Going Dutch sees pioneering cycle route scheme through Glasgow shortlisted for financial award
A DUTCH-INSPIRED cycle route linking regeneration work along the Forth and Clyde Canal with one of Glasgow’s most famous streets has been shortlisted for an award of millions of pounds.
The pioneering Woodside Mini-Holland scheme in the north and west of Glasgow would connect the regeneration work at Port Dundas and the massive overhaul of the Sighthill area with the city centre.
Crucially, it would connect with Sauchiehall Street, which will soon undergo work to transform it into a tree-lined avenue, in the hope it will boost economic regeneration and increase the wider area’s attractiveness.
It is one of five schemes awarded up to £40,000 of Scottish Government money to complete detailed proposals and present to a panel, headed by Transport Scotland.
A bike lift similar to schemes operating in Trondheim, Norway, and which would pull cyclists up The Mound in Edinburgh and another linking Roseburn with Edinburgh Park and the Gyle on the western edge of the capital are also in the running.
Stirling’s proposals involve a route north from the city centre to Stirling Bridge, linking the Raploch, Cornton and Causewayhead areas with Bridge of Allan and Stirling University.
Highland Council’s plans also involve creating a Dutchstyle infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling, promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing congestion, and creating and enlivening streets and public spaces.
Run by Sustrans and funded by the Government, the competition aims to deliver “pioneering and game-changing projects that inspire public bodies in Scotland to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle in for everyday journeys”.
Last year’s winning entry, Glasgow City Council’s South City Way, will run from Queen’s Park in the south side into the heart of the Merchant City.
Hailed by Sustrans as Scotland’s “most ambitious street improvement project”, it was awarded £3,250,000 of funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans, with the investment match-funded by the city council.