Make University Avenue safe for cycling

The University of Glasgow is spending £1 billion redeveloping the site of the former Western Infirmary and as part of this they have been allowed to redevelop University Avenue. However, current plans for the redesign of this key arterial street do not include protected space for cycling.

It would be a tragedy for the future of a safe linked up network of direct cycling routes in our city if University Avenue does not make space for protected cycling - for the staff and students who travel to the University, for the commuters who use the direct route to pass through, for parents taking their children to school or to the park, and for everyone who would like to chose to cycle but won’t because they don't feel safe sharing road space with heavier and faster moving vehicles. Both Glasgow City Council and the University of Glasgow have declared that there is a climate emergency, but neither appear prepared to turn those words into concrete actions by taking seriously the need for a shift in how we travel.

GoBike have been asking both Glasgow City Council and the University of Glasgow over the last six months to alter plans to include segregated cycle lanes. They have been met with stubborn resistance from both, with repeated assertions that painted lines on the road will make things “safer for cycling”, and even stating that paint is segregation. There is now a Traffic Regulation Order being consulted on and we need to tell them that the current proposals are simply not good enough for the following reasons:

- Painted cycle lanes on University Avenue are dangerous as they legitimise dangerous close passes.
- The design of the proposed painted cycle lanes, which end abruptly, is dangerous.
- Painted cycle lanes on University Avenue do not prevent waiting, loading or parking.
- The plans are in contravention of the Sustainable Transport Hierarchy.
- The plans fail to recognise Climate Change Emergency status.
- The plans fail to recognise the Colleges Cycling Route status of University Avenue.
- The plans fail to recognise recommendations made within the Connectivity Commission Report.

We need University Avenue to have segregated cycle lanes along its full length to make it safe for people of all ages and abilities to cycle on, and to encourage the shift in transport we need to see, if we are to act on the Climate Emergency. Please add your name to help us show public support for a safer University Avenue.

For more detailed information on the reasons outlined above please visit
https://www.gobike.org/it's-time-for-action-on-university-avenue-8474