Cycling activists condemn petition launched against cycle lanes in Glasgow

CYCLING activist group Gobike have condemned a petition against the installation of bus and bike lanes in Glasgow after the campaign gained more than 1000 signatures online.

Gobike have said that the petition has “no valid claims” against the installation of temporary bus and bikes lanes on Brockburn Road and Braidcraft Road in Pollok after locals voiced their opinion on the online campaign and on social media.

As previously reported, residents voiced fears that the lanes, which have been installed as part of the Spaces for People scheme, would create more congestion along the busy road, as well as creating problems concerning access to and from emergency service vehicles to the nearby police and fire stations.

Thomas Cornwallis, convenor of Gobike Glasgow, said: “It seems bizarre that people are so against this change in the surrounding area.

“The Spaces for People scheme has been welcomed across many different areas in Glasgow without this level of backlash.

“For lanes that haven’t been fully installed yet, it seems as though the vocal minority are jumping to conclusions.

“‘What if’s?’ are not valid reasons to pause the rollout, especially since Glasgow City Council have already confirmed that they have consulted with Police Scotland regarding the rollout.”

He also pointed out that the poor condition of the roads in the area may also improve with less heavy traffic on the road.

He said: “The roundabout behind Silverburn and at the end of both Brockburn and Braidcraft Road has been destroyed by heavy vehicles for years.

“More bikes on the road means less stress on the road.”

The Spaces for People scheme has seen Glasgow City Council and Sustrans team up for install measures such as widening pavements and creating pop-up bike lanes and bus lanes after funding was made available during the pandemic.