, effectiveness and installation of traffic calming measures, states that “Distances between cushions, or cushions and the kerb, should not generally exceed 1200mm, with 1000mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.” The Local Transport Note also recommends a maximum spacing distance of 70 metres between each set of speed cushions and this recommendation has been adhered to in the design of this traffic calming proposal.

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

3.4 Glasgow, construction of Sighthill pedestrian/cycle bridge to start next month

GoBike has responded to several consultations about the regeneration of Sighthill, and some might remember that this was a favourite project of the one-time Cycling Czar Councillor Frank McAveety? Who’s he? Some newer GoBike members might ask. However, the Glasgow (Evening) Times reported on 11 January that construction of the bridge should start in February, be completed in August 2021 and cost £19m. See: https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18153032.development-sighthill-bridge-cost-19m/?ref=ebln

3.5 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside Update, with news of the Woodside ‘Making Places’ project

If you don’t subscribe direct to the Connecting Woodside updates then you will have missed the free family fun event on Saturday but there is a new Facebook page about the Making Places project that is working in tandem with the active travel team. See this link and if you live in the area do get involved. If you would like to ask a question to the project team about this update or the project? Email sustainabletransport@glasgow.gov.uk.

3.6 Glasgow Avenues project, George Square and Blythswood Square.

News of the Avenues and these 2 squares and yet more consultation in today’s Herald newspaper; follow this link for the details. Let’s hope for the best that it happens.

3.7 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden – Waiting & Loading Restrictions, approved

The Traffic Regulation Order, which we supported, see Digest 45, Item 1.2, to limit parking in this area near the car showroom, has now been approved, and here’s the confirmation from East Dunbartonshire Council, received today, 21 January:

“Dear Sir/Madam

The Traffic Regulation Orders mentioned below has now been made and will become effective on Monday, 23 March 2020.

Attached are copies of the Order and plan, together with copy of the Notice that is to appear in the edition of the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald which is published on 24 January 2020.

Yours faithfully
Fiona Stirling
Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ
Telephone 0300 12345 10 (Ext 8012)

Note Referred to:- 1. The East Dunbartonshire Council (Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive And Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden) (No Waiting And No Loading At Any Time Restrictions) Order 2020.
(See attached file: 200121 Killermont, etc – Waiting Time Order 2020.pdf)“

Good to get something in from outwith the city, but we do hope to get more positive news in before COP26, which will be upon us before we know it.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultation

1. Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), CLOSES THIS FRIDAY, 10 JANUARY
2. Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January
3. Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January
4. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February
5. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Byres Road, 3 TROs now published on Glasgow City Council’s website, close 14 February

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. GoBike ride 05 January, to see what has been done and how much more is needed.

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), CLOSES THIS FRIDAY, 10 JANUARY

This is important, setting the tone for what comes next. If you haven’t responded to this on-line consultation yet, please do so by 5pm on Friday afternoon. Here’s the link to the survey and here’s the letter that GoBike has also submitted. The survey is easy to do, but do remember to be ambitious; Scotland needs transport systems to match its scenery, ie superb.

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

This consultation finally closes next Thursday; we’ve been publicising it since Digest 46, Item 1.9 back at the end of October. Here’s the link to the consultation and here’s the letter we have written in to voice concern. It’s almost a fantasy world to expect automated vehicles to improve conditions on our roads but do have a look at the consultation for yourself.

1.3 Glasgow, City Centre Strategic Development Framework, closes 17 January

This high-level document was first featured in Digest 48, Item 1.11 and here is the link to the City Council’s consultation page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find this one.
GoBike has submitted this letter outlining our views. Do please add your voice to the consultation.

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

This on-line consultation first featured in Digest 49, Item 1.13 and, as you can see from the screenshot above, there is plenty of room for cycle lanes for a route running from the city centre to Pollok Park. Do please get your views in – the link to the City Council’s consultation page is here (scroll down to find this one) – although you might wish to wait until after the consultation event on Wednesday 22nd Jan (see Item 2.1 below) to respond.

1.5 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, closes 14 February

This is a consultation that was confused with Item 1.3, sorry about that, but we featured it in Digest 50, Item 1.7 and here is the link, again, to the City Council’s consultation page. This consultation is the second item on page 1.

Previously we responded to the Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework with this letter in April 2019 and the St Enoch District Regeneration Framework in September 2019 with this letter. The response to this latest consultation will be along similar lines.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Byres Road, 3 TROs now published on Glasgow City Council’s website, close 14 February

We’ve just found out that the TROs for Byres Road, proposed parking changes, cycle lanes and 20mph are now all on the City Council’s website, see: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro
We’ll be having a close look at these over the next couple of weeks.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

As mentioned in Item 1.4 above and in our Consultation Extra of 29 November, there will be a consultation event at St Albert’s Primary School, 36 Maxwell Drive on Wednesday 22 January from 3:30 to 7pm. You may see details of the proposals at this link.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 GoBike ride 05 January, to see what has been done and how much more is needed.

This is the route of the 15 miles or so of the GoBike ride on Sunday plus a wee bit from Glasgow Green to the start at the SEC.

Much of the infrastructure that we travelled on has been the topic of consultation and that is shown in bold – search on our website at www.gobike.org to find details. From the SEC and travelling clockwise our journey covered:

• West City Way (consulted on and constructed before GoBike records were kept on our website)
• Woodside – recent and ongoing consultation
• Garscube Road – included in the Woodside consultation
• The Underline project – one of the Avenues projects connecting New City Road under the M8
• St George’s Road – to connect Woodside to Sauchiehall Street
• Sauchiehall Street – the first of the Avenues projects to be constructed, from Charing Cross to Rose Street
• Renfrew Street, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street – a further Avenues project to connect the Sauchiehall Street Avenue to the east of Queen Street Station
• South City Way from King Street via Bridgegate and Gorbals Street to Victoria Road and Queen’s Park – under construction
• Muirend to Queen’s Park Quiet Way – advisory cycle lanes
• South West City Way – constructed from Commerce Street to St Andrew’s Drive and currently under consultation for continuation to Pollok Park
• National Cycle Route 756

Well, that was shorter than usual but do try to respond to the consultations listed – the more voices the authorities hear, the more they will listen. No doubt there will be more in Digest 52 in two weeks time.

Sunday 5 January 2020 – 2020 Vision
For our annual tour of cycle infrastructure, we will be taking a trip around various works both north and south of the river. We’ll start by heading to Woodside to see the latest on the Connecting Woodside project, then cross the city centre by way of Sauchiehall Street, to the Merchant City from where we’ll follow the South City Way. We’ll continue south through Battlefield, then turn at Muirend to head for Queen’s Park, the South West City Way, and the Stobcross Bridge.
16 miles, ending back at Kelvingrove in time for lunch.
Meet 10am Bell’s Bridge, Congress Road, Glasgow.

See here on our website for further details.

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.

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Dear Go-Bike,

Neighbourhoods and Sustainability are seeking to gain the views and comments of the local community and wider public with regards proposals to extend the South-West City Way active travel route.  The proposals will link the existing route at Shields Road, along St Andrews Drive to Pollok Country Park.  Current proposals include a segregated cycle route, footway improvements, upgraded pedestrian crossings, improved Bus / Public Transport access as well as major junction works to improve active travel  journeys.

As part of this work an information gathering event is proposed at St Alberts Primary School,  36 Maxwell Drive, on Wednesday the 22nd of January 2020 between 3.30pm and 7pm, where the public will be able to view proposed designs for infrastructure upgrades and make comments on the proposals.

In addition to the event a webpage will be available from the 2nd of December 2019 for a period of 2 months. Visitors to this website can view drawings of the proposed design and provide comments through an online feedback process. The address for the Webpage is www.glasgow.gov.uk/swcw. This website will go live on the 2^nd of December 2019.  

I trust this information is of assistance.

Kind Regards.”

Lots to look forward to – see you on the 22nd 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.

Last week saw ice return to Glasgow. At the same time the focus of getting Glaswgians to participate in active travel seemed to go out of the window. Footpath and cycle lanes were ice rinks. In the light of lots of disquiet from our members about the unjust priorities the council have set for gritting, we have decided it is time for action.

Priorities

Glasgow City Council are actively encouraging people to move from private cars to active travel. This would appear to be only for those days where ice is not forecast. On those days it would appear that the priority is to get the cars moving around Glasgow.

Many of our members tweeted the dire conditions they faced while trying to undertake their daily commute.

Leaving the bike and walking wasn’t really an option either. Those on foot were not fairing much better. Many had to resort to walking on the gritted roads as the foot ways were unsafe.

It seems unfair to encourage people to move from their car to walking or cycling, then abandon them as soon as the ice comes to town. For those whose New Year resolution was to leave the car and walk or cycle, I am sure they are having second thoughts now. To enable people to commit to walking or cycling to work, school or the shops, this needs to be an option all year round.

Deja Vu

It was a similar situation during the cold snap in December. There were multiple crashes on key cycle routes, including the South West City Way and the NCR 7 beside the transport museum.

Financial Impacts

Slips, trips and falls are the most common types of accident in life generally, but snow and ice increase this. For most falls on snow or ice result in minor bumps and bruises. If you are cycling usually the first thought is “how is the bike?”.

However, hundreds each year are less fortunate. They are admitted to hospital after suffering more serious injuries after falls during wintry weather.The cost of these admissions is considerable. Falls that result in a hospital admission cost an average of £5,000 each time. For older people this rises to £8,600. While a hip fracture costs the whole care system almost £40,000.

There needs to be a balancing of the cost of public health measures like gritting, with the healthcare costs associated with falls. The economic burden of falls on ice is substantial. Keeping footpaths and cycle lanes free from ice should be a public health priority.

Transport Poverty

Glasgow has always had a low car ownership level. Within those areas of Glasgow with traditionally lower incomes the number of people with access to a private car drops even further. For them walking and cycling is not active travel, but is how they get around.

Transport Poverty is a real factor to a number of people who have limited options. They don’t get duvet or snow days. They need to get to their work or they will not get paid. However, if trying to get to their work results in a fall and injury they often don’t get sick pay either.

Areas like Parkhead and Dalmarnock have 50% of children living in poverty. Access to work is a key factor in getting people out of poverty. Removing the ability for them to get to work safely is morally reprehensible.

Harder on Pedestrians than Drivers

Alastair Dalton’s piece from last year is still relevant today. He highlighted how pedestrians and cyclists are hit hardest when it snows.

We strongly agree with what Alastair wrote back then, in particular this:

There is never going to be enough money to clear every road and pavement, but there seems to be a clear inequity in how they are tackled.

Call For Action

Glasgow City Council, as a matter of urgency can not neglect their moral responsibility to reduce Transport Poverty and provide safe routes for people to walk and cycle.

We echo Chris Boardman’s request, that basic maintenance is provided on our foot paths and cycle lanes. We call for action from Glasgow City Council for a drastic reprioritisation of the winter maintenance policy that more fairly reflects the right for all people to get around, not just those who have access to a car.

Since our last update, the gritting on the lanes had been much improved and more effective, and we are thankful for the action on that. The repair action is now moving slowly. The first repair began on one of the Shields Road bus stops but was unfortunately then halted for five days with a full blockage of the cycle path remaining in place during that time. It seems that the understanding for the respect for our main commuting route from Glasgow City Council still has some way to go.

This work is now complete though, and we hope that the drainage will be improved there from now on. Elsewhere, near the other Shields Road bus stop, the flooding was drained but swiftly returned, demonstrating that a more permanent repair was required. We have been continuing to ensure that GCC are working on moving forward with the SWCW repairs, and have some of the following info to share with you:

To GCC from GoBike:

We’ve been sent on info from an FOI on the flooding on SWCW that suggests that the bridge would first need strengthening by Network Rail before the required resurfacing can take place. We would imagine that the timeline for this would actually be really significant, and so if this is indeed the case, we would like to suggest the requirement for a program of flooding maintenance at the site until this permanent repair can happen. We have also been made aware though, that heavy machinery such as (…..) vehicles have routinely been seen working on the bridge. Can you explain this?

The FOI also illustrates that there were 13 fault reports specifically on the flooding to the council over a period of a year and a half until the first investigative site visit happened in August 2018. Injuries have occurred at this site due to the neglect to attend to the repair timeously. This week repairs started at the other bus stop on Monday the 7th, which closed off the full cycle lane with barriers blocking cycle lane access, yet no signage and no diversion in place, just a ramp useful only to people with prams and wheelchairs. Work then ceased, incomplete, after the 7th, and the barriers still remain in place, now six days later. I attach an image to illustrate. Frankly, for a flagship route, one of the only truly safe routes we have in the city for people on bikes, the priority for it’s upkeep within the council is quite clearly insufficient.

To GoBike from GCC:

Thank you for your email regarding the South West City Way Cycle route.
 
We are currently investigating what options are available to resolve the issues with the surfacing on the bridge, taking account of the weight restrictions and  work operations that are permitted to be undertaken on the bridge due to its condition.  Vehicles should not be using the cycleway and thank you for bringing this to our attention.  I  will arrange for this issue to be raised with (….) at the next Roads Authorities and Utilies Committee (RAUC) meeting.  The Council is also currently reviewing how these initial complaints were initially dealt with.
 
I can confirm repairs at the bus stop south of the railway bridge started on site on 7^th January 2019. The works were to amend the drainage channel inlets, open them up to allow more flow of surface water and make future maintenance more accessible. The contractor has been made aware of the importance of maintaining the traffic management at all times and to resurface the ramp as a priority. I can only apologise it’s taken longer than expected.
 
The bus stop north (see image) of the railway bridge with the drainage issues has been investigated by LES and the contractor Mac Asphalt Ltd who were involved with the works to resolve the drainage. Due to the lack of existing drainage gullies on Shields Road a further investigation was undertaken on the existing gullies and manholes to allow for an additional 3No. gullies are to be installed within the cycle lane. Work is due to commence on site  on Monday 21st January 2019. The cycle lane from the start of Shields Road at St Andrews Drive to the railway bridge will be closed for 7 working days to allow for the drainage to be installed. An alternative route using the footway will be signposted.
 
I hope this is of assistance.

So that work is due to start today, which is positive. Please let us know whether the diversion is adequate.

Thanks again to the council for working to get this sorted although it is unfortunate that it took such action before anything was done, when the issue had been so widely reported. We have been sent details of just how many reports were made in this FOI sent in from a super helpful member which makes for very interesting reading. But we hope that from here, the council will appreciate the importance of keeping our safe cycling spaces (which as we know, are few and far between) clear, working, maintained, and well…. safe.

Perhaps next, we can look at the issue of parking in the segregated cycle lanes too eh? We will be watching the repairs unfold and wont be resting easy – we already have our next target in mind for the GoBike Board of Shame. Watch this space.