Green in Govan: Cycle Network, Fireworks
Newsletter #23 - A big focus on the Cycle plans for Govan, Update on George V Bridge works and some thoughts on a Firework Control Zone for Ibrox
On our bikes?
I’ve written in this newsletter a few times about the ongoing consultation about the proposed new cycle lanes but I’ve maybe not spent enough time setting out my stall on why I think they’re a good idea - so strap yourself in!
I try to look at any change in three lights - social, environmental and economic - how will the changes that I support politically impact our community in these three lights and it has to make positive impact in all three or it leaves people behind and that’s not what I’m here to do. I’m going to take these three in turn.
Socially, any active travel project fosters inclusive and encourages healthier lifestyles. It doesn’t mean that everyone has to start cycling but for those who are too concerned with how unsafe sharing space with cars is - they now get a choice. The upgraded infrastructure, including widened footways and step-free crossings, ensures that people of all abilities can navigate the area safely and comfortably. Community greenspaces and seating areas incorporated into the design also serve as stopping points. So those who need to stop and have a rest are able to do so. As a cyclist, the most social benefit I see compared to when I’m driving is being able to stop and chat. It’s surprising the amount of people you see when you’re on a bike and being able to stop safely and have a quick chat is great - it’s not something you can do in a car as easily.
Environmentally, the project helps to reduce air pollution and addresses its harmful impacts on health and the environment. By encouraging a shift from car usage to active travel modes like cycling and walking, the project will reduce vehicle emissions—a major contributor to air pollution. Lowering the concentration of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air is critical for improving public health, as prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and impaired lung development in children. The project's integration of greenspaces and enhanced drainage also helps to improve air quality by supporting natural filtration processes and fostering biodiversity.
Economically, we’ve seen time and time again in communities across the UK the addition of safe active travel infrastructure being opposed on grounds of it damaging local businesses but the impact and research speaks for itself. Cycling UK undertook some research which shows that by increasing pedestrians and cyclist access to town centres (like Central Govan, Linthouse and the Cessnock shops) can increase retail sales by around 30%. It’s not just sales though, Transport for London research shows that retail vacancy rates were lowered by 17% across the parts of London that enhanced walking and cycling facilities. I totally understand why peoples gut reaction is that less cars equals less money but that’s simply not the case anywhere else and I can’t foresee Govan being any different.
Of course there’s a few other concerns that I’ve heard, the main two being: losing parking spaces stops people getting to the shops, and noone uses the cycle lanes so why build more.
On the first one - I get this and so do the designers which is why they’ve undertaken parking surveys throughout the impacted areas. The key takeaway for me is that only two parts of Govan are going to be losing more parking than is currently needed. Peninver Drive and Burghead Place being the first but I’m not so concerned about this one because the area will be subjected to the new parking restrictions that the G51 group have been campaigning for. The majority of parking here is impacted by the hospital staff parking but this won’t be a problem by the time anything is built. The second being Burleigh Street and Harmony Row which will be reduced from 33 to 20 spaces. Currently on an average day, there are 26 spaces used. Meaning that the area will be 6 spaces less than is currently used. My hope is that we see the introduction of safe routes encourages people to walk and cycle more and that these 6 spaces will not be needed for that reason. However apart from those areas, there isn’t expected to be any noticeable loss of overall spaces.
All in all, I think the benefits massively outweigh any benefits that anyone has raised with me. Victoria Road in Govanhill I think is a great example - the infrastructure was put in before Covid and now 15% of journeys are done by bike - that’s the kind of transformation I want to see here. I’m hopeful that generally people agree but there - my stall is put out.
George V Bridge Closure
Next Monday (24th March), George V Bridge (which stretches from the Barclays development to the north of the Clyde at the Riverboat Casino) will face extended restrictions and closures until the 30th June. The works are to improve the pavements, add in protected cycle lanes and junctions, new traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
Firework Control Zones
You may have seen news last year that the council now have powers to introduce Firework Control Zones in areas across the city. Basically, an application can be made to ban fireworks from being set off in an area of the city. Last year there was agreement that Pollokshields would be the first area in the city to have this ban. I had a lot of people at the time tell me that they wanted to see Ibrox be a zone too but it was never officially applied for.
Surgeries
I run advice and support surgeries 3 times a month, you don’t need an appointment, just turn up! Next dates are:
Thursday 20th March - 5pm - Kinning Park Complex, Cornwall Street
Friday 28th March - 11am - Clyde Community Hall, Whitefield Road
Tuesday 8th April - 4pm - Maslows Community Hub, Shaw Street
Upcoming Community Councils
Ibrox and Cessnock - Clyde Community Hall - 19th March - 7pm
Drumoyne - Govan High - 20th March - 7pm
Govan - Pearce Institute - 7th April - 7pm
Govan East - Riverside Hall - 15th April - 6pm
Kinning Park - Kinning Park Complex - 21st April - 7pm
These are all public meetings so you can just turn up at your relevant one. They’d all be very happy for someone new to join in! I’m aim to attend at many of them as possible so hopefully see you there!