Category: News & Opinion

Lowering traffic speeds in towns and cities to 20mph can seem like quite a small change to make to an area, but the move can have a hugely positive effect on local communities and businesses as well as the environment.

Glasgow’s Woodside area has become the latest in Scotland to adopt a lower speed limit. The move, which extends the current 20mph limit in the majority of the city centre, follows on from the completion of Edinburgh’s city-wide reduction in speed earlier this year – which was funded by Scottish Government through our Community Links programme.

Sustrans’ vision is for active travel to become the default option in cities and communities throughout the UK. And there is a growing body of evidence around the world showing that reducing speed limits on roads can reduce the risk and impact of collisions, helps our towns and cities thrive and can make streets more appealing for walking and cycling.

When 20mph limits were introduced in London there was a significant reduction in the number of casualties in road accidents. Evidence from the Department for Transport, meanwhile shows that people on foot are more likely to be severely injured when cars are travelling above 20mph. The move doesn’t just benefit walkers however, and the same study found that drivers were less likely to be injured in collisions at lower speeds.

Safety issues aside, one of the more pleasing findings from Edinburgh’s roll out of 20mph limits was that the changes meant that more children were now playing outside, thanks to the decreased risks. People also report benefits such as less noisy streets – particularly at night – as well as better air quality.

As a winner of Sustrans’ 2017 Community Links PLUS design competition, Connecting Woodside aims to introduce safe, segregated cycle routes, walking opportunities and links to nearby neighbourhoods. However a key part of the project, which is being run in partnership with Glasgow City Council, is also focused on improvements the local area, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
Introducing 20mph limits in residential zones will be key to meeting these aims.

By doing so, the move will help to transform the neighbourhood into a safer, more attractive place for people to live, invest and visit helping to contribute to a healthier, more active Glasgow for everyone.

Find out more about how we can support 20mph schemes in your local area.

Funded by the Scottish Government through our Community Links PLUS design competition, the project aims to transform this busy transport route in the heart of Edinburgh.

Residents are being invited to visit the project webpage to sign up for updates and take part in the online Placecheck tool. The tool allows the public to feedback on what they would like to see improved on specific sections of the planned Community Links PLUS funded route.

Placecheck will be open for feedback until the 31^st July 2018.

There will also be the opportunity to chat with the project team in person on Saturday 21^st July. Tell us what you like, don’t like and what you would like to see improved between 10am – 3pm, near the Greyfriars Bobby statue on the corner of Forrest Road and George IV Bridge.

If you would like to participate but can’t make it along on Saturday, there is also a freepost address:

FREEPOST-RTCHJJEK-TCCZ, G4 MGS, Active Travel Team, The City of Edinburgh Council, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG

Find out more about Community Links PLUS.

Update 31/08/2019: Community Links PLUS has become part of Places for Everyone. Details for the new programme can be found here.

The latest updates on Meadows to George Street can be found at the dedicated project site.

What is the South City Way?

Delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council, the South City Way will deliver a 3km segregated cycle and pedestrian route from Queen’s Park to Stockwell Street in Merchant City and help transform the environment along the route by creating community spaces and green areas.

South City Way was the first winner of the Community Links PLUS design competition. Managed by Sustrans Scotland and funded by the Sottish Government, Community Links PLUS seeks big, bold and innovative projects to restore the balance of Scotland’s streets in favour of people walking and cycling.

Who can apply for a grant?

To be considered for funding, communities must demonstrate that they are a constituted group.

Projects must aim to either encourage more people to travel by foot or bike, or improve the appearance of areas, alongside the South City Way or within 500 metres of it. This could include, for example, organising led cycle rides, setting up a local walking group or creating a community artwork. It could also mean buying or building planters for trees and plants for a local group to maintain, re-purposing spaces for a community area or cycle parking.

How much can be applied for?

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

When can I apply for a grant?

Constituted community groups can apply for funding through our online portal.

The closing date for the initial round of applications is 29th August 2018.

For more information read the SCW Small Grants Fund Guidance or for more information contact the team on CLPlus@sustrans.org.uk or call us on 0131 346 1384.

Following extensive community consultation, Glasgow City Council and Sustrans Scotland have announced that they have rebranded the Woodside Mini Holland active travel project as ‘Connecting Woodside’.

The project, a winner of Sustrans Scotland’s 2017 Community Links PLUS (CLPLUS) design competition, will deliver world-class walking and cycling infrastructure throughout the Woodside community. Through its area-based approach, benefits to the community will include improved health, wellbeing and an enhanced environment.

Pupils at St Joseph’s Primary School in Woodside contributed to the rebranding through submitting creative name suggestions which assisted in shaping the brand of Connecting Woodside. Staff and pupils were joined by Sustrans Scotland CLPLUS Project Co-ordinator, Marie Davis, and Glasgow City Council’s Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Anna Richardson, to announce the updated branding.

The new identity reflects the aims of the project which is to connect Woodside to the wider city for sustainable travel as well as the Woodside community. This will be achieved through implementing an area-based approach to improve walking, cycling and public space.

Sustrans Scotland Head of Project Delivery, Infrastructure, Matthew Macdonald said: “The new project name, Connecting Woodside, reflects the input and engagement of local Woodside residents and community groups.

“This is an exciting first step in the transformation of the area into a neighbourhood which will be safer and more pleasant for people to live in and travel through by foot or by bike.”

Connecting Woodside originally took inspiration from London’s Mini-Holland competition and transport infrastructure in the Netherlands. Part of the project will include a segregated cycle route along St George’s Road from Charing Cross to Possil Road and will connect to the Sauchiehall Street “Avenue” that is currently being delivered through the City Deal Regeneration.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction at Glasgow City Council, said: “The pupils have played a key part in helping rename Connecting Woodside. It fits perfectly. This million pound development will connect Woodside to surrounding areas and beyond, making it safer and better for people walking and cycling.

“Connecting Woodside is more than segregated cycle routes and will transform the area through the improved pedestrian and cycling access, increased cycle parking facilities for residents, schools and businesses as well as public realm improvements.”

The proposal also includes the expansion of the cycle network into the city centre, St George’s Road, Woodlands Road, Garscube Road and the Forth and Clyde Canal in a bid to encourage cycling as the favoured commuter option. The project has the potential to provide a launch pad for a similar approach across Glasgow.

In addition to the health and wellbeing benefits that the extensive cycle network will bring to the surrounding area, Connecting Woodside will strengthen local economies and improve road safety encouraging people to walk and cycle.

Susan Allan, head teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, said: “Staff, pupils and parents have collectively welcomed the Connecting Woodside project which will create safer routes for our pupils to walk and cycle to school, after school clubs and leisure facilities. We’re excited to watch the area flourish and transform into a community that favours transport by bike or foot.”

Successful projects in the CLPLUS competition are funded by the Scottish Government, with local authorities match funding the grant. Connecting Woodside was awarded £7 million for the development of the programme over the next three years with Glasgow City Council providing a further £1 million in addition to city deal funding for Sauchiehall Street.

Once complete, the SCW, which is match-funded by the Scottish Government, will deliver a 3km segregated cycle and pedestrian route from Queen’s Park in Glasgow’s Southside to Stockwell Street in the heart of the Merchant City.

Additionally, the SCW project will help transform the environment along the route through delivering community space and green areas which will strengthen the local economy and increase the quality of the public realm. The tree planting on Albert Avenue and Albert Road in the city’s Southside marks the first step towards to implementing this measure.

Lucy Gillie, general manager at South Seeds, said: “There is real regeneration happening along Victoria Road and the South City Way is undoubtedly is very much part of this.

“Creating green space within the area will attract more people to this part of the city as well as enhance the space for current residents and the community.”

The transformed space on Albert Avenue and Albert Road will feature pedestrianised areas which on completion will host cycle racks, benches and shrub planters as well as the trees.

The Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf, today launched initial works of the South City Way (SCW), Glasgow City Council’s winning bid to the 2016 Community Links PLUS (CLPLUS) competition run by Sustrans Scotland.

Having impressed the judging panel with its bold and high quality design, the SCW will deliver a 3km segregated cycle and pedestrian route from Queen’s Park in Glasgow’s Southside to Stockwell Street in the heart of the Merchant City.

Local business owner, Shoaib Shafaatulla, Deputy Director of Sustrans Scotland, Daisy Narayanan, and Glasgow City Council’s Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Anna Richardson, joined Mr Yousaf to celebrate ground breaking activity.

In addition to the creation of world class active travel infrastructure in a densely populated area of Glasgow, the SCW will deliver a host of community, health and business benefits through its place-making approach.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “I am delighted to join partners and local businesses in launching the SCW. Glasgow City Council has demonstrated real vision through its commitment to develop this major active travel route from the south side to the city centre.

“The expert panel who evaluated the 2016 bid was incredibly impressed with the high level of design and innovation shown by the SCW project. Whether you live, travel or work in Glasgow, this infrastructure will allow generations of people to better and easier enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.

“The Scottish Government’s Active Nation initiative is designed to encourage more of us to make everyday and leisure journeys sustainably – on foot and by bike. To achieve this vision, we are doubling our investment in active travel, from £40 to £80 million next year, demonstrating our commitment to make our towns and cities more walking and cycling friendly.”

Funded by the Scottish Government and run by Sustrans Scotland, the design competition delivers pioneering and game-changing projects which inspire public bodies in Scotland to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle in for everyday journeys.

Granted £3.25 million of funding from the Scottish Government with Glasgow City Council match funding the investment, the SCW is expected to be complete in late 2018.  On completion, journey times between Queen’s Park and the city centre are estimated to take 30 minutes on foot and 12 minutes by bike.

The first phase of works on Albert Avenue and Albert Road in the city’s Southside will see the sections of these streets that adjoin to Victoria Road transformed into attractive and pedestrianised public areas with cycle racks and green space.

Sustrans Scotland, Deputy Director, Daisy Narayan said: “Glasgow City Council’s SCW shows real ambition and vision towards improving conditions for people who choose to walk or cycle along a major commuter route, while also connecting a densely populated area with the city centre.

“Once completed, the South City Way will improve travel choices and accessibility for residents and visitors. It will also reduce congestion, improve air quality, enable easier use of public transport, and create places where people want to socialise, shop and spend time in.

“Our hope is for the SCW to become a leading example of how places that integrate people moving by foot, bike or public transport lead to stronger local economies and healthier people than places designed around vehicles.

In addition to creating a segregated route between Queen’s Park and the city centre, central to the SCW’s vision is the redevelopment of Victoria Road as a place for sustainable walking, cycling, bus and rail travel.

Delivering such sustainable infrastructure will support smaller retailers in the area, create healthier communities and deliver safer, more attractive streets. Works on Victoria Road will commence in early 2018.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “Today marks the start of a fantastic and very exciting project that’s going to bring huge improvements to the area and the people who live here. There’s been extensive engagement with local communities, groups and businesses from day one and this will continue throughout the project.

“We want to see more people cycling and walking, and the right infrastructure is key in ensuring these options are safe, enjoyable and sustainable. Increasing the number of everyday journeys by bike brings benefits both to individuals and our city.”

Ground breaking activity comes after the recent announcement of the 2017 CLPLUS competition results that revealed all five finalist projects will be granted up to 50% of the project cost to deliver its proposed active travel design.

Glasgow City Council again was a deserved winner with its Woodside Mini Holland bid, alongside entries from Stirling Council, Highland Council and two projects from City of Edinburgh Council.  These four councils will share over £22.5m in match funding.

Run by Sustrans and funded by the Scottish Government, the Community Links PLUS (CLPLUS) competition delivers pioneering and game-changing projects which inspire public bodies in Scotland to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle in for everyday journeys.

After an intensive three-stage process all five short-listed projects will be awarded a grant of up to 50% of the total project costs, with the grants totalling £22,540,360, from Transport Scotland funds, delivered through Sustrans Scotland.

Each project is expected to begin development within the next two months, with Inverness City Active Travel Network (Highland Council) forecast to be complete by Summer 2020; Walk, Cycle, Live (Stirling Council) and Woodside Mini-Holland (Glasgow City Council) by Summer 2021. Both Meadows to George Street and the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network (Edinburgh City Council) are forecast to be complete by Summer 2022.

CLPLUS is demonstrating that designing places around the needs of people delivers a wide range of benefits, including boosting local economies, supporting smaller retailers, healthier communities and safer, more attractive streets.

Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted to announce this morning that all five Community Links PLUS shortlisted projects have been successful in securing funding from the Scottish Government.

“The expert panel who evaluated the bids were impressed by the local authorities’ high level of design and innovation. Each bid is entirely worthy of receiving support today and I want to thank the panel, Sustrans and each local authority who took the time to get involved in the award.

“Our ambitious Active Nation initiative is designed to encourage many more of us to make everyday and leisure journeys sustainably – on foot and by bike. To achieve this vision, we are doubling our investment in active travel, from £40 to £80 million each year, demonstrating our commitment to make our towns and cities more walking and cycling friendly.

“Through the Community Links PLUS award, people will be able to enjoy new active travel routes and whether it is for commuting or leisure, more people across Scotland will be able to enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.”

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Climate Week is an opportunity to get more people talking about and taking action on climate change, and I am pleased to be supporting the Community Links Plus active travel project, enabling more people to walk and cycle more often.

“We all have a role to play in taking action on climate change, and this is a fantastic example of how people can reduce their own carbon footprint through using greener modes of travel.”

Sustrans Scotland Deputy Director for Built Environment Daisy Narayanan said: “Funding all five final projects is a bold step towards a healthier, more sustainable and vibrant Scotland which designs places around the needs of people over vehicular access.

“The Community Links PLUS proposals were so impressive this year that the panel felt strongly that all the five final proposals should become a reality. We thank the Minster for Transport and the Islands for taking the unprecedented step of committing to fund each of the five finalists.

“With the backing of Transport Scotland, Sustrans will now work in partnership with all four local authorities to turn their pioneering visions into reality. These five exemplar projects will demonstrate the wide ranging benefits that well designed places bring, such as boosting footfall for local business, improving the health of local people and creating safer environments that are more pleasant to live in and move through.”