CYCLE INTO THE FUTURE
Vision for High Street revamp
At least three new major cycle lanes could be built in Ayr as part of council proposals to make the town more bike and walker friendly.
Initial ideas from architects are for cycle paths to run through the High Street, Sandgate and River Street area.
The wide ‘ bi- directional lanes’ would have room for two cyclists to pass each other going in opposite ways.
Sandgate would have a cycle lane leading to Wellington Square and could be transformed into a tree- lined boulevard - as part of the project called Accessible Ayr.
Early concepts show a bid to get rid of parking spaces in the historic street and make it single lane.
There could be new crossing points, seats and plants. The bus stop at the Clydesdale Bank would be shifted as part of the vision and the Fish Cross could undergo a makeover with new seating and greenery.
South Ayrshire Council is working with charity Sustrans on the Accessible Ayr project. The scheme also aims to make the town easier to navigate for people with disabilities.
An Ayrshire Roads Alliance statement said: “Accessible Ayr aims to transform the accessibility of Ayr town centre for people on bike and foot as well as those with reduced mobility. The project would bring major public realm improvements focusing on the High Street and Sandgate, and improve infrastructure for active travel.”
The second phase of the project aims to look at better walking and cycle routes from North Ayr to the town centre. Problems have been identified such as how “unwelcoming” the underpasses are at St Johns Street and Riverside Place. Other issues include the lack of cycle paths in the area.
TGP and Civic Engineers have been hired by South Ayrshire Council to work on designs. None of the designs have been given the go- ahead yet. TGP are appealing for people to comment on the concepts, which are at an early stage.
Public events discussing ideas have taken place in Ayr but the latest consultations have been held up due to Covid- 19.
Charity Sustrans has been funding early designs for the new sustainable travel vision.
People can have their say at accessibleayrmap. commonplace. is.
The Ayrshire Roads Alliance statement said: “The council is submitting an application for funding to the Sustrans Places for Everyone scheme in July 2020. Places for Everyone contributes to the Scottish Government’s aim for a healthier, environmentally sustainable nation with a strong economy and communities.
“If Accessible Ayr is successful in obtaining funding, detailed designs for the proposals would be developed later in 2020 and early 2021 and we will be seeking further views from the public and other stakeholders.”