Great Western Road cycle lanes plan 'could cause hazards' for some residents

Councillor Elspeth Kerr has raised concerns about the inability for the visually impaired and wheelchair users to board buses, as they are unable to pull into the bus stops along Great Western Road.

She also said local councillors or residents were not consulted.

Cllr Kerr told the Post there are alternative routes which could be used to safely install a cycle lane.

She said: “No local knowledge has gone into this planning. I was told this was because these cycle lanes are being implemented under emergency legislation but I argue that they had time to put the work out to tender so they had the time to email the ward councillors.”

Residents are also concerned about the lack of parking spaces outside their houses, about disabled parking spaces being removed and having to cross a cycle lane to join onto the road or go into a side street, reported the councillor.

Bus stops also have bollards placed in front of them, resulting in a lack of disabled access and a hazard to pedestrians who have to cross over the cycle lane.

Parents accessing the road to drop children at both Blairdardie Primary and St Ninian’s Primary Schools may also have difficulty, she added.

Cllr Kerr said she is planning a “walk round” when schools return in August to understand fully the impact.

St Ninian’s also has a bio heating system which has to be filled from the road twice a week. The vehicle which facilitates this will need to sit in the middle lane if there is no access to the lane closest to the pavement.

Residents have suggested to the councillor that a two-way cycle lane between the two carriageways would be more useful.

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “The cycle lanes on Great Western Road are in line with current design guidance, and to ensure levels of accessibility at bus stops, temporary bus boarders will be installed to extend the pavement outwards.

“Access to driveways, existing parking lay-bys and disabled parking bay provision has been maintained.

“Deliveries to education establishments are not expected to be affected and it’s hoped that the new cycle lanes will encourage active travel in the local community.

“The suitability of making Spaces for People infrastructure permanent would be considered on a case by case basis, with any measures taken forward being subject to a full consultation.”