Call for redesign of main Govan roads to improve cycling and walking routes

Councillor Allan Young has urged city council leaders to act after the area missed out on a share of a £7.5m fund.

None of the Spaces for People money – for temporary measures to provide space for walking and cycling during the pandemic – has been spent in Govan.

Cllr Young believes people are reluctant to cycle on roads such as Paisley Road West and Edmiston Drive.

He said: “The significant levels of air pollution, poor crossing points and lack of segregated cycle lanes puts off many local people from walking and cycling in Govan.

“The fact Govan received none of the £7.5m Spaces for People fund was a real missed opportunity.

“We all know the health and wellbeing benefits of improving our streets and roads, as well as to the environment.

“We need to redesign our wide main roads such as Edmiston Drive and Paisley Road West to make them safer and healthier for all of us.”

At a full council meeting on Thursday, he asked for a commitment to a “comprehensive review” to improve walking and cycling on Helen Street, Broomloan Road, Paisley Road West and other “main artery roads”.

The city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, Cllr Anna Richardson, has confirmed a review of Greater Govan will be carried out.

She said: “As a city we must make a shift towards more sustainable forms of transport if we are to tackle the climate emergency.

“To support this change, we are currently reviewing our active travel strategy for the whole city and this will inform how we can support the growth of walking, wheeling and cycling across Glasgow.

“A full active travel assessment of Greater Govan is due to take place this summer as part of the work to develop an integrated infrastructure throughout our neighbourhoods.”

Cllr Richardson also committed to a site visit alongside Cllr Young and local campaigners.

The Spaces for People programme, delivered by Sustrans Scotland, was funded by Transport Scotland.