Plans published for two temporary cycling routes in Renfrewshire
Detailed designs for two new temporary cycling routes from Howwood to Paisley and Bridge of Weir to Houston have been published by Renfrewshire Council.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 26 November 2020 13:00
Updated: 26 November 2020 13:01
They are the first of a series being introduced on key commuter routes to encourage people to cycle for essential journeys to and from work and school, for exercise and to visit local shops during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Each route is funded through the Scottish Government Spaces for People programme and supported by Sustrans Scotland.
A summer survey shaped design of the 35-minute, 10km cycle between Howwood and Paisley, which passes St Anthony’s Primary School, Johnstone Train station and through Elderslie, before connecting with National Cycle Route 7 into Paisley town centre.
And the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been brought forward following a request from Houston Community Council to provide a safe cycling option between the two villages.
The 10-minute cycle along Houston Road includes a combination of existing pavement converted into a shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists and on-road cycling, finishing in Houston outside Gryffe High School.
Letters have been issued to residents, schools, businesses and communities on each route detailing the plans and asking for any feedback to shape the final plans, with the routes to be installed in early 2021.
Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Cycling brings so many benefits for our wellbeing and for our environment and these two new routes will encourage more people to cycle and wheel for essential journeys during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Both routes have been carefully considered, with parking and access maintained for local shops, and over four weeks we are engaging with local residents, businesses, schools and communities, sharing the developed designs and listening to feedback to improve and adjust each route to ensure they are welcomed and well-used.”
Full details of each route are available now on the Council’s Spaces for People cycle routes webpage and as the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been added to the programme, an online survey is open until Sunday 20 December for more detailed feedback.
There are also webinars on each route being hosted by the design consultants, with the Bridge of Weir to Houston webinar at 7pm on Thursday 3 December and the Howwood to Paisley webinar scheduled for 7pm on Thursday 10 December. Anyone wishing to participate in either webinar can email ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk and they will be provided with the joining instructions.
Councillor McEwan added: “We are working hard to hear from anyone with an interest in these routes and are contacting local businesses directly to ensure we’ve considered their needs.
“These are the first routes we are bringing forward and next year we hope to share the developed designs for others. While they are temporary measures, if they prove popular then we can look at more detailed discussion and consultation to develop them into permanent cycling routes as it’s so important we enhance the active travel opportunities across Renfrewshire.”
The Spaces for People Fund is managed by Sustrans who give tailored support to successful projects to assist with the planning and delivery of the new temporary infrastructure.
Tim Aeberli, Infrastructure Coordinator, said: “Sustrans is delighted to see the delivery of the first two Spaces for People-funded pop-up cycle routes in Renfrewshire gathering pace. Bridge of Weir, Houston, Howwood, Johnstone, Elderslie and Paisley will benefit from safe, segregated links which will make it easier to walk, cycle or wheel while maintaining physical distancing.
“We look forward to hearing feedback on the proposed routes, and to find out how the new routes will support you for safe and active journeys to schools, workplaces and essential shops in your area.”
As part of the feedback process, residents, schools, businesses and communities are being asked for their opinions – as are key active travel organisations across the country.
Clare Skelton-Morris, Communications & Monitoring Manager at Cycling Scotland said: “During lockdown, we heard from so many people how much of a difference cycling was making to their health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reduced feelings of stress. As we continue to battle against Covid-19, getting outside and active is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health.
“We’re encouraged to hear these safe cycling routes are being introduced in Renfrewshire and hope, longer-term, that these routes may be developed into permanent, protected and inclusive infrastructure, which is the highest priority to enable more people to cycle.”
For more information on the proposals, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes
Latest Renfrewshire News
Come and have a go if you think you are Bard enough!
Still Game star Gavin Mitchell is showing his support for the Beatson Cancer Charity's upcoming Burns event with a fun call to action to find Rabbie Burns lookalikes!
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show goes online
Scotland's biggest staycation event, The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, is going online for 2021 in a free virtual event!
Braehead staff will be having a brew to beat the blues
Staff at Braehead shopping centre will be turning Blue Monday into Brew Monday as a way of keeping in touch with one another during lockdown.
2021 Paisley Book Festival programme is now online
The 2021 Paisley Book Festival programme has something for everyone and it looks forward to welcoming you to its digital stage in February!
The World Tunes in to Celtic Connections 2021!
With over 10,000 festival passes already sold, 44 countries from around the world will be tuning in to tonight's Celtic Connections Opening Concert!
Wedgwood the Restaurant has created a five course lockdown feast to celebrate Burns Night
Edinburgh’s award-winning Wedgwood the Restaurant is the first restaurant in the UK to launch a ‘Burns Box’, available nationwide, to celebrate Burns Night (25th January) in lockdown.
Charity single released to help give young performers opportunities
Glasgow Philharmonia are well known for their big performances up and down the country... but for the first time ever, they have released a charity single!
Scottish charity set to host the Biggest Online Burns Supper
Specialist charity SBH Scotland is joining forces with international superstar Fran Healy, as well as Scottish comedians Janey Godley & Fred MacAulay to host the world's biggest virtual Burns supper!
Celtic Connections marks one week to go with programme announcement
The Celtic Connections online festival will begin one week today. Across 19 days, the festival will present over 30 online performances between 15th January and 2nd February!
Paisley historic buildings being restored to former glory as TH.CARS2 project progresses
A £4.5m project to restore some of Paisley town centre's historic architecture to its former glory has now completed work at several prominent sites.
Renfrew and Johnstone town centres lit up as area wide town centre fund projects delivered
Landmark locations at the heart of Renfrew and Johnstone town centres are being lit up – as part of a collection of projects aimed at bringing new life to Renfrewshire's town centres.
Funding boost for Scottish heritage projects
Brisbane Observatory, Govanhill Baths and The Ridge Foundations CIC are among the latest round of Historic Environment Support Fund recipients!
Santa Claus is coming to town... oh yes he is!
Gather the family around the TV this Christmas and join in the usual fun and frolics of a Pavilion Panto!
Arty pupils turn streets into a celebration of Christmas
School pupils have transformed the streets of Gallowhill into a colourful celebration of Christmas!
Who are the local heroes in your community
Renfrewshire's Provost Lorraine Cameron is searching for community heroes across Renfrewshire as nominations for the Provost's Community Awards open for 2021.
Brakes put on Scottish drive in events until 2021
In light of the new Tier restrictions, the Scottish company behind one of the UK's largest drive-in tours, The Parking Lot Social, has been forced to cancel all dates in Scotland for the rest of 2020.
Outspoken Arts Scotland launches artistic and creative learning programme for 2021
Paisley-based arts organisation, Outspoken Arts Scotland (OAS) have spent 2020 fundraising and planning their artistic and creative learning programme for 2021 and beyond.
Rapunzel by the National Theatre of Scotland is set for festive release in selected Scottish cinemas
Rapunzel, the innovative new festive film from the National Theatre of Scotland, created in a first-time partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, is set to hit screens this month!
Leisure destination XSite Braehead brings joy at Christmas
Newly renamed leisure destination XSite Braehead has announced that 90 per cent of its offering will be reopening just in time for Christmas!
Poetry anthology gives voice to unheard people of Scotland
A Scottish literature charity this week publishes an anthology of poetry that gives voice to some of Scotland's unheard groups and voices.
Photographers answer the call of nature
Nature-inspired photography competition winners announced by Loch Lomond Shores.
The Scots Magazine launch free virtual festival celebrating the best of Scotland
Launching on December 14th, ‘Adventure To Your Desktop’ is a five-day online festival bringing to life the best of Scotland, through how-tos, cook-alongs and masterclasses from Scottish talent.
Dance Base Scotland announce a celebration of creativity, movement and connection
Dance Base Scotland present a night of performance, movement and celebration, all filmed from their studios in Edinburgh and streamed to audiences across the world.
Scottish Football spreads Christmas Cheer to those in need with biggest ever campaign
Associated community trusts and SPFL clubs across Scotland are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year with a new-look initiative designed to support isolated older people.
Paisley Museum receives major funding pledge from The Hugh Fraser Foundation
Paisley Museum has received a £200,000 capital funding pledge of support from The Hugh Fraser Foundation towards its transformation into a world-class cultural destination.
Soar Braehead renamed XSite following extensive rebrand
The popular Braehead leisure destination, formerly known as Soar Braehead, has culminated its four-week rebrand project by unveiling its new name, XSite Braehead!
Fundraiser aiming to provide over 100,000 meals to homeless people launches
itison launch their annual Social Bite fundraiser, donate £5 to buy a meal for the homeless.
Quarriers launches Box of Hope Appeal for young homeless
Quarriers has launched its annual Box of Hope Appeal to support homeless young people this winter.
Celtic Connections 2021 announces initial line up and early bird tickets
Celtic Connections has announced the first list of artists who will perform as part of their digital-first festival this January!
Dobbies moves Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day as Brits seek early festive joy
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has brought forward its official 'Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day' to December 5th as the public get into the Christmas spirit earlier than normal!
Sponsored Links
