Academic calling for rethink on city travel

Plans to get more workers cycling and walking in Dundee should focus on “reactivating” struggling community high streets, an expert has said.

Dr Husam AlWaer said city planners should allow local businesses to “reclaim” space dominated by traffic and double the width of pavements as a way of ensuring physical distancing when businesses reopen.

Cycling campaigners estimate 10,000 to 12,600 city workers may need an alternative to regularly using public transport.

The Dundee University urban planning programmes director said officials should focus on the recovery stage, as well as the crisis, and what it means for the next three, six and 12 months.

He said he wanted to see a network of safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians linking key parts of Dundee, including Albert Street, Lochee High Street, Hilltown, Dundee University, the waterfront, city centre and Broughty Ferry.

He is supported by members of the Dundee Cycle Forum, which has written to local politicians calling for a network focused on the “large areas of the city which are often forgotten when it comes to active travel.”

City chiefs last week revealed planned changes to promote active travel in Dundee – walking, cycling, wheelchair use and other methods of travel such as scooters.

They include closing Union Street to traffic and 20mph zones, or slow zones, in central Broughty Ferry, the Perth Road area, Douglas and Fintry. Officials plan temporary barriers, signs and filters where there is already a high level of pedestrian and cycling activity. These include Douglas Terrace, Broughty Ferry Esplanade and Magdalen Green.

Dr AlWaer suggested city bosses should go further.

A council spokesperson said the projects will be “monitored and evaluated”.