The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Bid for cash to make city safer to cycle and walk in
● £600k funding request to temporarily change layout of roads
Highland towns could see radical changes in how their streets are used if a funding bid by council and health bosses is successful.
The two authorities have asked for an initial £600,000 from the Scottish Government’s new Spaces for People fund, designed to help with temporary measures to protect public health, support social distancing and prevent a second wave of Covid-19.
If successful, Inverness would be used first as a test area for temporary walking and cycling facilities designed to help key workers travel to Raigmore Hospital.
On Inshes roundabout and roads leading to the hospital, water-filled barriers will take away road space to widen pavements and create cycle lanes.
Depending on the trial’s success and further funding bids, the concept could be rolled out to Fort William, Nairn, Aviemore, Dingwall, Wick, Thurso and Portree.
Though temporary, the modifications would be in place as long as lockdowns and social distancing are needed and, depending on public response, could become part of permanent changes.
Councillor Trish Robertson, chairwoman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee said she was excited about the scheme.
“We need to do something to make it easier for folk, because there is a fear of public transport.
“As people come back to work they will walk, cycle and use their cars, although we would like to discourage cars as much as possible.
“There will still be space for two lanes of cars and cars will probably go slower due to the reduced space.
“The temporary measures proposed will enable more active travel in a safer environment and promote opportunities for the reimagining of our streets, town and city centres as we emerge from this crisis.”
T h e c o u n c i l i s encouraging communities, businesses and other people to get involved.
A consultation has been set up – at consulthighlandgovuk/ kse – for people to share their views on the changes.
Inverness provost Helen Carmichael said: “The Spaces for People funding bid represents a great opportunity to bring positive change for the city in otherwise difficult times.
“So I would encourage everyone to get behind this positive opportunity and join in the conversation through our consultation portal.”
Dan Jenkins, of NHS Highland’s health improvement team, said the infrastructure would have immediate safety benefits.
“Personal safety along key routes is a major concern and a real danger where adequate provision and segregation is not in place for cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
“With current social distancing and movement restrictions, active travel may be the only opportunity some people have to be physically active to remain healthy.”