Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

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

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

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

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

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

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

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

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

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

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

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

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

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

On 19 December we received this reply from GCC:

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

Dear Ms Fort

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely“, etc

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Ms Fort,

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely” etc

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

3.5 Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking changes approved

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

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

Dear Ms Fort,

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

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely” etc

See the next item for news of the cycle lanes!

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

The latest Connecting Woodside update, received on 17 December:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Ms Fort,

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely,” etc

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely,
Gillian McCarney Strategic Services Manager”

3.10 Renfrewshire, City Deal, GAIA Construction Update

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

3.11 GoBike met GCC, 13 December

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

3.12 Glasgow, Ashgill Road traffic calming scheme

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

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

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

We’ll be on the ball in future!

3.13 Glasgow, Duror Street, another traffic calming scheme

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

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

Dear Sir / Madam

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

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

Background to the proposed Scheme

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

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme

The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-

Duror Street

Details of the proposed Scheme

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

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

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

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

3.14 Glasgow, Gartnavel Hospital Site Active Travel Meeting 18 December

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

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

______________________________________________

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

Contents:

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW ** Cycling in Glasgow, on-line Survey by Aberdeen University Student, closes ??
2. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Main Issues Report, Local Development Plan 2, closes TODAY at 5pm
3. East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan, closes 13 December
4. Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, closes 13 December
5. Glasgow, Robroyston Station, parking restrictions, closes 13 December
6. East Dunbartonshire, proposed TRO Maxwell Avenue, traffic calming, closes 16 December
7. South Lanarkshire, Stewartfield Way proposed upgrade, closes 20 December
8. Glasgow Roads “APSE” on-line survey, closes 24 December
9. **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20mph Limit Speed Zone, closes 27 December
10. Glasgow, Finnieston Bridge, taxis and authorised vehicles to use bus and cycle lanes TRO, closes 03 January 2020
11. **NEW** Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) closes 10 January 2020
12. Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 17 January 2020
13. **NEW** Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension on-line consultation, closes 03 February 2020
14. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, (previously City Centre Strategic Development Framework), closing date extended from 17 January to 14 February 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. GoBike meets Glasgow City Council, 13 December
2. Glasgow, South West City Way, St Andrews Drive extension, consultation event 22 January 2020

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive, City Council response to GoBike letter

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

Note: 5 of the consultations in this section were new in the last Digest, Digest 48, so, if you can, you might wish to open that issue in a separate tab for reference – saves it all being repeated in this issue.

1.1 **NEW ** Cycling in Glasgow, on-line Survey by Aberdeen University Student, closes ??

Here’s a short on-line survey for you, with some questions you probably haven’t been asked before! These are the details that Mohammad Alattar, a PhD student at Aberdeen University sent to GoBike on 04 December:

“Given that active travel (AT), which refers to any transport that includes physical activity (such as walking, cycling, using mobility aid) for all or part of a journey, improves individuals’ life quality as well as the community as a whole, this questionnaire forms a part of a PhD thesis on entitled “Towards Active Travel-Oriented Cities: Urban Spatial and Soundscape Analysis”. The aim of this project is to investigate various aspects of active travel such as the determinants of AT, reasons to AT, auditory information while ATing, built environment elements that influence AT and AT trips. Although this survey collects data about AT in the City of Glasgow, it is believed that data collected from this survey will help to better understand AT a wider scale.”

https://app.maptionnaire.com/en/6112/

Do please follow the link above and help Mohammad with his studies. We have no closing date, so perhaps do it before you forget?

1.2 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Main Issues Report, Local Development Plan 2, closes TODAY at 5pm

This is a new slant on the consultation that we last reported on at Item 1.1 of Digest 47 and we were reminded of it (perhaps we just hadn’t delved far enough?) on 04 December with this email:

“Good afternoon,
There is still time to have a say on the new Main Issues Report (MIR), a key step on the path towards an updated Local Development Plan. The MIR sets out key priorities and preferred options for future development throughout East Dunbartonshire. Consultation ends on Tuesday 10 December 2019 (5pm).
Visit the following webpage for full details: https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/consultations/main-issues-report-consultation
Reference copies of the MIR and paper questionnaires are also available to view at Community Hubs and libraries.
Regards,
Land Planning Policy Team“

Here’s the GoBike response. Do please follow the link and complete the survey (at least this one, for the main issues, this afternoon – if you can.

1.3 East Renfrewshire, Local Development Plan, closes 13 December

The above is a proposal, done by GoBike member, Iain, for Spiersbridge Roundabout, when East Renfrewshire were looking at improving their roundabouts, see Digest 9, Item 1.1 and Digest 10, Item 1.2 (where the GoBike proposals for this and Eastwood Toll were shown). This was all back in May 2018 and we have heard nothing since.

East Renfrewshire are now consulting on their Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), as detailed first in Digest 47, Item 1.5 and several GoBike members have been to local events to see the plans. They are, as many of these LDPs are, very general and don’t make mention of specifics such as improving hazardous roundabouts. You may see the proposals here. GoBike member Emily, with support from Thomas, has developed this letter of response that was submitted on 08 December. The letter comments on the generality of the documents but does go on to mention some specifics that need to be done if the active travel aims are to be realised.

Do write in to East Renfrewshire if you live, work or cycle in the area, to voice your concerns.

1.4 Glasgow, Dalmarnock West TRO parking restrictions, closes 13 December

The proposals to bring some order into the chaotic parking from Dalmarnock Station west to the new Police Scotland offices formed a new item in Digest 48, Item 1.5. We had responded to the Stage One proposals (and published them) in early autumn and we are fully supportive of these proposals. Our letter of support, mentioning the requirements for:

1. Good connections from the area to the riverside cycle and foot path (NCN 7) and
2. Liaison with South Lanarkshire Council to prevent parking on the cycle lanes on Shawfield Road/Glasgow Road just across the river from the police offices.

will be submitted before the end of the week.

This is an important one to support – the car-commuters will be out in strength to oppose these proposals.

1.5 Glasgow, Robroyston Station, parking restrictions, closes 13 December

Item 6 in Digest 48 gave the details for the proposed parking restrictions on the new road between the new Robroyston Station north-west to meet the roundabout at Junction 2 on the M80. GoBike will submit a letter of support for the proposals but we will point out the need for good cycle infrastructure from Robroyston itself along this new road to the station – why aren’t such things included from the outset?

1.6 East Dunbartonshire, proposed TRO Maxwell Avenue, traffic calming, closes 16 December

This was a new proposal in Digest 47, Item 1.6, although we had responded to the preliminary consultation on this back in Digest 27, Item 3.4 at the beginning of 2019. We are very concerned about the need to slow down motor traffic in this area near a railway station, a care home and a primary school and there is no doubt that more people would cycle here if there were good cycle facilities. GoBike will submit a letter of support, although we will express the concern that the speed tables, with just a 0.75m gap from the table to the kerb, are pushing bikes into the gutter.

1.7 South Lanarkshire, Stewartfield Way proposed upgrade, closes 20 December

This scheme was a new proposal in Digest 48, Item 1.8, to upgrade this major artery in East Kilbride and realise the economic potential of the area etc etc, and the details are here. There is a very short survey – please do complete it. It doesn’t take long to realise that the proposals are aimed to help the private motor user, so no surprise there, even though all the right words are used about the environment etc. GoBike has written in this letter of concern and objection.

Do please follow the link to the details of this scheme and the survey; there are no apparent active travel upgrades to the roundabouts and so how are we expected to negotiate them?

1.8 Glasgow, Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Roads Satisfaction Survey on-line survey, closes 24 December

Further to Item 1.1 in Digest 48, we now have confirmation that this survey is open for 2 more weeks, so do please complete it, if you haven’t already. We also know what “APSE” stands for! Here’s a reminder email that we received on 06 December from the City Council:

“The Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) is undertaking a satisfaction survey of residents, visitors and workers of Glasgow in regards to Roads. You can provide your views by following the link below.

If you would also be able to distribute the survey to members/clients of your group it would be very helpful so that we can get a wide range of responses.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/glasgow-city-2 “

It’s an easy and quick survey to do so please get your views in – and remember, if we had good roads (and good cycle facilities) then lots more people would be cycling on them!

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20mph Limit Speed Zone, closes 27 December

Sighthill, just to the north of the M8 and the city centre, is being redeveloped and now as the area is becoming quite well established, here’s a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit across the area. Just a few weeks ago, in Digest 46, Item 1.5 we published, in error as we now know, the Stage One proposals and we supported the move, with this letter.

The email we received from the City Council on 29 November is:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SIGHTHILL), (MANDATORY 20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201_

Further to my consultation email of 21^st 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 Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk by 27^th December 2019.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to in the email are: Press Notice, Relevant Map, Statement of Reasons, Detailed Report and one we haven’t seen before, the Proposed Order.

We’ll be supporting this move and hoping that is it properly enforced and also that Sighthill looks as idyllic as the publicity photo above!

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

This proposal was Item 1.9 in Digest 48 and we are less than happy with it. The experimental TRO, issued in June 2018, had this as its objective: “The purpose of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order is to determine the effect of permitting taxis to access the segregated section of the Finnieston Bridge and to determine the effect on the journey time of buses currently using the Fastlink infrastructure.“

Apparently there has been no detrimental effect on the journey time of buses, but this isn’t where the holdups are. The main holdup is on Lancefield Quay where there is no bus segregation and the secondary one is the traffic lights on the bridge itself, which don’t appear to give the buses any priority at all.

However, the influential taxi lobby is no doubt very pleased with this turn of events, whereas those of us who cycle continue to lose out on Fastlink. The whole scheme is a mish-mash of bits we are allowed on and bits we aren’t and, while the photo above shows someone cycling in the bus (and now taxi) lane over the bridge, there is no evidence that the traffic lights will give any priority to this active traveller.

We claimed before that the whole scheme needs reassessment and we’ll put this view forward again.

1.11 **NEW** Transport Scotland, Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) closes 10 January 2020

Jim, from Cycling Scotland UK – Scotland, told us about this last time, Digest 48, Item 2.1 and here it is. This is the email that GoBike received on 03 December:

“Subject: STPR2 – Online Survey

Hi,

Transport Scotland is conducting an online survey for the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), a Scotland-wide review of the strategic transport network across all transport modes.

We are writing to all stakeholders that have attended or been invited to STPR2 events and other appropriate organisations to make them aware that this survey is now live.

STPR2 will inform transport investment in Scotland for the next twenty years and you and/or your organisation’s input will help Transport Scotland to deliver the vision, priorities and outcomes for transport set out in the draft National Transport Strategy (NTS2).

Further information and a link to the survey can be found at www.transport.gov.scot/stpr2

If you are aware of any other individuals and/or organisations that would wish to complete the survey, please do forward this email to them.

We will also be promoting the survey on Transport Scotland social media feeds and it would be appreciated if you could help spread the word by sharing this content on your own channels if it is appropriate to do so.  Our main accounts can be accessed below.

The survey, which is being undertaken on behalf of Transport Scotland by the STPR2 project teams at Jacobs and AECOM, will close at 5pm on Friday 10th January 2020.

For any further queries concerning STPR2, please contact   info@stpr2surveys.co.uk“

This is a good survey to do with room at the end for your personal views – and you only need to read these Digests to see that there is a lack of compliance with the Sustainable Transport Heirarchy: motor priority on side streets on cycle schemes, taxi priority on the Squinty Bridge, two-way cycling denied to provide more on-street car storage and on and on it goes!

1.12 Law Commission, Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 17 January 2020

This topic chills the bones! It was first mentioned in Digest 46, Item 1.9 and the link to the consultation is here and we will hopefully have the GoBike response done soon.

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

In our Consultation Extra on 29 November, we told you about the consultation event on 22 January, see Item 2.2 below. This is an important addition to the City’s currently sparse network of cycling routes so do please have a look and complete the survey; here’s the link to the City Council website

Here’s the email that we received from the City Council on 29 November:

“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.”

St Andrews Drive is a good, wide road with plenty of room for cycle lanes. GoBike is already compiling a response, but do please have a look at the information on-line, attend on the 22nd of next month if you can and do complete the survey

1.14 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, (previously City Centre Strategic Development Framework), closing date extended from 17 January to 14 February 2020

This was first mentioned in Digest 48, Item 1.11, the link to the document is here and we are working on the GoBike response. Note the change of date for responses.

The name has changed and so has the lead picture since 2 weeks ago. The link still works so do please have a look at what is proposed for the centre of Scotland’s largest city.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 GoBike meets Glasgow City Council, 13 December

Yes, on Friday, Ali, Tricia and Brenda from GoBike are setting off to meet some of the people working on parking (motors not bikes) and traffic calming schemes at their new offices on London Road. We are hoping to discuss some of the issues of concern such as permeability for cycling and good street design. We’ll let you know how we get on.

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

As per Item 1.13 above, there’s an information and consultation event on 22 January, and here’s the relevant extract from the City Council’s email of 29 November:

“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.“

Do try and get along there if you can.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

Note: this section has been reduced because of time constraints in producing this Digest but there will be more information in the next Digest – look for it on 24 December – just in time to put in your stocking for a good read on Christmas Day!

3.1 Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive, City Council response to GoBike letter

GoBike submitted this response to the City Council’s consultation and details were in Digest 46, Item 1.7

On 04 December we received this email reply from the City Council:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (QUEEN MARGARET DRIVE) (TRAFFIC, REGULATION) ORDER 201__

Thank you for your undernoted e-mail of 28^th October 2019 enclosing comment regarding the above Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

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

I have responded to your comments below. These have been noted as observations on the merits of the project design but cannot be considered as objections to the TRO as they do not relate to the proposed revisions to waiting and loading regulations, which are the basis of the TRO procedure.

1. Priority Junctions: The side road junction layout is intended to slow vehicular traffic as it makes the turning manoeuvre. The cycle lane will be marked across the side street junction at footway / cycle lane level, with the side road accessed from Queen Margaret Drive via a ramped kerb unit wherever practicable. The material crossing the side street will be contrasting to that on the main cycle lane, as it will also be for the pedestrians. It is intended to use cautionary signage informing Queen Margaret Drive traffic of the presence of the bi-directional cycle lane. However, cyclists do not have priority crossing side road junctions where the cycle lane is at footway level. This is based on guidance from Police Scotland at this time and is consistent with the Highway Code. It is noted that updated national design guidelines are under development and that this guidance may change at some point in the future. On Queen Margaret Drive, the Give Way marking on “exit only” streets will be placed behind the cycle lane to reduce the likelihood of vehicles blocking the cycle lane whilst waiting but the cycle lane will be marked with “Slow” markings advising the cyclist to exercise caution. On “entry only” streets the vehicle leaving the main carriageway has priority and the same “slow” markings will be applied. It is also considered that for the most part cyclists will be able to proceed across the side street unimpeded due to the low volumes of traffic.
2. Why is the Route Bi-directional? A bi-directional route was selected following the assessment of comments received at public consultation events. Constructing a bi-directional route on the west side of Queen Margaret Drive was also considered to be the most practicable solution whilst upgrading the pedestrian space and retaining parking and loading outside the shops on the east side in line with stakeholder requests.
3. Southbound Access to the Cycle Route Please note the drawing is a TRO drawing and as such does not show many design details. Northbound cycles will traverse the tactile paving at the school Toucan crossing and re-join the Queen Margaret Drive bus lane via a drop kerb. Southbound cycles can leave the road at a drop kerb at the end of the bus bay, immediately before the Toucan crossing, prior to then crossing the road at the school via the formal crossing point and then continuing on the cycle route.
4. Extension to Byres Road and Maryhill Road The current termination at Hamilton Road roundabout is temporary. In the short term, cyclists will re-join the road at the roundabout for onward travel. However, it is planned to extend the bi-directional route to Great Western Road where it will connect with proposals for Byres Road and the bus lanes on Great Western Road. Whilst these proposals are not included in the Queen Margaret Drive scheme it is hoped to develop them in parallel with the Byres Road project. At the north end the main cycle route will turn right along Kelvinside Avenue where cycles will be able to connect to Maryhill Road and the canal path. Cyclists will also have the option of re-joining the Queen Margaret Drive carriageway at the school crossing point and continuing on-road to the Maryhill Road / Bilsland Drive junction. There are no proposals to incorporate cycle facilities at this junction at this time.
5. Cycle Lane Width? The bi-directional cycle lane is as wide as is practicable within the confines of the existing road and other stakeholder requirements and will vary between 2.5m and 3.0m excluding the buffer strip and delineation kerb. At bus stops the cycle lane will be narrowed to a single lane to facilitate the safe boarding / alighting of buses. This arrangement is preferred on safety grounds to a non-descript multi-user space at these points – resulting in cyclists having to give way to oncoming cyclists. However as it is anticipated that demand will be largely tidal, it is not expected that this arrangement will have any real detrimental impact on cycle journey times.

I trust this of assistance.
Yours sincerely,” etc

Quite a bit of information is given in that reply but not much of it is reassuring. The concern continues about priority at side roads and why would the cycle lanes continue to give access to the canal path, but not the major artery of Maryhill Road?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Lots to think about in that reply in that last item but quite a few surveys for you to get your fingers tapping to. Particularly if the weather continues as it is today!
Digest 50 will be out on 24 December, for you to read after your Desperate Dan Annual!

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.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, TODAY, Tuesday 06 August, 1pm or 2:30pm, with on-line comments closing on 18 August.
2. Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August
3. Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September
4. **NEW** Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October

Section 2: Forthcoming Consuitations

1. Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Pollok Country Park – Project Update
2. WalkCycleVote/RNIB workshops
3. Glasgow City Council (Garscube Road)(Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls) Order 201
4. THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, Consultation on future policy development of taxi and private hire car licensing
5. Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July
6. Battlefield Proposals (Streets for All) update
7. The Glasgow City Council (Broomfield Road) Traffic calming scheme 20__
8. The Glasgow City Council (Sunnybank Street) Traffic Calming Scheme 20__
9. Proposals for Upgrading of Elmbank Street, Pitt Street and Holland Street
10. World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green
11. International interest to build first opening bridge over the River Clyde
12. Yokecoco win funding for Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for action or responses

1.1 Glasgow, ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, TODAY, Tuesday 06 August, 1pm or 2:30pm, with on-line comments closing 18 August.

We gave all the information for these 2 events, which take place TODAY, in Digest 39, Item 2.2.
If you wish to attend either of the sessions then you should book; here’s the link.
In a further email, dated 23 August, there was this information:

1.2 Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August

The details for this latest extension of the South City Way were given in Digest 38, Item 1.5 and we are looking forward to there being a continuous cycle route from Queen’s Park to the Merchant City.
We are concerned, though, at the lack of clarity in the TRO documents about the junction between Bridgegate and King Street. Our letter of response is here.

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

This consultation period is quite long; the full details were in Digest 37, Item 1.7 and our response is being prepared. It will be published before the closing date.
If you have perused the document and have any views, please do send them in to consultations@gobike.org

1.4 **NEW** Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, closes 23 October

Published just a few days ago on 31 July, here’s the latest big consultation from the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. This is one we all need to consider and submit our views.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August.

We published the details of this event in our last Digest, No 39, Item 2.3 and it will be held at Pollokshaws Library from 12 noon – 8pm. Do get along there if you can.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Pollok Country Park – Project Update

Before you go to the Consultation Event on the 22nd, do read this briefing note produced by Glasgow Life, outlining progress to date.

3.2 WalkCycleVote/RNIB workshops

Sally and Suzanne from Walk/Cycle/Vote have been working this year with people from the RNIB and have held workshops around the country, in Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh. Brenda, Iain and Tricia from GoBike attended the Glasgow event and discussed pertinent issues with people from RNIB. Walk/Cycle/Vote hope to follow up these recent sessions with a larger event in October, focusing on a combined response to the National Transport Strategy consultation has just been launched, see Item 1.4 above.
Here are the agreed outcomes of the Glasgow workshop:

• We’re still missing some users from this discussion who’ll have valuable input.
• Our cities would be safer for everyone if there were fewer private cars.
• We need to reduce car dominance of our streets if we are all to get the space we need.
• Kerbs are important with appropriate modifications for wheelchairs.
• Cycling infrastructure needs to be designed in a way that’s inclusive for everybody and doesn’t create barriers.
• Street clutter is a hazard.
• Cycle paths should be clearly distinguishable from pavement and roads by appropriate means.
• We want a clear delineation between cyclists and pedestrians.
• Side turnings should be squared off to make drivers slow down.
• Control boxes (on signal-controlled crossings) could vibrate as an alternative to the rotating cone which can be broken easily or simply not included on the box.
• We acknowledge that different groups of people will have different priorities based on their different needs. We should not allow people to divide and rule us.

So a good start was made in understanding and recognising that we have different needs but we all have a right to use our streets.

3.3 Glasgow City Council (Garscube Road)(Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls) Order 201

On 23 July we received this acknowledgement to our submission to the consultation on the proposals preparing for the construction of a 2-way cycle route on Garscube Road:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (GARSCUBE ROAD) (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROL) ORDER 201_
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
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
Steve Gray
Assistant Group Manager (Sustainable Transport)
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

3.4 THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, Consultation on future policy development of taxi and private hire car licensing

On 23 July we received this brief acknowledgement of our submission on this consultation:

“Thank you for your consultation response, which will be considered by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee in due course.
Kind regards“

3.5 Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July

These events, which were detailed in Digest 38, Item 2.5 with further information on opposition to the proposals in Digest 39, Item 2.1, were held to gauge public views prior to the Traffic Regulation Order being finalised and issued.
City Council staff at one of the Dennistoun events reported that views were mixed, but there was certainly interest from members of the public.
Again, though, parking controls mean, to the City Council, changing streets from 2-way to 1-way to allow for the introduction of diagonal parking and ensure adequate clearance to the parked cars. Exemption for cycles is apparently generally vetoed by Police Scotland and the City Council continue to provide storage space for private vehicles on our streets rather than providing sufficient space for people to walk and cycle.
One would hope that by the introduction of parking permits demand for parking would reduce?

We look forward to the publication of the TRO with some interest.

3.6 Battlefield Proposals (Streets for All) update

Sustrans issued this update on 25 July and, once you are past all the pictures, there’s a wee survey for you to complete by 16 August – and there’s a prize draw!

3.7 The Glasgow City Council (Broomfield Road) Traffic calming scheme 20__

On 29 July we received this response to our submission on the proposal for traffic calming on Broomfield Road:

“Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the traffic calming proposals on Broomfield Road.

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 1200 mm, with 1000 mm as an ideal maximum. These dimensions are designed to deter drivers of small vehicles from attempting to drive in the gap.”

Due to the width of the carriageway on Broomfield Road and the minimum width of the speed cushions being increased to facilitate buses, a 1m gap from either side of the kerbline was determined. A larger gap between the speed cushion and the kerb may encourage drivers to park partly in the gap and partly on the cushion, causing an obstruction for cyclists.

Regarding your request for a cycle lane to be introduced at this location, I can advise that the funding we have received for this location is from a traffic calming budget, therefore the introduction of cycle lanes at this location is not something that we would consider at this time.

Finally, it is anticipated the introduction of speed cushions will reduce vehicular speeds, which in turn lead to better road safety conditions for all road users including, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information please contact (name and contact details removed by GoBike)

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

So there we have it: the budgets, and not just the staff, are in silos within the City Council. Why on earth don’t they think holistically and consider the best overall solution?

3.8 The Glasgow City Council (Sunnybank Street) Traffic Calming Scheme 20__

Correspondence continues on Sunnybank Street. You may remember that in Digest 38, Item 3.7 we published an exchange of emails where Glasgow City Council had confused the GoBike response on Sunnybank Street with that of either Ladyloan Avenue or Broomfield Road?

A further reply was received on 29 July:

“Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the traffic calming proposals for Sunnybank Street.

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 gap between cushions and the kerb may differ at each location depending on factors such as the width of the carriageway, the width, length and design of the cushions, any potential build outs or the location being a bus route.

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

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

When in a hole, it’s best not to dig any deeper! The distance between the speed cushion and the kerb is shown as 1.2m for Sunnybank Street, but only 1.0m for Broomloan Road above.

3.9 Proposals for Upgrading of Elmbank Street, Pitt Street and Holland Street

A consultation event was held on 24 July, of which we became aware at very short notice, but we now have some details. We have requested ongoing notification but here is what Holland Street might look like in the future!

There is more information on the consultant’s website.

We aim to keep you informed of progress.

3.10 World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green

The World Pipe Band Championships take place on Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July and Glasgow Life have informed local residents, including your Digest author, of closures to roads around the Green and restrictions on access to the Green itself.

Unfortunately, the information provided was inadequate when it came to cycling and thus the following email was sent:

“Sent: 26 July 2019 14:02
To: GL Culture
Cc: GoBike! Convenor
Subject: World Pipe Band Championships, use of the National Cycle Route through Glasgow Green

Hello,
As a local resident I have today received the neighbour notification for the forthcoming World Pipe Band Championships to be held on Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July.

Your letter, ref WPBC2019/HC informs me of motor vehicle restrictions but does not mention the National Cycle Network Route (NCN) that passes through the Green. You do, of course, refer to the riverside “path”, which is where the NCN runs but you do not give any alternate route for people who are cycling to work, to their place of study, on business or for leisure. This is one of the busiest cycle routes in Glasgow, used by people of all ages and all cycling abilities and it is critical, not just for this event, but for all events on the Green, that clear alternatives are posted well in advance.

Thus, could you, by return, send me the alternative route that you propose for the NCN so that I may make all our GoBike members and supporters aware of the change in their journey well in advance of the 2 days? It is not good enough for people to arrive at a point where their route is blocked and to be told by a steward that they must retrace their route and take a diversion.

I hope that by doing this, we will be able to reduce the frustration felt by people cycling through the Green and thus reduce the number of complaints that are received by yourselves; complaints that may be avoided by good planning.

It is disappointing that world class events on the Green are marred by lack of attention to detail. I look forward to your prompt response.

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

A response was received a few days later, and here it is for you to judge its content!

Dear Tricia,

Thank you for your email.

As per every event at Glasgow Green – both ran by Glasgow Life and private companies – diversion routes will be in place and well signed in advance.

On the Friday it is a minor diversion within the park.

On the Saturday there is a diversion (example cycling from West to East) from Saltmarket (at Albert Bridge), across the bridge and left on to Ballater Street. Continue straight onto King’s Bridge and right back onto the current Cycle Network 75.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Kind regards,
WPBC Team “

Needless to say, a further message has been sent to Glasgow LIfe, but if you are trying to cycle in or near Glasgow Green on 16 and 17 July, perhaps even trying to get to the “Worlds”, we can only apologise for not being able to get you clear information.

3.11 International interest to build first opening bridge over the River Clyde

We received this email from City Deal Renfrewshire on 31 July, giving us progress news on the proposed new bridge over the Clyde:

3.12 Yokecoco win funding for Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village

Saving the best until last; here’s the excellent news that Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council, working in collaboration with Sustrans, have gained funding to progress their plans for transforming the area, see: https://www.facebook.com/yokecoco/ for all the details.
This is a wonderful achievement by the Community Council and local residents.

We first published details of the Traffic Regulation Order last year in Digest 12 and news of the initial public consultation events were given in Digest 9, Item 1.7 back in May last year, so people have been busy on this for a long time and the success is well deserved.

Your next Digest will be out with you in 2 weeks – who knows what news there will be?

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, Battlefield, Drop-in Event, TODAY, 23 July, 3pm – 7pm
2. GoBike member’s survey, Attitudes to Cycling in Glasgow, closes tomorrow, 24 July
3. Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July
4. **NEW** Glasgow, (Mount Florida) (Traffic Regulation) Order) Waiting and Loading Restrictions, closes 02 August
5. Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Order, closes 02 August
6. Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August
7. Glasgow St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July
2. Glasgow ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, Tuesday 06 August
3. Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. East Dunbartonshire, Lenzie Station
2. Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue
3. Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) Construction Update

Section 1: Current Consultations , in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, Battlefield Street Design, Showcase Event, TODAY, 23 June

Battlefield is no longer as shown here but there are moves to make it a calmer place, with less emphasis on the private car. Here’s the information from Sustrans about today’s event and the current on-line consultation:

“Hello,
I am emailing just as a reminder about the Battlefield Street Design Session 4 Showcase Event taking place next Tuesday 23^rd July. This is a public drop-in event at Langside Parish church and is open to everyone. I would be grateful if you could share this amongst anyone you think maybe interested? Further details are below and I’ve attached the event poster to this email.

Showcase event: Tuesday 23^rd July 2019

The designs for Battlefield area have been developed following nine months of engagement by Sustrans and Glasgow City Council that has reached almost 6,000 local people. During March, April and May, people took part in a range of activities to provide feedback which has helped to refine the concept that will be handed over to Glasgow City Council at the end of July for further development.  On Tuesday 23^rd July, at Langside Parish Church in Glasgow, the public are invited to have the opportunity to:

Drop-in anytime between 4pm and 7pm to view the updated concept design for the following areas; Battlefield Rest junction, Battlefield Road, Grange Road and Langside Road.

Find out about activities in the area from Urban Croft South Seeds, Battlefield Community Project, Give a Dog a Bone, Langside Heritage Group and many more;

Come and say hello to us outside Coffeescene between 3pm and 6pm where we’ll have a summary of the designs and some Sustrans freebies to give away!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all.
Many thanks in advance,

Ellie Cady
Project Lead – Battlefield | Street Design | Sustrans Scotland
Ellie.Cady@sustrans.org.uk

A further email informed of an ongoing survey:

“We would love to hear the views from all of those involved to help us improve the Street Design process for future projects. From the 23^rd July we would like to invite you to complete a short online survey about the project and engagement process. This survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and will be made available through our project website from next week. You will also receive a reminder by email with the link to the survey.”

So do have a look at that and, through GoBike’s involvement with the Focus Group for the redesign of Battlefield, we will be keeping you updated as things proceed.

1.2 Attitudes to Cycling in Glasgow, closes tomorrow, Wednesday 24 July

Active GoBike member, Eachann Gillies, who is our lead in the Battlefield Focus Group, is also studying for an MSc at Glasgow Caledonian University. As part of that he would like as many people as possible to fill in his survey on Attitudes to Cycling in Glasgow. It’s quite short, so do please help him. Here’s the link to the survey.

1.3 Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

Taxis and private hire vehicles are something that most of us will use at some point so it is critical that we are objective about them and ensure that they provide a good service that meets the needs of the city, its residents and its visitors. Here is the GoBike response to the consultation. Here is the link to the consultation.

1.4 **NEW** Glasgow, (Mount Florida) (Traffic Regulation) Order) Waiting and Loading Restrictions, closes 02 August

On 12 July GoBike received the following email under the somewhat innocuous title of “Mount Florida Traffic Regulation Order”. It is only by looking at the attachments that one realises what is being done to set back the cause of active travel in the area.

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (MOUNT FLORIDA) (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report.
Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 
As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk  by Friday 2 August 2019.
Yours faithfully” etc

Here are the documents that accompanied the email: Press Notice, Plan (1 of 2), Plan (2 of 2), Report and Statement of Reasons.

When one looks at the plans, particularly 1 of 2, it becomes clear that there are proposals to make Florida Street and Bolton Drive one-way westbound between Clincart Road and Florida Drive and to make Clincart Road one-way southbound to Bolton Drive and one-way northbound to Bolton Drive, with a buildout to the footway on Bolton Drive.
While this might rationalise car movements, it contradicts Transport Scotland’s and Glasgow City Council’s design guide, “Cycling by Design” where Clause 5.1.5 (page 52) states “The default position should be to permit two-way cycling on one-way streets.” The City Council conveniently ignores this every time a parking scheme is developed, thus severely limiting permeability of our residential areas for cycle traffic.

Here’s a promising report on contraflow cycling from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which we have quoted to Glasgow City Council.

In addition parking and parking/loading restrictions are proposed, particularly at junctions and this is despite Rule 243 of the Highway Code stating as one of its bullet points: ” DO NOT stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space” See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/waiting-and-parking-238-to-252

We note that the City Council refers to the local Community Council, who are reflecting residents’ views that “they have nowhere to park” and many wish to park their private car directly outside the door to their close. However, this flies in the face of City Council policy to reduce car use, to promote active travel and rejuvenate our local neighbourhoods.
Event day parking restrictions are in place in this area and it would seem logical to extend restrictions by introducing a Residents’ Parking Zone.

If Glasgow City Council, and other local authorities, and/or Police Scotland were to employ more parking/traffic wardens rather than rely on the good will of drivers to observe paint lines at the edges of our streets then we might be able to use our streets for the purpose for which they were intended, ie to get from A to B.

GoBike’s response to this consultation reflects the above points.

1.5 Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Order, closes 02 August

The details of this proposed addition to the 80 mandatory 20mph zones in the city were first given in Digest 37, Item 1.6. The GoBike letter of support for this proposal also includes our view that the City Council really does need to bite the bullet on this and impose a city-wide default 20mph limit.

1.6 Glasgow, South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August

This proposal, bringing the South City Way into the Merchant City, was detailed in Digest 38, Item 1.5. GoBike is generally very supportive, but we are considering the detail and our response will be contained in our next Digest the big Four Zero, due out on 06 August.

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

As reported before, we are working on our response, which will be submitted next month. This is an important city centre area, so do please have a look at the consultation information that is provided on the City Council’s Current Consultations page at: https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicDMartCurrent&NoIP=1 and submit your own response, if you can.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July

In Digest 38, Item 2.5, we published details of drop-in events for residents to learn about the proposed parking changes for Dennistoun and Royston:
Wednesday 24 July, Royston Library, 2 – 7 pm
Thursday 25 July, Dennistoun Library, 2 – 7 pm
Saturday 27 July, Dennistoun Library, 10 am – 1 pm

However, it looks as if this isn’t a universally popular move, if this article from the Evening Times on 19 July is anything to go by! See: https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17781308.parking-zone-plan-east-end-scrapped/?ref=ebln

If you don’t agree that our streets should be linear car parks and you live, or work in this area, or visit regularly, then get yourself along to one of these events to support the proposals.

2.2 Glasgow ‘Avenues’ preview events for Renfrew, Killermont & North Hanover Streets, Tuesday 06 August, with a closing date for on-line comments of 18 August

On 17 July GoBike received the following invitation from Civic Engineers, who are working for the City Council on the Avenues projects

“You are invited to the following event: Glasgow city centre ‘Avenues’: initial design ideas for Renfrew St, Killermont St and North Hanover St

Multiple events from: Tuesday, 6 August 2019 from 13:00 to 15:30 (BST) The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (City of Music Studio, 3rd floor)
2 Sauchiehall Street
G2 3NY Glasgow
United Kingdom
View Map

Yes No Maybe

You’re invited to a preview of initial design ideas for Renfrew Street, Killermont Street and North Hanover Street on Tuesday 6th August in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.  There is a choice of two events, each an hour long, starting at 1pm and 2:30pm.  The City Council and Civic Engineers, who lead the Council’s design team for this phase of the Avenues project, will be presenting initial design principles at the events and seeking feedback. You’ll also be able to see and comment on the initial designs online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues from Tuesday 22nd July (closing date for comment is Sunday 18th August). There’ll be similar events about initial design ideas for Cathedral Street on Tuesday 3rd September in Townhead Village Hall – keep an eye out for the invitation. The work is part of the transformational £115m ‘Avenues’ city centre public realm project funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which will change the face of the city for the better for all those who live, work and visit. The Avenues project will see key Glasgow city-centre streets redesigned to protect and prioritise space for cyclists and pedestrians, improve connectivity, introduce sustainable green infrastructure through attractive streetscapes and enhancing biodiversity, and improve the way public transport is accommodated.  Places at the events are free but limited. Please book now to get your place! ”

Now that nice, wide cycleway on the photo above, taken from the original invitation, might not look to have much separating it from the roadway, but we think there’s a kerb there, and we’ll be sure to check that out on 06 August.

GoBike will be represented at this event, and at the 03 September event. Do note that these are not drop-in events so if you can’t spare the full hour, you will be able to view the information and respond on line.

2.3 Glasgow, Pollok Country Park – Project Update and Public Consultation Event, 22 August

Earlier this year, in February, 2 GoBike members attended a meeting with Glasgow Life to hear about initial proposals for Pollok Park. We have now, 19 July, received this message and invitation:

“I hope you’re both well. I’m writing to update you on the progress of the Transforming Pollok Country Park project.

The update is as follows:

Thank you for previously engaging with us on access proposals for Pollok Country Park. Details of the proposals and current progress can be found in the briefing note attached.

As mentioned, these proposals will form the subject of a planning application and we are now moving towards submitting a Proposal of Application Notice in the week commencing 22^nd July. A consultation event will take place at Pollokshaws Library on the 22^nd August from 12 noon – 8pm which you are welcome to attend and will allow the opportunity for comments.

I’ll note that the proposed new entrance at Haggs Road is primarily intended to bring cars and buses in through a more direct route, while cyclists would be encouraged to enter the park via the Pollokshaws Road entrance or St Andrews Drive entrance.

If you have any queries please get in touch.

Kind Regards,
Project Officer, Glasgow Life”

The briefing note attached to the email is here. Do get yourself along to Pollokshaws Library on 22 August if you can to see the exciting proposals.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 SPT and East Dunbartonshire, Lenzie Station Improvements

We heard about station improvements from one of our member’s Twitter feed, with this link to the SPT website: http://www.spt.co.uk/corporate/2019/07/lenzie-station-improvements-welcomed/
2 of the improvements listed refer to cycling:

• Upgraded traffic lights – including dedicated cycle phase
• Improved cycle facilities

So now that we can store our bikes at Lenzie Station and cycle in and out during the new cycle phase, perhaps we’ll get dedicated cycle lanes through the town?

The consultation phase for the project started in 2016, before GoBike was actively getting East Dunbartonshire proposals, but we are always keen to hear about consultations in the wider Glasgow area, so do keep us informed at consultations@gobike.org please.

3.2 Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue Traffic Calming Scheme, GCC response to GoBike submission.

In Digest 37, Item 1.3, the details of this proposal were published and on 03 July we returned this response.
The City Council have now replied, with this email received on 19 July:

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

Dear Ms Fort,
Thank you for your undernoted email and attached letter of 3 July 2019 regarding the proposed traffic calming for Ladyloan Avenue.

I am pleased to note that GoBike are in favour of the pilot School Car Free Zone project which the Council is introducing as an experimental traffic regulation order at 6 schools in Glasgow. Depending on the success of this pilot scheme, it is anticipated similar prohibitions of driving near other schools throughout the Council area will be introduced in the future.

While I acknowledge that some cyclists will seek to avoid the cushions, this will not always be the case, and the gradient on this section of Ladyloan Avenue renders it unlikely that roadside detritus will accumulate. 

Though no traffic census has been carried out at this location, I would expect current bicycle numbers on Ladyloan Avenue to be low tending to negligible. Therefore speed reduction measures such the proposed cushions can only have a beneficial impact on the number of cyclists.  Furthermore, reduced speeds are likely to make the journey to and from school more attractive to other active road users such as pedestrians and those using scooters and, in doing so, reduce the number of journeys made by car.

It can reasonably be considered that introduction of cycle lanes and reduction of the space available to motor vehicles at this location would lead to motor vehicles having to come to rest then accelerate again, leading to increased fuel usage with attendant polluting consequences.

I trust that the foregoing explains some of the reasons for introducing speed cushions on Ladyloan Avenue.”

So, now you know, some of us enjoy cycling over speed cushions and the installation of cycle lanes would increase pollution! However, on the brighter side, we are getting more responses from the City Council than we used to, and they contain more detail than we used to be given.

3.3 Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) Construction Update

Received just yesterday, a link to what’s going on around Glasgow Airport.


Here’s the main news from the link:

“Construction includes significant improved connections:

• Abbotsinch Road is being realigned, upgraded and extended, with accompanying pedestrian and cyclelanes to create a gateway route through Netherton Campus.
• A two-lane bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and commercial traffic across the White Cart from anapproach road off Arran Avenue to Wright Street. The bridge includes a connection into Wright Streetbusiness premises, with no through route along Wright Street for vehicles. This will reduce the impactof traffic on residential areas and the bridge will also connect with the proposed Paisley to Renfrewcycle route, currently under development.
• A pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Black Cart, connecting Abbotsinch Road to Greenock Road.
• New and improved junctions and connections to existing cycleways and pathways.

Construction works start in July 2019 and are scheduled for completion in early 2021. 

Some interesting news to peruse above and consultation events to go to, to brighten up your summer.
The Digest will be back in 2 weeks with whatever lands in the inbox before then.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lane, closes 12 July
2. **NEW** University of Glasgow, IHW planning application, closes 12 July
3. Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July
4. Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order, closes 02 August
5. **NEW** Glasgow South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August
6. Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive, separated cycle lane, Traffic Regulation Order
2. Glasgow, Battlefield Street Design, Showcase Event, 23 July
3. Safer Streets Pollokshields
4. North Kelvin/Woodside potential Controlled Parking Zone
5. Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Broomfield Road, GoBike submission
2. Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue, GoBike submission
3. Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2, 20mph, GCC response No 2
4. Glasgow, Laurieston, Phase 2, Parking Controls, GCC response
5. Scotland, Default 20mph Bill, Scottish Government response
6. Glasgow, Denmark Street, No Waiting and Loading at Any Time, GCC response, with good news about the employment of more Parking Attendants
7. Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for response

1.1 Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lane, closes 12 July

All the information pertaining to the proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the east side of Garscube Road were published in Digest 36, Item 1.4 and we have now submitted this letter in response. The supportive and constructive comments were written by Calum. Iain provided the graphic for the type of side-street junction we would like to see at Sawmillfield Street.

There’s still time to get your comments in!

1.2 **NEW** University of Glasgow Institute of Health and Wellbeing. Planning application Ref 19/01636/MSC, closes 12 July

The University is progressing its development and the Institute of Health and Wellbeing is now being planned for the Institute of Health and Wellbeing on University Place, near to the junction with Byres Road, as shown on this plan. Having looked at the information available, see: https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage GoBike is submitting this letter of objection in based on their lip service to planning for active travel. The application mentions core paths nearby for cycling access, but conveniently ignores the fact that the University has been, to date, adamant that cycle lanes can not be accommodated on University Avenue to allow access to the site.

1.3 Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

All the details of this consultation were in Digest 36, Item 1.5 and our considered response will be in the next Digest.

1.4 Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order, closes 02 August

Digest 37, Item 1.6 gave all the information for this next bit of Glasgow’s 20mph patchwork. Our response will be in the next Digest. Meanwhile, the Evening Times reported on 01 July that Glasgow City Council is still keen to see a city wide move to 20mph.
According to the article there are currently 80 mandatory 20mph zones in the city – that’s a lot of signage.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow South City Way Traffic Management Order, 2-way cycle lane on Bridgegate and King Street, closes 09 August

Good news, the South City Way is approaching the Merchant City and we received this email from the City Council on 26 June:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CITY CENTRE) (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010, (VARIATION No25) (SOUTH CITY WAY) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report.
Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Group Manager, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or email land@glasgow.gov.uk and it must be received by Friday, 09 August 2019.

Yours faithfully” etc

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

We’ll be looking at this and, based on our experience elsewhere in the city, developing our response in good time for the closing date.

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

All the information we have was in Digest 37, Item 1.7 and as we said two weeks ago, our response will be developed when our main scrutineer of such high-level publications returns from holiday later this month. The very fact it’s high level means that detailed policy will be determined from it, so it’s crucial that we comment critically and constructively.
You might remember that the Broomielaw District Regeneration Framework; to which we responded at the beginning of April – details were in Digest 32, Item 3.1 and our response is here, – waxed lyrical about removing most of the traffic from the Broomielaw and transforming the area under the Kingston Bridge. Yes, this is the type of transformation that we are looking for and that the city needs if it’s to meet its aspirations, but we know the opposition will be intense.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive, separated cycle lane, Traffic Regulation Order

The local traders on Queen Margaret Drive, which goes north from the junction of Byres Road and Great Western Road, as far as Maryhill Road, want to improve the environment outside their shops. They worked with the City Council and with Sustrans to develop proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the west side and there has been local consultation on this.
However, things have changed: we have had the Byres Road consultations with no decisive outcome and a new school is being built just north of Kelvinside Avenue, so both these things are being considered in relation to the Queen Margaret Drive proposals. Pleasingly though, we have now been told by the City Council that the Traffic Regulation Order will be issued within the next few weeks. Our breath is bated!

2.2 Glasgow, Battlefield Street Design, Showcase Event, 23 July

Sustrans have informed us of this event; here’s the email that was received on 03 July:

“I’m emailing you with an exciting update from Battlefield Street Design with the details of our showcase event on the 23^rd July and a focus group opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who has got involved in the Battlefield Street Design project and left your feedback for the initial design ideas. You can still view these designs and comments through our project website. Over the last few months we engaged with over 2,800 people through various events, activities and meetings. This feedback following the last nine months of engagement has helped refine the concept design which will be showcased at our upcoming public event on the 23^rd July (details below).

Showcase event: Tuesday 23^rd July 2019

On Tuesday 23 July, at Langside Parish Church in Glasgow, the public are invited to have the opportunity to

• Drop-in anytime between 4pm and 7pm to view the updated concept design for the following areas; Battlefield Road, Mount Florida corner, Battlefield Rest junction, Grange Road and Langside Road.
• Find out about activities in the area from Give a Dog a Bone, Urban Croft South Seeds, Battlefield Community Project, Langside Heritage Group and many more;
• Come and say hello to us outside Coffeescene between 3pm and 6pm where we’ll have a summary of the designs and some Sustrans freebies to give away“

Do get along if you can and contribute to making the area more active-travel-friendly. Here’s a link to the 23 July event with a bit more news: https://battlefieldproposals.commonplace.is/news/2019/07/03/battlefield-street-design-showcase-event:-23-july

2.3 Safer Streets Pollokshields

Further to the drop-in event on 17 June, we have now heard from Bill Fraser, chair of the Pollokshields Trust. The Baseline Study is now at draft stage and once it’s finalised it will be opened to community engagement. If you are interested keep your eyes peeled for further updates.

2.4 North Kelvin/Woodside potential Controlled Parking Zone

We have heard from GoBike member, Alasdair, who is on the local Community Council who tells us that there was a well-attended Community Council meeting earlier this month when the possibility of a Controlled Parking Zone in this area was discussed. Currently there is commuter parking in the area. The City Council will now consult with the Police etc as they draw up plans with a view to issuing a Traffic Regulation Order at some future date.

2.5 Dennistoun & Royston – Traffic Management & Parking Controls Order 201 drop-in events 24, 25 and 27 July

GoBike member Derek has told us about a forthcoming Traffic Management and Parking Controls Order for Dennistoun & Royston
Public exhibitions are to take place:
Wed 24 July, 2-7pm – Royston Library
Thu 25 July, 2-7pm – Dennistoun Library
Sat 27 July, 10am-1pm – Dennistoun Library
Dennistoun Community Council has been asking the City Council for some time to bring in such an order to stop commuters using area like a park and ride.
There will be charges for parking that might not go down well with some of the residents but if it reduces car parking overall then it could help moves towards providing separated cycle lanes on Duke Street and/or Alexandra Parade!

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Broomfield Road, GoBike submission

Details of the proposals for traffic calming using speed cushions on Broomfield Road, in the north-east of the city, was detailed in Digest 37, Item 1.2 and we submitted our response last week, prior to the 05 July closing date.
While we accept that speed cushions do slow down traffic, we consider that roads such as this. near parks and schools, particularly in an area of low car ownership, in a city of low car ownership. should be made more active-travel friendly. Our response gives our reasons.

3.2 Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue, GoBike submission

Carrying on the theme of slowing motor traffic down with speed cushions came this proposal to improve safety near St Clare’s Primary School in Drumchapel. Other schools in the city are about to start a trial of closed approach roads at start and finish times, but St Clare’s gets speed cushions. We suggest a more active travel solution ….. and this is our letter of response.

3.3 Glasgow, Laurieston Phase 2, 20mph, GCC response No 2

Soon after submitting our support (admittedly with concern about the localised nature of yet another 20mph zone in the city) we received an initial response from the City Council, which was published in Digest 36, Item 3.2. This explained why the City Council feels it can’t go for a city-wide zone (this view, might of course change with the demise of Mark Ruskell’s bill) but now we have received, on 28 June, this formal response:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Laurieston Phase 2), (20mph Speed Limit) Order 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 as advertised.

The Order was made on 24 June 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 26 June 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely” etc

We have yet to see major opposition to these localised 20mph proposals, so why the concern when it comes to larger areas? Could it be a case of driving slowly near home but putting the foot down elsewhere?

3.4 Glasgow, Laurieston, Phase 2, Parking Controls, GCC response

To inhibit the sort of parking shown here, GoBike supported the proposals for waiting and loading restrictions in Laurieston Phase 2, where building is currently ongoing. Details were given in Digest 34, Item 1.7 and our response was given in Digest 35, Item 1.6

We have now, 28 June, received this response from the City Council:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Laurieston Phase 2), (Traffic Regulation) Order 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 as advertised.

The Order was made on 24 June 2019 and an advert will be placed in the Evening Times on 26 June 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely” etc

No details of the monitoring and compliance regime, so let’s hope for the best ….

3.5 Scotland, Default 20mph Bill, Scottish Government response

Many of us, I think, wrote to our MSPs to urge them to support the Restricted Roads (20mph) Bill that recently failed to get approval in the Scottish Parliament. Here’s a reply sent by Transport Scotland, on 27 June, in response to a plea direct to the Transport MInister, Michael Matheson, to support the bill:

“Roads Directorate
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ

Thank you for your email of 8 June to Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure & Connectivity, regarding the 20 mph Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limits)(Scotland) Bill. As I have responsibility for road safety policy the First Minister has asked that your letter be passed to me for reply.
The Scottish Government is committed to achieving our shared desired outcomes of a more active and healthier nation, with ultimate visions for Scotland to have the cleanest air in Europe and no fatalities on roads.
We are also committed to the long-term vision for active travel in Scotland where communities are shaped around people, with walking and cycling the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys. We know that the perception of urban roads as unsafe is a barrier against these everyday journeys and the reduction of traffic speed can be a positive step in making our towns and cities safer places, where people are confident to walk and cycle more often.

As you may be aware the 20 mph Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limits)(Scotland) Bill fell at Stage 1 of the Scottish Parliamentary legislative process on 13 June 2019, with 83 members of the Scottish Parliament opposing the bill, 26 voting in favour and 4 abstaining. You can find the Official Report of the debate here:
http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12183
During the debate, the Cabinet Secretary set out why the Scottish Government recommended that Parliament not agree to the general principles of the Bill. This rationale is provided below:

“This Bill brings two different issues which we need to ensure are not conflated:
The first is whether 20 mph limits are beneficial; and the Government is very clear that we support 20 mph speed limits implemented in the right environment because they have real potential to encourage more active travel and increase people’s perceptions of ‘feeling safe’.
The second is whether the blanket approach is the best way of achieving these desired benefits.

I am of the view that further consideration needs to be given to the process, impact and consequences of a nationwide default 20 mph limit including an assessment of Scotland’s road network before we can be sure that the proposed Bill will achieve its aim.
We need to ensure that there are no unintended consequences from the Bill such as whether reducing speed limits on restricted roads where a 20 mph limit could have detrimental effects or whether not reducing the limit on non-restricted roads, where a 20 mph limit would be desirable, inhibits consistency across Scotland.
We know that many drivers assess the speed limit not just by reading road signs but by using other road features such as the width of the carriageway, road markings, traffic level, and location to schools etc.
In order to achieve the benefits that 20 mph speed limits bring, particularly on road safety, we need to ensure their compliance. Police Scotland advise that speed limits should be effectively self-enforcing and seen to be appropriate by a significant majority of motorists.
By implementing speed limits which are appropriate to the road design and conditions, rather than applying a blanket 20 mph signs-only speed limit , it ensures that other speed limits are not brought into disrepute.
Both the Government and CoSLA have always recognised the ambition of this Bill and
understand the rationale. However, the practical challenges and financial implications of a one size-fits-all approach are significant. Both remain supportive of creating safer roads for all road users, but this must be achieved through identifying alternative, more flexible ways of widening the implementation of 20 mph zones and speed limits in Scotland.
Therefore we are committed to continuing to work with CoSLA and with our partners such as the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland, taking time to reflect on what the Bill was trying to achieve by helping to identify more straightforward, efficient and effective procedures for Local Authorities in order to encourage wider use of 20 mph speed limits.
One example of work being undertaken is a review of the current Traffic Regulation Order process which will determine whether this does create a barrier to the implementation of 20 mph speed limits.
We have sought the views of local authorities on the TRO process and provided an opportunity for them to detail their concerns and consider whether the process could be streamlined. Once the analysis is complete, we will share the results with stakeholders and outline what options may be available for consideration.
These solutions will be found through collaborative working and any new proposal will need joint political agreement between CoSLA and Scottish Government. I consider that the blanket ‘sign only’ approach proposed within this Bill, without the identification of the roads which will be affected, will not achieve its aims. The road assessment is required in order to examine whether the current speed profile and road design would mind themselves to sign only 20 mph speed limits and will achieve the benefits that we would all wish to see”.
We have a commitment in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 to encourage the implementation of 20 mph speed limits and have clear guidance for local authorities to support them in making decisions. We have also seen many local authorities taking those decisions in accordance with our guidance including Edinburgh and Fife.
And, as mentioned previously, we are also actively working with local authorities to identify actions which can be taken to ensure that more 20 mph speed limits are implemented in the right environments.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Kindest regards

Road Safety Policy Officer
www.transport.gov.scot”

So there we have it, a lot of words, from people who probably want a a 20mph limit outside their house and their local school, but let’s look forward to better things ..

3.6 Glasgow, Denmark Street, No Waiting and Loading at Any Time, GCC response, with good news about the employment of more Parking Attendants

In Digest 36, Item 1.2 we informed you of the proposals to prohibit obstructive parking on Denmark Street in the north of the city. We submitted an email response in the evening of the closing date, which was, fortunately, accepted and we now have this response, dated 05 July from the City Council:

“Thank you for your response to the above named traffic regulation order.
In order to address your points, I have numbered them accordingly:

1.  I can advise that City Parking, who are responsible for the employment of parking attendants, have recently employed 20 new parking attendants.  This will help with the enforcement of all existing and proposed restrictions within the Glasgow area.

2.  Your comments have been noted and passed to the Council’s Cycling Infrastructure department, however, this Order has been promoted in order to prevent the indiscriminate and obstructive parking practices which are occurring in Denmark Street, north of Hawthorn Street.  The Council have received complaints from local businesses at this location as larger vehicles find it difficult to access a number of premises as a result of the existing parking practices hence why this Order has focused on eradicating this issue.”

Here, as a reminder, is our response, sent on 18 June:

“Many thanks for the opportunity to comment on the proposals below. GoBike is ambivalent about this proposal but we do have the following questions:

1. Have the resources been identified to ensure that the restrictions are complied with? So often we respond to similar consultations and the standard response is that it is the responsibility of Police Scotland, or perhaps in this case, traffic/parking wardens to ensure compliance. Yet we are not aware of any increase in the budget of these bodies to ensure compliance and all around the city we see evidence of non-compliance with parking regulations, speed limits etc.

2. Why hasn’t a more imaginative scheme been developed? This is an area of lower than average car ownership in a city with relatively low car ownership, yet we see no evidence that active travel is being encouraged. Denmark Street is wide, there are amenities along it such as a community centre, yet there is no safe cycle route. The construction of cycle lanes would reduce the space available for the storage of motor vehicles and encourage the local populace to improve their health by becoming more active. The City Council should exploit all available opportunities to improve active travel in this city, rather than having specific cycle schemes.

We look forward to better things.”

Thus we have 2 items of good news here! The first is that more Parking Attendants are to be employed and the second is that we have sections of the Neighbourhoods and Sustainability Group within the City Council communicating with each other, and not only that, but telling us that they do.

3.7 Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, Traffic Calming, GCC response

On 20 June GoBike submitted this letter to Glasgow City Council about the proposals for Sunnybank Street – the initial information was in Digest 36, Item 1.3 and yesterday, just as this Digest should have been coming out to you, this response arrived:

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

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the traffic calming proposals for Sunnybank Street.
I can advise that the Primary School has already received planning consent and as such there are no proposals to include any new cycle routes or lanes into the design at this late stage.
I can advise that the School Car Free Zones is a pilot project which will run for an initial trial period of 18 months across 6 selected schools where it is known that traffic related issues at the beginning and end of the school day already occur. If the trial proves successful, it is anticipated that this project will be extended to include additional schools in appropriate locations across the city and the new school on Sunnybank Street will be considered for inclusion.
Regarding the design of the speed cushions, I can advise that as per the drawing sent out alongside the consultation e-mail, there is a 1.2m gap from the kerb at either side for the safe passage of cyclists, as well as a gap of 1.1m in between the cushions themselves which both provide plenty of space for the safe passage of cyclists.

A recent speed survey found the 85^th percentile speed of vehicles on Sunnybank Street to be 28mph. It is anticipated that the introduction of the proposed Traffic Calming on Sunnybank Street will see the average speed of vehicles decrease further, which will in turn lead to better road safety conditions for all road users including, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
With regard to your concerns over the timescale for responses to our notification of the proposals, I can advise that the 21 day period for response was to begin from the date the email was sent. However, I will note your comments and ensure that the response period is more clearly stated in any future correspondence. Responses were also intended to be returned to the sender, LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk

Finally, I apologize for you not receiving a response to your email of 13^th June regarding the bus gate and can advise that whilst Sunnybank Street was previously intended for inclusion as part of a bus route, SPT never took up the option of providing a bus service on this route. Furthermore, a Traffic Regulation Order was never promoted to allow enforcement of this bus gate by Police Scotland. As part of the associated works to install traffic calming measures it is intended that the bus gate markings and signs on Sunnybank Street between Springfield Road and Garvald Street will be removed.
I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information please contact (details removed by GoBike)”

While much of this reply was informative, one section was a wee bit perplexing – had a mistake been made in our letter about the position of the speed cushions? A check confirmed, phew, that our letter did not mention the spacing of the speed cushions, and this reply has been sent in for the attention of Michael Brady:

“Hello,
Many thanks for the comprehensive reply, which is very much appreciated.

Just one point: on this scheme the drawing clearly shows a 1.2m gap between the footway and the speed cushion. It is on your other schemes, Ladyloan Avenue and Broomfield Road, where the gap is shown as just 1m and I have commented on the narrow gap on both those proposals, but not on the scheme for Sunnybank Street. I attach a further copy of the GoBike letter of 20 June for clarification.

Best wishes,
Tricia Fort
for Consultations GoBike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, www.gobike.org”

It’s a bonus that we are getting detailed responses – long may this continue. This reply also shows why Community Councils are so important. Community Councils are able to respond to Planning Applications, while residents, unless in the immediate neighbourhood, are unable to comment. So we missed the boat on this one.

Your next Digest will be with you in 2 weeks, so stay safe on your bike until then – and beyond.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. ** NEW** City of Edinburgh Council– Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, closes 28 June
2. **NEW** Glasgow, Broomfield Road Traffic Calming, closes 05 July
3. **NEW** Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue Traffic Calming, closes 05 July
4. Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July
5. Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July
6. **NEW** Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order , closes 02 August
7. **NEW** Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

Section 2: Forthcoming Consuitations

None that we have heard about.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, traffic calming: GoBike response and eye-watering view from the City Council
2. Glasgow, Denmark Street, no waiting and loading: GoBike response
3. Glasgow, University Avenue, Traffic Regulation and Parking controls: holding response
4. East Dunbartonshire: Traffic Regulation Orders – (i) Car Park Charging in Bishopbriggs & Bearsden; and (ii) Westerhill Rd, Bishopbriggs Waiting & Loading Restrictions
5. Glasgow, Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West: implementation of 20mph

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** City of Edinburgh Council– Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, closes this Friday, 28 June

Do you live, work or study in Edinburgh or do you visit there regularly? If so please do respond to this on-line survey. You will be asked for your postcode but do explain your reasons for visiting the city and responding to the survey – and respond by Friday, please.

We heard about this easy-to-do on-line consultation from both Transform Scotland and CyclingUK Scotland.
Here are the words from The City of Edinburgh Council’s website:

“Our vision for Edinburgh’s city centre is ambitious and firmly grounded in the aspirations of the people of Edinburgh. The proposals build on the ‘Connecting our City, Transforming our Places’ consultation and ongoing discussions with residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders, which called for significant change to the way the city centre operates, placing outcomes for people at the heart of future change.
The proposals are designed to prompt debate. Your feedback will help shape the final version of the Strategy and guide future project development, which would include detailed design and further consultation”.

The deadline for the consultation is Friday 28 June. To respond visit the City of Edinburgh Council consultation hub.

1.2 **NEW** Glasgow, Broomfield Road Traffic Calming, closes 05 July

Here’s a nice, stratight road and just look where it is – in the north-east of the city, where we recently responded to consultation on North-East Travel Routes from Balornock into the city centre via Springburn and Sighthill:

It’s near schools, 2 parks, churches, a bowling club, a job centre and even a shopping centre – all the sort of short journeys we are told, time and time again, that are suitable for walking and cycling. What does the City Council wish to do? Provide cycle lanes to link to the others proposed for this area and encourage people to cycle? No, they propose to put speed cushions down to slow the cars. A good move but so much more could be done. With cycle lanes next to the footways and a minimum of on-road parking allowed, the road would automatically be narrowed, vehicles would thus reduce their speed and this area could become really pleasant.

Here’s the email we received from the City Council on 14 June:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Broomfield Road), Traffic Calming Scheme 20__
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:-
Broomfield Road

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

• 5 sets of 3x 1.8m x 1.8m, 75mm high speed cushions.
• 1 set of 4 x 1.9m x 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions.

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days.
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 no removed by GoBike)

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

Here are the documents referred to above: Spec and Plan

There is only 1m allowed each side of the cushions at the kerb side, not much room for bikes, particularly cargo bikes or bikes with trailers so GoBike will be approving the wish to slow down motor traffic but objecting to the proposed method of doing so. Active travel should be the first consideration in such locations.

1.3 **NEW** Glasgow, Ladyloan Avenue Traffic Calming, closes 05 July

More speed cushions are proposed for this location in the west of Glasgow, to reduce speeds near a primary school. Like Broomfield Road, this is not one of the more prosperous parts of the city, but there are amenities, again, within easy walking and cycling distance. Why isn’t active travel to the school being encouraged? Why aren’t roads near the school being closed to motor traffic at the start and end of the school day, as they are at Hillhead and Broomhill in the West End and at others in the city?

The road is perhaps not as wide as Broomfield Road, but with some thought cycle lanes could be accommodated, as well as some on-road, rather than on-footway parking, and the narrowing this would bring would slow motor traffic down. Here’s the email we received from the City Council on 14 June:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (Ladyloan Avenue), Traffic Calming Scheme 20__

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 around the area of St Clare’s Primary School.

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme
The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-
Ladyloan Avenue

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-
• 4 sets of 1.9m x 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days.

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 no removed by GoBike).
Should the Council proceed with these proposals; I will write to you again and confirm this.
Yours faithfully” etc

The associated documents are: Plan and Spec

The gap proposed between the cushions and the kerb is, as per the previous item, down at 1m, rather than the 1.2m, used as standard by other sections of Glasgow City Council, that does give bikes a modest bit of space at the edge of a road.
GoBike will be writing in to request a more active-travel friendly solution.

1.4 Glasgow, Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July

We published all the information about these exciting proposals for a two-way cycle lane on the east side of Garscube Road in Digest 36, Item 1.4 and our response, generally supportive, will be in our next Digest, due out on 09 July – just in time for you to add your voice to the City Council.

1.5 Glasgow, Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

All the details of this interesting consultation were in Digest 36, Item 1.5. We have had a few comments back but we will be getting our response back in, in good time.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow (North Kelvin, North Woodside and Woodlands)(Mandatory 20mph Speed Limit Zone) Order , closes 02 August

Yet another section of the patchwork 20mph blanket that is slowly covering the city. What a shame the Restricted Roads (20mph Limit) (Scotland) Bill was voted down earlier this month. Mark Ruskell, the Green MSP who launched it, battles on, but we are left with this piecemeal approach, unless Glasgow City Council takes some decisive action.
This proposal covers the area straddling Great Western Road bordered by Queen Margaret Drive in the west and, moving clockwise, Maryhill Road, St George’s Road, Woodlands Road and the River Kelvin.
Here’s the email that arrived from Glasgow City Council on 20 June:

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

Dear Sir or Madam

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

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the notice of the proposed Order, relevant maps, 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 ground for objection in writing to to Group Manager, Sustainable Transport, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday, 2 August 2019.

Yours faithfully”
etc

The documents referred to are: the Advert, Plan, Report and Statement of Reasons.

GoBike will be supporting this but adding our usual comment that, if this is the safe way to go, why isn’t 20mph being introduced across the city?

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, St Enoch District Regeneration Framework Public Consultation, closes 06 September

We had heard that this was on its way, as we noted last time, and now we have received this email, dated 19 June:

“Hi all,
Thank you for your responses during the Broomielaw DRF consultation.  
Public consultation is now underway for the St Enoch DRF and we would like your input.
Please find attached  links to St Enoch DRF public consultation: https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicDMartCurrent&NoIP=1
https://glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=45486&p=0

Best regards,
John.
John McCullagh
Project Assistant, City Centre Regeneration, Development & Regeneration Services”

According to the Framework document the area covered is:

“The Framework encompasses north and south banks of the River Clyde, which runs east to west through the heart of the study area, from Glasgow Green to Glasgow Central Station. The Framework area includes parts of the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods beyond what would be commonly referred to as St Enoch. On the north bank the Framework area includes part of the Merchant City, Custom House Quay, St Andrews in the Square, part of Glasgow Green. On the south bank, Carlton Place and the Gorbals (the northern fringe of Laurieston and the northwest corner of Hutchesontown). The northern Framework boundary runs parallel with the River Clyde and is defined by London Road to Glasgow Cross, along Argyle Street, to the western edge of Glasgow Central. The western boundary is defined by Oswald Street north of the Clyde, across the River Clyde via the King George V bridge to Commerce Street between the River Clyde and Nelson Street. The southern boundary is defined from Commerce Street by Norfolk St. and Ballater St. which run through areas of significant regeneration, the Gorbals; Laurieston and Hutchesontown, past the Gorbals Health Centre to the Waddell Court residential tower blocks. The eastern boundary is defined from Ballater St. through the Adelphi Court, across the River Clyde to Glasgow Green along the path, east of the boathouse, to Charlotte St where it meets London Road. “

There’s lots of promising stuff in there that needs some perusal, but we are on the case and hope to have a response ready to go in August.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow, Sunnybank Street, traffic calming: GoBike response and eye-watering view from the City Council

Details of this proposal for speed cushions along Sunnybank Street to slow traffic down near the new school (being built behind the hoarding on the photo above) were contained in Digest 36, Item 1.3. We wrote in to Glasgow City Council to ask about the status of the bus/taxi/cycle gate at the north end of Sunnybank Street on 13 June but no response had been received by 20 June when this letter of objection to the proposals was submitted. It’s a nonsense to have a new school, in what was an athletes’ village, with no cycle access for the school pupils, their parents and teachers.
Then, on 23 June, an email, dated 21 June, landed in the Consultations in-box and it is staggering! This “gate” has apparently been painted on the road for at least 5 years but is inoperative! Read on for the full text of the GCC response (operative clause put in bold by GoBike) and the GoBike request for clarity:

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

Dear Ms Fort
Thank you for your undernoted email regarding the proposed traffic calming for Sunnybank Street and your enquiry concerning the status of the bus gate at Springfield Road.

I can confirm that a Traffic Regulation Order was not promoted for the bus gate and as such it cannot be enforced. As part of the works for implementing the proposed traffic calming for Sunnybank Street, the existing bus gate signage and associated markings will be removed and replaced with new traffic calming ahead signage.

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

Michael Brady, Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability
(MAIL ID: 385597)“

“——– Forwarded Message ——–

Xxxxxx, hello,
I phoned a few minutes ago and your colleague was good enough to answer your phone. I told him I would email – here it is.

We have received the information below and GoBike will be submitting a response, but before I do perhaps you can clarify the status of the bus/taxi/cycle only section of Sunnybank Street? This runs, as no doubt you are aware, between Springfield Road and Garvald Street, ie right outside the new school that is currently being built.

One of our members forwarded the screenshot, attached, of the entrance to Sunnybank Street to me and I went out there yesterday afternoon to have a look at the site. I took the attached photo of the south end of this bus/taxi/cycle only section, having followed a supermarket delivery van into this very same section! I was then quite astounded to see other vehicles drive through; at one point there were 4 vehicles, that were neither buses nor taxis, in that short section. Perhaps not surprisingly, one driver, who noticed that I was taking photos, doubled back to tell me that “This hasn’t been a bus lane since 2014”.

If that is the case, it seems strange that about 50% of the vehicles I saw in the 10 minutes or so that I was there, chose to turn left from the southern part of Sunnybank Street into Garvald Street.

Could you please confirm:

1. Is the northern part of Sunnybank Street still restricted to buses, taxis and cycles?
2. If yes, why do a significant number of vehicles ignore the very clear signage (even with the damage to the signage pole shown on the photo)?
3. If yes, why have the drivers of these vehicles not been prosecuted?
4. If yes, why is there no camera at the site?
5. If no, why are the road markings and traffic signs still in place?
6. If no, when was this declassification change made?

I would be grateful for a prompt response so that I may reply to the consultation before the closing date.

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

Thus it took them over a week to reply, but how could anyone with “SAFETY” in their job title allow such a thing to happen, and for so long?
We wonder why there is so much speeding, so much driving into advance cycle boxes, yellow hatched junction boxes, cycle lanes etc etc. Does anyone care except for us?

3.2 Glasgow, Denmark Street, no waiting and loading: GoBike response

The proposal to ban loading and waiting at any time on Denmark Street in Possil was published in Digest 36, Item 1.2. We were told that indiscriminate and obstructive parking was blocking access for lorries to commercial premises and blocking footways, thus inconveniencing pedestrians.
Almost out of time, on the evening of the closing date, 18 June, this email was submitted as the GoBike response:

“Hello,
Many thanks for the opportunity to comment on the proposals below. GoBike is ambivalent about this proposal but we do have the following questions:

1. Have the resources been identified to ensure that the restrictions are complied with? So often we respond to similar consultations and the standard response is that it is the responsibility of Police Scotland, or perhaps in this case, traffic/parking wardens to ensure compliance. Yet we are not aware of any increase in the budget of these bodies to ensure compliance and all around the city we see evidence of non-compliance with parking regulations, speed limits etc.
2. Why hasn’t a more imaginative scheme been developed? This is an area of lower than average car ownership in a city with relatively low car ownership, yet we see no evidence that active travel is being encouraged. Denmark Street is wide, there are amenities along it such as a community centre, yet there is no safe cycle route. The construction of cycle lanes would reduce the space available for the storage of motor vehicles and encourage the local populace to improve their health by becoming more active. The City Council should exploit all available opportunities to improve active travel in this city, rather than having specific cycle schemes.

We look forward to better things.
Yours, for GoBike “

3.3 Glasgow, University Avenue, Traffic Regulation and Parking controls: holding response

You might remember that we submitted a very detailed objection to the proposals to remove part of the Colleges Cycle Route and just have painted cycle lanes on the uphill sections of University Avenue? Here’s a further copy.

We have now received, dated 20 June, this holding response:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (UNIVERSITY AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY PLACE), (TRAFFIC REGULATION AND PARKING CONTROLS) ORDER 201_

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 come up with a satisfactory solution!

3.4 East Dunbartonshire: Traffic Regulation Orders – (i) Car Park Charging in Bishopbriggs & Bearsden; and (ii) Westerhill Rd, Bishopbriggs Waiting & Loading Restrictions.

EDC have informed us, 20 June, of 2 Traffic Regulation Orders that have now been approved:

Good morning

The  two  traffic  regulation Orders mentioned below have now been made and
will  become  effective  on Monday, 19 August 2019.  Attached are copies of
the  Orders  and  plans,  together  with  copies of the Notices that are to
appear  in  the editions of the Bishopbriggs Herald that is published on 26
August  and  Milngavie  &  Bearsden  Herald  that is published on 28 August
2019, as appropriate.

Kindest Regards,

Fiona Stirling
Legal Services
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
G66 1TJ

Telephone 0141 578 8012 (direct dial)

(i) The East Dunbartonshire Council ( Bearsden and Bishopbriggs)
(Off-Street Parking Amendment) Order 2019
(See attached file: 190620 Car park Amendment charging Bearsden &
Bishopbriggs.pdf)

(ii) The East Dunbartonshire Council (Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs) (No
Waiting and No Loading at any Time Restrictions) Order 2019

(See attached file: 190620 Westerhill Rd Waiting & Loading
Restrictions.pdf)

GoBike was not consulted on the car parking charges but did approve the changes to Westerhill Road, where footway/kerbside parking was potentially affecting people both walking and cycling. Details were in Digest24, Item 1.4 and our response was in Digest 26, Item 1.1.

3.5 Glasgow, Hyndland, Hughenden and Dowanhill West: implementation of 20mph

in Digest 27, Item 1.6 we included the details of Glasgow City Council’s proposals to make this area a 20mph zone and we also included our letter of support. We did, though, ask for the default policy of contraflow cycling to be enacted. This appears to be missing from this email, dated 18 June, confirming that 20mph will be introduced:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY  
Dear Sir/Madam  
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (HYNDLAND, HUGHENDEN AND DOWANHILL WEST) (20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 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 proposals as advertised.   The Order was made on 7 June 2019 and an advert was be placed in the Evening Times on 13 June 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.   The earliest date the Order will come into force will be 22 July 2019.  
Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone no removed by GoBike).    
Yours sincerely”
etc

So there we have it; one-way streets were introduced to allow car storage, but also allowed cars to be driven faster (with no opposing traffic) and now a 20mph speed limit that probably won’t be enforced is being brought in. Ah well.

So that’s it for this fortnight. The school holidays are almost upon us and response times have been extended to accommodate staff breaks, but your Digest will be back in 2 weeks, with another interesting bundle of news.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Battlefield design proposals, on-line consultation, closes 14 June
2. Denmark Street, Possil, no waiting and loading at any time, closes 18 June
3. Sunnybank Street, Dalmarnock, traffic calming, closes 20 June
4. Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July
5. Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Safer Streets Pollokshields, Drop-in event Monday 17 June
2. St Enoch area consultation expected to be out on Friday 14 June

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. University Avenue consultations, GoBike responses and feedback on Campus Development meeting held 28 May
2. Laurieston 20mph proposal, Glasgow City Council response to our support for the proposal.
3. (City Centre)(Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No24)(Bus Priority) Order 2019

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 Battlefield design proposals, on-line consultation, closes 14 June

There’s plenty of room on Grange Road, above, and Langside Road to connect the South City Way to Battlefield so please do respond to Sustrans’ request for comments on the proposals on-line

Here’s the message that we received from Emily Gait of Sustrans on 04 June:

“Thank you to everyone who has got involved in the Battlefield Street Design project so far. I’m emailing to let you know we have design ideas for the next area of the project which are open today for public feedback.
During March we asked for your comments on the design proposals for Battlefield Rest, Battlefield Road, Mount Florida, Queen’s Drive and the Monument. The feedback and comments from this public consultation will help develop and refine the concept design which will be presented again next month at our next public event where we’ll be outlining the next steps for the project.
Design proposals open for the northern project area
In the meantime we have been focusing on the northern project area and specifically the connection between Battlefield and the city centre. Following on from the feedback and comments we’ve received from the public so far we have created design ideas along Grange Road and Langside Road which include cycle segregation and look at improving pavement widths, bus stop locations and simplifying junctions.
Leave your feedback online
From today until 14^th June the designs are available online for public feedback and comments. Follow this link to view the designs –

https://battlefieldproposals.commonplace.is/overview and please share this with anyone else you think maybe interested.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all.
Best regards,
Emily
Emily Gait
Community Engagement Officer | Street Design
Sustrans Scotland | Rosebery House | 9 Haymarket Terrace | Edinburgh | EH12 5EZ
07766 577774 | emily.gait@sustrans.org.uk“

1.2 Denmark Street, Possil, no waiting and loading at any time, closes 18 June

Denmark Street in Possil does not seem to be a cycle route but why not? Cycling is a cheap form of transport and would be just the thing to get people to the community centre on the right of the photo. Apparently, though, there is obstructive parking that puts pedestrians in danger, so Glasgow City Council propose to bring in “No waiting and no loading/unloading at any time” restrictions. Two questions come to mind:

1. Will they be enforced? We don’t see much sign of enforcement elsewhere.
2. Why aren’t cycle lanes being constructed?

Here’s the email that GoBike received on 28 May:

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

Dear Sir / Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (DENMARK STREET), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_
The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report.
Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 
As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Andy Waddell, Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by e-mail to land@glasgow.gov.uk  by Tuesday 18 June 2019.
Yours faithfully “
etc.

These are the documents referred to: Press Notice, Plan, Statement of Reason and Report.

This is one that GoBike will be supporting but we will point out the shortsightedness of the proposals.

1.3 Sunnybank Street, Dalmarnock, traffic calming, closes 20 June

Here’s a street that has a roadway and a footway, but where’s the cycleway? Not far from NCN75 and Cuningar Loop and the new housing development built for the Commonwealth Games in Dalmarnock has no cycling provision. Can you believe it? Course you can, it’s Glasgow. Never too late, though and there is plenty of room to get cycle lanes in before there is any more development – or is there?

Here’s the email that we got on 31 May from the City Council, proposing traffic calming – yes, more speed cushions:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF ANDY WADDELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (Sunnybank Street) Traffic Calming Scheme 20__

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, especially around the area of the new primary school.

Roads affected by the proposed Scheme. The list of roads affected by these proposals are:-
·        Sunnybank Street

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

• 5 sets of 1.9m x 1.9m, 75mm high speed cushions

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days.

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

So how counter-intuitive is that? A new development, a new primary school and no provision for active travel! We have just responded to consultation on road closures around 6 primary schools in other parts of the city and here’s a new school with planning measures now being taken to restrain those parents who choose to take their children by car.
The new school is being built on the east side of Sunnybank Street between Springfield Road and Auckland Wynd.

Here are the documents provided by the City Council: Plan and Spec.

GoBike will be opposing this measure and suggesting that measures be taken to restrict car use and to definitely construct good cycle facilities.

That was written before Rachel submitted this screenshot of the entrance to Sunnybank Street from Springfield Road:

So what is happening here? This view clearly shows that only buses, taxis and cycles are allowed into the northern part of Sunnybank Street!

This picture taken at approximately 16:45 on 12 June, shows the south end of the bus gate – shame about the road sign – that runs between Garvald Street and Springfield Road. While your Digest author was at the site numerous vehicle drivers ignored the signage – at one point 4 vehicles, 2 in each direction were on this short length of road, while others obeyed the signage. One driver turned back to inform your author, who was taking photos with a mobile phone, that this hasn’t been a bus lane since 2014! How kind, but how curious.

Prior to submission of the GoBike response, a check on the status of this signage will be made with Glasgow City Council, but either way, if 50% or so of vehicles ignore the signage, what is the point of it? If it is no longer valid it should be removed; if it is still valid it should be enforced.

If you live in the area, or have an interest, do please get in touch with the local councillors, or write into

1.4 Garscube Road, parking and loading restrictions to allow construction of 2-way cycle lanes, closes 12 July

We now have a proposal for a two-way cycle lane on the east side of Garscube Road (to the right on the photo above) from Firhill Road to Dobbies Loan. Here’s the email that GoBike received on 31 May:

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

Dear Sir / Madam

The Glasgow City Council (Garscube Road) (Traffic Regulation and Parking Controls)  Order 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant 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 ground for their objection in writing to Group Manager, Sustainable Transport, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday, 12 July 2019.
Yours faithfully”

Here are the documents referred to in the email: Press Notice, Relevant Map 1of 2, Relevant Map 2 of 2, Statement of Reasons and Detailed Report.

This is one that we will be supporting, although we do wish there would be a one-directional cycle lane each side. We will, though, be looking carefully at the plans to ensure they don’t repeat any concerns from elsewhere.

1.5 Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, closes 29 July

This is one that we heard about from a Community Council contact but you might be interested in the Future Policy Development of the vehicles you so often share an Advanced Cycle Box with?

Here’s the message that we received on 11 June:

“Message and attachment sent on behalf of Glasgow City Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee:
Glasgow City Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee
Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing

Glasgow City Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee‘s consultation on the future policy development of taxi and private hire car licensing in Glasgow is now live. The Licensing and Regulatory Committee would be interested to hear views. The consultation document can be viewed using the link below:  
Consultation link to the Future Policy Development of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing:  https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/consultations

Please note that the consultation will close on Monday 29 July 2019 so all responses must be received by this date.“

This is the document that was attached to the message. GoBike has not yet determined its view on this but please do contact us if you consider there are critical points to raise.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Safer Streets Pollokshields, Drop-in event Monday 17 June

Bill Fraser, GoBike member, Pollokshields Community Councillor and chair of the Pollokshields Trust tells us that the local community has:
” funding approval from Sustrans for this project. We also have the necessary endorsement from GCC.
The attached proposal lists the objectives of the programme although this phase is principally a data gathering and opinion gathering exercise:

– Reduce dangerous driving behaviour within the area
– Facilitating safer walking and cycling
– Provide safer crossing points for pedestrians
– Create culture where active travel is given priority over car travel

We would appreciate Go Bike input based on your campaigning elsewhere:

The point of this research is to ensure it is holistic, remains community-led and contributes to the emerging Pollokshields Local Plan whose development has been funded by Making Places plus a live plan for Asset Transfer of a major piece of land as a Community Common. You can read about our progress so far on www.markmakers.org.uk . Subject to more funding scheduled for Summer 2019 we will complete this site’s refurbishment as an active community space by 2020-21.

Look forward to your input.
Best wishes
Bill Fraser
Chair, The Pollokshields Trust
A charity registered in Scotland (no.SC047413)“

2.2 St Enoch area consultation expected to be out on Friday 14 June

According to the Evening Times on 11 June, we can expect proposals for the regeneration of the St Enoch Area from the riverside to Argyle Street to be available from Friday!

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 University Avenue consultations, GoBike responses and details of Campus Development meeting held 28 May

In our Consultation Extra last Friday, 07 June, we published the 2 letters we have written in response to the 2 consultations for University Avenue.
This is the letter we sent in support of the proposal for 20mph and this is the objection we submitted to the proposal for waiting and loading restrictions and painted uphill cycle lanes.

Euan was one of the GoBike attendees at the Campus Development meeting held by Glasgow University on 28 May and has sent this short summary: ” It would appear the new campus will be accessible to cycles but unlikely to form a primary route. Their position on University Avenue remains unchanged: primarily for passing private motor traffic. “
Here are some images from the presentation given by the University:

3.2 Laurieston Phase 2 20mph Speed Limit Order 201_

We submitted our qualified letter of support for this proposal on 28 June. The closing date for the consultation was 07 June but already on 31 May we received this reply from Glasgow City Council:

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

Dear Miss Fort,

Thank you for your undernoted email and your support for the proposed 20mph zone as part of the Laurieston Phase 2 development.
With regard to your comment about introducing a mandatory 20mph zone throughout the city, I can advise that there is currently a bill being considered by the Scottish Parliament to reduce the speed limit on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph. Restricted roads are normally street-lit urban or residential streets, although there are some exemptions to this. If this bill is passed into law, it would then set then a default mandatory speed limit of 20mph on restricted roads. Under current legislation, Local Authorities do have the ability to change the speed limit of roads to 20mph, however this has to be carried out on a road by road basis and as you can imagine is resource intensive.
I can advise that the enforcement of the permitted speed limit on a public road, be it 20mph or otherwise, is the responsibility of Police Scotland, not the local authority.

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

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

Just notice that very traditional salutation! That apart, it will be interesting to see Glasgow City Council’s reaction to the outcome of the 20mph default urban speed limit bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament.

3.3 (City Centre)(Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No24)(Bus Priority) Order 2019

Back in November last year, in Digest 22, in Item 1.5, we detailed consultation on Oswald Street (north of Midland Street) and Union Street plus parking changes that impinge on the contraflow cycle lane on West Nile Street. Here’s the letter of qualified support that we submitted.

We have now, 11 June, received this reply:

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

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (CITY CENTRE)(TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2010, (VARIATION No24)(BUS PRIORITY) ORDER 2019

I refer to your support of the above named Traffic Regulation Order on behalf of Go Bike and can advise that your support was reported and considered. The Council have decided under its scheme of delegated functions to proceed with the proposal as advertised.
The Order was made on the 3rd June 2019 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 6th June 2019 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

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

Yours sincerely“
etc

So no improvements to the original proposals to actively encourage cycling but at least there should be fewer cars for those of us who do cycle in the vicinity of Central Station.

That’s it for now, but let’s hope that Mark Ruskell’s bill for a default 20mph limit is successful this week.