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Have your say! Glasgow’s Budget.

Glasgow City Chambers

Via a local councillor we have received the e-mail below.  Here’s an opportunity to let the Council know that, by investing in active travel, ie walking and cycling, and charging people to store (or, as they would say, park) their cars on public streets, etc we can make the city a better, happier, healthier place to live and work – and save money.

“From: Corporate Announcements
Sent: 07 September 2016 17:00
To: #All Council <#AllCouncil@no-smtp.glasgow.gov.uk>; #All Financial Services Staff <#AllFinancialServicesStaff@no-smtp.glasgow.gov.uk>
Subject: BUDGET CONSULTATION – HAVE YOUR SAY

Dear colleagues

Today, we are launching the next phase in a wide-ranging budget conversation, which first began earlier this year.

While there is no doubt local government faces some very substantial financial challenges, our main focus must always be on how we, as part of a wider community, support the services people rely on.

People may have ideas that would save money or raise more revenue; but we also want to have a conversation about how services are planned and delivered – and where others within the community fit in.

As you know, the city’s budget for local services remains under pressure – with the council expected to find savings of £130 million over a two-year period.

Glasgow’s budget conversation is now live and you can have your say and make suggestions online using the information and links at www.glasgow.gov.uk/budget 

The consultation will close on 19 October.

Starting later this month, we will also be hosting a short series of meetings with key community groups to discuss and record their views.

Annemarie O’Donnell

Chief Executive

Glasgow City Council

Glasgow – UK Council of the Year 2015″

Moneycontraflow blue signBroomielaw

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Holmston Road, Ayr: bright new cycle lane upsets the car lobby

 

This Community Links project in Ayr is causing some concern among those who wish to put their children in a car to take them to school and other motorists who think the road belongs to them, see: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/road-bosses-admit-carried-out-8754720

This route east from the centre of Ayr, passing near the railway station, is firming up what was previously advisory cycle lanes – and we know how motorists like to just park their cars in them – and will eventually lead out along the A70 to Coylton and further east.  In fact, it’s just what cycle commuters need – and an excellent start for people going for a day out on their bikes.

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A81 Bears Way: the consultation is a bit stormy but do get there tonight if you can.

Bears

We publish below an e-mail from East Dunbartonshire councillor, Manjinder Singh.  If you haven’t been involved already please do try to get to tonight’s public event or the information session this afternoon. Failing that, do write to the Council to voice support.  We need routes like this, please give your support.

From: <Manjinder.Shergill@eastdunbarton.gov.uk>
Date: 6 Sep 2016 17:56
Subject: Public have a say on phase two of Bears Way
To:
Cc:

Hundreds of people attended a public forum on phase two of the A81 Bears Way project last Thursday.
It was standing-room only in Milngavie Town Hall with around 250 people hearing more about the potential future of the cycleway – which offers protected space for people of all ages to cycle in safety and comfort.
After a delay to the start of the meeting due to the numbers attending, a presentation lasting around half an hour was delivered.
Members of the audience were then offered an opportunity to ask questions and give their views directly to the project team – including representatives of the Council and Sustrans – for around an hour and a half.
Earlier on Thursday there had been a well-attended drop-in information event in the Allander Leisure Centre.
A second public forum is being held on Wednesday 7 September, 7pm-9pm, in Milngavie Town Hall.
Meanwhile, further drop-in sessions will be held in Allander Leisure Centre on Saturday 3 September, 11am-3pm, and Wednesday 7 September, noon – 2pm.

Please note these are informal sessions and a chance for the public to access information ahead of the public forum.

There was a fantastic turn-out at the first public forum on phase two of the Bears Way and I want to thank everyone who took the time to listen, ask questions and make their views known.It was, however, disappointing to hear of the lack of courtesy extended to Council employees and partners by a small number of the audience. Such behaviours are not acceptable in any forum. It’s important that all points of view are taken into account and respected, and that everyone has the opportunity to make a contribution, supportive or not. There was a range of views expressed on the night – from people in favour of the cycleway and significant investment in the area to those with concerns about phase one and ways in which they would wish to see it improved – through to others who expressed in-principle disagreement with the model of a dedicated separate cycle way.

Phase 1 of the Bears Way – funded by delivery partners Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Sustrans – runs from Burnbrae roundabout to Hillfoot.

If you have any ideas, comments or want to join the mailing list please e-mail cycling@eastdunbarton.gov.uk. For more information visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/cycling and www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/bearsway

·        Phase 1 of the Bears Way was recently recognised for ‘Achievements in Cycling’ at the Scottish Transport Awards.

·        The Council’s Local Transport Strategy and Active Travel Strategy set out a range of actions aimed at encouraging cycling in East Dunbartonshire. Work supports the national vision of getting 10% of everyday journeys to be made by bike by 2020.

Regards
Councillor Manjinder Shergill
Vice Convenor of Education
East Dunbartonshire Council
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
GLASGOW
G66 1TJ
Tel:  0141 578 8163
e-mail:  manjinder.shergill@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

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Clarion cycle tour of Glasgow, followed by AGM and a wee drink, Friday 02 September

IMG_0851

GoBike member, Jimmy Keenan, along with others, is keen to maintain the fledgling Clarion Cycle Club, a socialist cycling organisation, in Glasgow and there is a short cycle ride tomorrow evening, Friday 02 September, a tour of Glasgow, preceding the AGM.

The ride starts from the STUC building on Woodlands Road/Park Road – assemble in the car park from 6pm for a prompt depart at 6:30 for a circular tour of under 5 miles through the whole range of cycling infrastructure in Glasgow, from contraflow on one-way streets, to shared footways, shared footpaths, advisory lanes on city streets, to segregated cycle way to one of the city’s parks.

En route the ride passes one of the few statues to women in Glasgow, La Pasionara and the monument to the firefighters and rescuers who lost their lives in the Cheapside Fire Disaster in 1960, fourteen from the Glasgow Fire Service and five from Glasgow Salvage Corps. Cycle and Learn!

The ride will be followed by the Glasgow Clarion AGM and, in turn, the AGM will be followed by a wee refreshment.

 

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Cycling in Glasgow’s Parks? No speed limit but do take care.

 

If you are cycling on the paths through Glasgow Parks, there is no speed limit, ie NO 5mph limit as once discussed, but there is need to be considerate of others.  We queried the existence of a speed limit on Friday 26 August with Councillor Martin McElroy, the city’s Cycling Commissioner and he forwarded this reply today, 31 August:

Subject: LESMLU 317391 = FW: Cycling in Glasgow Parks. Is there a speed limit?
MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF STEPHEN EGAN, PARKS OPERATIONS MANAGER  

Dear Councillor McElroy

I refer to your undernoted enquiry and I can advise that there is no speed limit within Parks.  
Cyclists must maintain reasonable control of the cycle and be considerate of other park users, 
especially taking into account that park users may not see or hear cyclists and may not be 
able to move quickly out of the way.  The Parks Management Rules signage is positioned at 
most of the entrances to the Park where Park users are encouraged to behave in a manner 
that does not impact on the enjoyment of parks for others and pay attention to advisory signs 
and notices.
I trust this information is of assistance, if you require any further information, please do not 
hesitate to contact my office.

Regards

Stephen Egan 
Parks Operations Manager 
Land and Environmental Service
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04 September: GoBike do a tour of East Dunbartonshire.

Bears
Copytight Washington State University

Why not join some other GoBike members for this tour north of Glasgow?

Sunday 4 September – Mugdock Country Park
This ride will take us to Bishopbriggs and part of the Thomas Muir Trail, and then out through the countryside around Torrance and Baldernock, before heading over to Mugdock Country Park. After lunch in the park café, return to Glasgow via part of the West Highland Way, Craigdhu Wedge, and the Bears Way. We will also have a look at the route of the proposed extension of the Bears Way on Milngavie Road, currently out for consultation.
Meet 10am Bell’s Bridge, Congress Road, Glasgow.
(If you are coming from the East End, note that Glasgow Sky Ride will be taking place in Glasgow Green and the City Centre, resulting in some road closures.)
Ride on paths Ride on quiet roads Ride on canal towpaths Ride on rough tracks Ride on busy roads Ford en route Significant hill climbing
Rated: Go Bike star rating Go Bike star rating Go Bike star rating

 

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Tour of Britain, 04 September: Call for Volunteers!

Tour of Britain

Here’s a request from Glasgow City Council that we are pleased to pass on:

“The Tour of Britain departs from Glasgow on Sunday the 4th September, the pro peloton including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish will race two laps of the City centre before winding its way to Castle Douglas. Hot on the heels of the professionals leaving Glasgow, the streets will remain traffic free for thousands of cyclists to ride and have a fun packed day of activity.

In order to make these events safe and fun Glasgow Life are looking for volunteers, main duties will involve looking after the public and providing information on the day to riders and pedestrians alike.

To register and for the opportunity to win a chance to ride the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome follow this link

http://volunteer.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/TourofBritainandSkyride “

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A81 Bearsden to Milngavie, Consultation time, Phase 1 and Phase 2!

Bears

East Dunbartonshire Council are now busy consulting on both Phase 1 (constructed) and Phase 2 (at the design stage) of the ambitious A81 Bears Way segregated route.  They have written to GoBike, and others, requesting views on 2 questions relating to Phase 1.  Their letter and the GoBike response are on our Consultations page, but we repeat the 2 questions and our response here:

“Question 1: Can you confirm your support for the principle of the Bears Way in line with your strategic priorities?

GoBike response: The principle of the Bears Way is very definitely in line with our strategic priorities. One of our prime aims is to campaign for a cycling network designed and constructed to current best practices. The Bears Way contributes significantly to this. It is in general, well-designed, and it encourages people of all ages and abilities to cycle. It is on a major commuting route and thus of valuable use to people who are travelling to work and college, as well as being of use for tourists and general trips to the shops etc.

Question 2: Has the Bears Way had any positive or negative impacts on your operations?

GoBike response: The Bears Way has had notable positive benefits for us. Our members and supporters are now able to cycle this short length in far greater safety than before, when they had to dodge around parked cars and moving motor traffic. It has encouraged people to get back on bikes that they hadn’t used for years and it has encouraged adults to take children out cycling. The only negative aspects for us are the short length of the route and the connectivity at the ends; we look forward to the route continuing as primarily a segregated route both to the north and the south.”

Phase 2, proposed to run from Hillfoot to Kessington (ie towards the Glasgow boundary) is now out for consultation, full details are given on the East Dunbartonshire Council website:

http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/bearsway

Already, the proposals have been whittled down to 3 options, as here:

Design Options

Three options have been shortlisted for Bears Way Phase 2 and will be consulted on

Two GoBike members will be meeting East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) staff on Tuesday 23 August and will attend a Consultation Event (invite only) in Milngavie on Thursday 25 August.

Public consultation is now open.  Details are given on the EDC website: https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/bearsway  and EDC have taken out advertising features in the press.  THEY WANT YOUR COMMENTS, so please respond.  Also, please get your comments back to GoBike so that we can put forward your views this week and during the ongoing process.

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Get Glasgow Moving! Building a citywide Public Transport campaign

 

GoBike has now confirmed its support for the campaign, “Get Glasgow Moving! Building a citywide Public Transport campaign”.  With a good, joined up public transport system the city will be a much pleasanter place for residents, visitors, cyclists and pedestrians – in fact, everybody.  See this Facebook page for details of a public meeting: https://www.facebook.com/events/225852114483359/

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Glasgow wins Community Links Plus funding with South City Way; GoBike gets a mention in Scotsman report

South City Way

Glasgow has been successful in gaining Community Links Plus funding from the Scottish Government via Sustrans for a new segregated cycle route from Queens Park to the Merchant City.  GoBike gets a mention, with a wee bit of criticism of the other segregated routes in the city, in this article in the Scotsman: http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/glasgow-to-get-6-5m-copenhagen-style-cycle-route-1-4201592