Improving access for cyclists in Perth
Last updated | 22/02/2008
A number of proposals that will improve the network of cycle routes in Perth will be outlined to a meeting of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday January 30.
A host of cycle routes was set up in and around Perth following a study in 2000, and since then the Council has also introduced many measures to aid and promote cycling around the city centre, mainly through the provision of cycle lanes, advance start areas at traffic signals and cycle parking.
In 2006 a Council study re-examined cycle provision in the city centre to assess how access could be improved.
A report to the Committee following that study will say that the one-way system in Perth causes frustration for cyclists and channels them on to busy roads that are unappealing to less experienced bike users.
It is therefore recommended that the following options are investigated further::
* Eastern end of High Street (between Tay Street and George Street) - This section of street is to become one-way from Tay Street towards George Street as part of proposals already approved by the Committee. A contra-flow lane would allow cyclists to exit on the cycle lanes on Tay Street avoiding a difficult junction at the end of George St/Perth Bridge.
* West Mill Street - A contra-flow cycle lane from Parmelia Court to North Methven Street would allow the Lade Cycle Route to link to South Methven Street avoiding a detour via the Old High Street.
* Princes Street - A contra-flow link from South Street to Marshall Place would allow access to quieter roads and the proposed new link to the rail and bus stations via Victoria Street and Pomarium.
Further investigation is to be carried out into cycle lane provision on South Street (between South Methven Street and Tay Street), to create a continuous route for cyclists from the Glasgow Road commuter route to Tay Street. Options to allow cyclists to turn right off Queen's Bridge to access the northbound cycle route along Tay Street will also be looked into.
Another of the main recommendations in the study suggests that cyclists should be given access to the pedestrianised area in the city centre. Cycling is currently not premitted in this area at any time, but it is felt that access would greatly assist movement around the town for cyclists.
The committee will examine three options for allowing this, with the preferred option being to allow cycling in the pedestrianised area at all times for a 12-month trial period.
Committee Convener, Councillor John Kellas, said: "Cycling in pedestrianised areas can be a contentious issue. Initially people have safety concerns, but long-standing research suggests that there are no real factors to justify excluding cyclists from pedestrianised areas. This research suggests cycling could be perrmitted without detriment to pedestrians.
"A number of Scottish local authorities such like Highland, Moray and Dundee allow cyclists into pedestrianised areas at all times, and their experience suggests that cyclists use these areas responsibly.
"Cycling is widely recognised as a healthy activity that is good for the environment. The Council is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the encouragement of more sustainable methods of travel, and these proposals will help us to support this commitment by encouraging more people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes when travelling around Perth."
