Widen pavements and create new cycle lanes in cities

Currently a lot of planners in major cities will have less work to do due to less planning applications coming in. They could work on ideas for widening pavements and creating new cycle lanes on major routes. In Glasgow especially only 50% of households have access to a car, so this is partiularly important. In the long term this can only be beneficial. Also slowing down traffic and enforcing parking restrictions (which are being widely ignored under lockdown) again would be a good idea for everyone.

Why the contribution is important

It will allow people to avoid public transport if they so wish, excercise more and crucially enable them to socially distance more effectively. Traffic calming is a proven way of encouraging people to cycle and makes the outside world a more pleasant place to be. Parking enforcement being ignored leads to blocked pavements and streets and has a highly negative effect on wheelchair users and people with prams.

by dgordon151 on May 08, 2020 at 09:58AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 15 votes

Comments

  • Posted by AlisonChandler May 08, 2020 at 10:00

    Good idea. Long term climate benefit too.

  • Posted by seventyplus May 08, 2020 at 10:04

    Yes - an idea with long term as well as short term benefits.

  • Posted by MairiR May 08, 2020 at 10:09

     Too many cyclists on the pavements already, forcing pedestrians onto the road. Travelling in groups of 4+5 during the lockdown on the pavement. I'll be using my car more and avoiding public transport as I'm sure others will. Keep our cities alive, there has been such a reduction in footfall due to the low emission zones, any further deterrents to care use will be the end of many businesses.

  • Posted by julieguy398 May 08, 2020 at 10:14

    awful idea. cyclists are shameful

  • Posted by Americanpie May 08, 2020 at 10:22

    We all need to be respectful of each other and abide by the law. It is currently impossible to use shared cycle paths and keep to social distancing rules. I have been advised rudely, on more than one occasion by car drivers,that I should not be on the road but on the cycle path. This despite there being very little traffic. I drive as well and wonder do motorists peep at cyclists using pavements and footpaths? No, as they are not in motorists way. Its a great idea to create more lanes and slow the traffic down. I am happy to do 20 mph in a built up area whilst driving through.

  • Posted by benmo May 08, 2020 at 11:10

    Old railway lines would make excellent cycle paths but it would be costly to achieve.

  • Posted by NoIdeology May 08, 2020 at 12:21

    Anything that encourages more people to exercise, whether cycling, walking or running, is welcome. We do however need to respect the rights of individuals and, unfortunately, too many runners and cyclists are not doing so. There needs to be regulation at this critical time to ensure everyone can exercise and this is especially relevant to cyclists who, in the experience of many people in our area, are a law unto themselves. So yes, provide cycle lanes that are wide enough to protect pedestrians and enforce penalties for cycling on footpaths. It is difficult enough to walk here with cars parked on pavements without the added dangers of having to dodge cyclists.

  • Posted by JohnED May 11, 2020 at 17:54

    The potential for increased car use is going to result in our cities being choked in a grid lock of pollution. The majority of journeys in cars are between 1-5 miles, which can be easily walked or cycled. While almost 50% of people in Scotland not having access to a motor vehicle. Those without access to a motor vehicle will to continue to use public transport unless a safer alternative is provided.

    By providing the infrastructure that enables people to get about on foot or by pedals will give us more livable cities. paths should be widened to enable people to safely practice social distancing. Alongside this there needs to be a joined up network of safe segregated cycling infrastructure.

    This requires both investment from the Scottish Government and a change in legislation to move us from our current car centric existence.
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