Create Cycle "Highways"

The idea would be to create a temporary network of "car free" cycle highways in our larger cities (i.e. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Paisley). This could be done by closing down smaller side roads and/or blocking off lanes of major roads. A network of temporary cycle highways would allow cyclists of all levels of ability and fitness to reach their workplaces safely without using public transport.

Why the contribution is important

Public transport such as buses, trains and trams are hard or impossible to use while social distancing. Once some workplaces open up again it will be very difficult for staff to travel to and from work safely. However by taking advantage of the quieter roads we should be able to entirely close side roads and/or lanes of larger roads to cars, using temporary bollards or planters, so that even unconfident cyclists can move around town without putting themselves at risk. This is already happening across other European nations, most obviously in France and Italy, and could be a real boost in terms of keeping pavements free for walkers, keeping pollution low and thereby improving lung function, as well as of course reducing coronavirus spread.

by edinburghlass on May 06, 2020 at 03:37PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 52 votes

Comments

  • Posted by theweemaverick May 06, 2020 at 17:06

    This would be fantastic. What a perfect way to ensure this 'new normal' is a positive, as opposed to frightening one. Although I'm obviously working from home just now, under normal circumstances I already want to cycle to work but have to either drive or car share instead and that is simply due to the busy, aggressively driven, speeding-centric, pot-hole filled road between where I live on the very south edge of Glasgow (just off Nitshill Road at Thornliebank) to my workplace in Paisley. There isn't even a bus available to me - nor would I particularly want to take one if there was. And the train alternative involves such a convoluted journey that it is not worth my while. I love this idea. It prioritises people, health, wellbeing and the environment. If that's not what we want for a 'new normal' in Scotland then I would be very concerned about where our priorities actually lie.

  • Posted by sboyle May 06, 2020 at 17:36

    This would be fantastic. Cycling as a mode of transport and fun is awesome, and we’ve seen the uptake when the cars are off the roads. Why would we want to go back to a city dominated by single use vehicles? They’re the transport equivalent of a single use plastic bag. Yes some people need to use the car, but most people do it because it’s cheap, convenient and safe. We need to change that before traffic becomes worse after lockdown. Everyone says they don’t cycle because it’s not safe, here is an opportunity to do so! So much support for creating safe cycling and walking spaces 👍🏼

  • Posted by EJS May 06, 2020 at 18:13

    A great idea. It would take cyclists off the footpaths and prevent them breathing potentially infected respiratory secretions everywhere as they speed past with no regard for pedestrians.

  • Posted by ArchieM May 06, 2020 at 18:38

    Do pedestrians not also emit infected respiratory secretion if only at a lower speed?

    I do however support the proposal for dedicated cycle roads which would allow more committing via bike.

  • Posted by djcozzer May 06, 2020 at 18:39

    I couldn't agree more

  • Posted by Fultona May 06, 2020 at 18:50

    Yes please

  • Posted by Catslave May 06, 2020 at 19:19

    This is a great idea! I'm unable to get to my office without using public transport and will have to work from home for the foreseeable future as social distancing is difficult on crowded, infrequent buses and trains. Having more cycle lanes would make me feel much safer. It would also be great for air quality, health and fitness, and the "net zero by 2045" target. You should be turning most roads into cycle ways and footpaths, and investing lots more in public transport so that there are enough trains and buses for people to use whilst social distancing. It would also encourage people out of their cars if you keep that up once the COVID19 crisis is over.

  • Posted by Bethsy May 06, 2020 at 19:29

    In favour of this if it stops cyclists on pavements. Between cyclists and runners, I’m scared every time one comes up behind me and then passes with inches to spare, their respiration flying all over the place. I’d move out the way but as I have mobility issues that’s just not possible. It is genuinely scary.

  • Posted by CyclingNurse May 06, 2020 at 19:40

    This is brilliant but can we make it permanent no temporary?

  • Posted by timk May 06, 2020 at 22:38

    Great idea. Would be good to introduce wider paths and potentially one way systems if needed to keep distancing even when overtaking

  • Posted by Poligrrl May 07, 2020 at 08:57

    Totally agree with this idea, but please really think it out and don't force cyclists onto pavements with pedestrians or into bus and taxi lanes. Let's look at best practice in other European countries. Electric bikes are a fantastic alternative for people with any sort of fitness or mobility issues and the cost of these is falling, perhaps some sort of incentive voucher scheme would open up these opportunities to more people. Cycling in city centres in normal circumstances is just a nightmare, coping with pollution, traffic and angry pedestrians and drivers!

  • Posted by Bannerman May 07, 2020 at 15:57

    A very good idea.

  • Posted by alpegu May 07, 2020 at 17:00

    Ideally these will be made permanent as a way to encourage safe active travel beyond the de-escalation process!

  • Posted by BruceE2 May 08, 2020 at 15:54

    It would be great if this was done and also if some of them were allowed to remain permanently

  • Posted by Tom9nn May 09, 2020 at 08:00

    Great idea if time taken to develop workable plans in each large town or city. Learn from others and co-ordinate to ensure common rules applied. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle drivers must all benefit for this to work and become permanent.

  • Posted by Portypotter May 11, 2020 at 12:20

    why not make them permanent? It's disappointing how quickly drivers have started racing about again, apparently with little or no awareness that pedestrians, cyclists and runners all need to socially distance, so sometimes that involves stepping into the road.
    In cities like Edinburgh, take this opportunity just to pedestrianise large areas of the city.

  • Posted by JohnED May 11, 2020 at 17:38

    The beauty of a temporary measure is that it will often become permanent, especially if it is heavily used. This is a great idea for creating a joined up network within our towns and cities.

    However this will require money to be available to our local authorities to deliver this. It will also require a change in legislation to make it easier to put such temporary measures in place.

    The £51 million that was available for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2019/2020, in the Scottish Government budget, would have paid for for less than half a mile of the M74 extension. Money needs to be put towards a meaningful change of roads use. otherwise the increase in car usage is going to result in greater pollution levels in our towns and cities.
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