Glencoe’ s ‘quiet route’ pilot project to proceed

Aproposed “quiet route” in Glencoe will be piloted in July after winning approval. Vehicle users in the Glencoe area can expect to see an increase in pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders along the route, as well as a reduced speed limit.

According to Hitrans, quiet routes aim to encourage safe active travel modes such as walking, cycling and horseback activities.

To facilitate this, quiet routes take place on designated roads in rural areas with a low or reduced speed limit.

The route will go from the River Coe bridge to Glencoe Village along a single-track road, linking with the A82.

The project will commence on Saturday July 1 and last a total of 18 months.

Lochaber Area Committee passed the motion during a meeting on Tuesday, with all the members in general agreement.

The speed limit will be reduced from 60mph to 40mph from when the project starts.

The project will monitor traffic to identify travel trends and see if users of the quiet route will shift to active travel modes as intended.

The pilot also aims to identify if the number of vehicles being used on the route drops, as well as a reduction in speed.

Prior to the route’s approval, the active travel behaviour survey was carried out to analyse residents’ existing active travel behaviours.

Results showed that 90% of survey respondents felt they were very likely or likely to use a quiet route.

However, more than half of respondents said they did not feel safe to walk, cycle or ride a horse on local roads.

It was highlighted that slower traffic speeds in the area were “the most important factor individuals are looking for”.

Lochaber Area Committee chairwoman councillor Kate Willis said the committee supported the pilot project.

“The speed limit will be r e d u c e d o n t h i s single-track route from 60 to 40mph to encourage safe walking, cycling and horseback activities,” she said. “It also aims to preserve the natural beauty of rural areas, while supporting access to the outdoors for everyone.”

Transport Scotland will provide full project monitoring, as well as the budget which covers consultation, implementation, signage and road furniture.

The project is being managed by Hitrans and supported by Highland Council.