Contracts secured for new cycle routes
TWO new cycle routes in the Balornock area are to be created to separate and protect cyclists from heavy traffic travelling along the main road.
Information on the remaining contracts for cycle paths along Royston Road and Wallacewell Road was brought before the Springburn/Robroyston Area Partnership this week.
Members were informed that Royston Road will be a two-way route and would include the existing infrastructure on Provanmill Road.
Michael Gallardo, executive director of Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability, said: “All the other routes in the past have been passed and approved by an independent safety auditor. There will also be a temporary traffic regulation order which prohibits any vehicles from being in the cycle lanes.
“The lanes on Wallacewell Road are only advisory which means they only have line markings on the ground. We are aware from discussion from many cycling lobby groups who are not keen on this.
“They say paint is not protection.
“We will ... be separating the lanes from the motor traffic to give direction and safety to cyclists.”
Questions were asked by members of the committee if maintenance work would be carried out to ensure the cycle routes were kept safe.
John Thorburn said: “The amount of muck and junk on Wallacewell Road would put any self-respecting cyclist off. It is literally a dumping ground for bottles and jars. Has any thought been put into maintaining it in a good state. It is fine for car drivers because they are well protected but if you hit a bottle on a bike, you’ll be flat on your face.”
Thorburn was informed that there is normally a maintenance contract but because these projects are only temporary, grant funding expires on April 30.
Additional funding is available to maintain the cycle routes. There will be a consultation to determine if these can be made permanent.