News on Connecting Woodside

Thanks to everyone who got involved with our consultation events at Windsor Hall and Woodside Library in February. It was great to get the opportunity to chat to so many people about the project, and we really appreciate all the feedback we get at these events and online. Your input and local knowledge is important in helping us to shape the designs and provide the best possible improvements to your area. In this update, you can find out a bit more about what has been happening since the consultation events, as well as updates on secure cycle parking, spring into summer cycling advice, and also how you can apply to close your road for a Street Play weekend over the summer.

Earlier this year, we asked what you thought about our initial designs for a segregated cycle route and other improvements at Charing Cross and St George’s Road (up to West Princes Street). We had a great response, with a lot of positive feedback on the designs. Following on from this, we have looked to simplify the cyclist and pedestrian provision at the junctions, and provide a safer route for cyclists to access Sauchiehall Street and St George’s Road from the western side of Charing Cross. We are also looking at the cycle lane materials to ensure they provide a good contrast to the road surface, especially at junctions, and at opportunities to include more greenery.

We also shared our concepts for the North Woodside Road Quietway – and again you gave us some great feedback to help develop the designs. From your comments we are going to take forward an improved design for the roundabout at Napiershall Street. We are also going to look at alternative solutions to resolve access issues caused by the cobbled surface on South Woodside Road leading to Kelvinbridge Underground Station which could involve leaving the cobbles in place, and re-grouting and re-texturing them to create a better surface for people walking and cycling.

Thanks again to everyone who got involved in the consultation – your feedback really does make a difference – a full report on the consultation is available here . We look forward to sharing with you how the designs are progressing at our next consultation events later in the year, and if you missed it, you can still view the consultation information here .

It’s also not too late to comment on what you want to see improved in your area as part of the project. We are always looking for your thoughts and suggestions on how to improve the area for people walking and cycling – just pop your suggestions on our Commonplace Map .

A key part of the Connecting Woodside project is to remove the barriers that people may face when looking to take up cycling - one of these is having a secure place to keep a bike. As an initial trial, we have installed a secure cycle shelter in partnership with Queens Cross Housing Association with space for up to 8 bikes at Cedar Court – they’ve been so popular that there is already a waiting list.

We would really like to install more units, and just need to know where you would like to see them. Simply drop a pin on our Commonplace Map , and we’ll do our best to deliver secure storage in as many locations as possible.

Street Play is a nationwide initiative run by Play Scotland and supported by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life. It aims to bring communities closer together by local groups and residents taking back their street to enjoy a traffic free environment.

All associated council costs are provided free of charge to residents, local groups and community based organisations. You can also claim the cost of Public Liability Insurance.

The dates the free road closure apply to are:

You can apply for 1, 2, or even all 3 weekends, however a separate application form must be filled in for each weekend.

Find out more and apply here .

With the weather getting milder and warmer and the nights lighter, now is the perfect time to spring into cycling! Not only is cycling a great way to get about, it also:

To find out more about cycling in Glasgow and some tips visit Glasgow.gov.uk/Cycling .

It’s a really exciting time to be a resident in Woodside and Woodlands with so much investment in the area that will benefit everyone when it comes to walking and cycling. As well as Connecting Woodside, Scottish Canals are planning a new access ramp to the Forth and Clyde Canal at Firhill Road and bridge over to the neighbouring community of Hamiltonhill.

The City Centre Avenues project is also progressing. One of the next phases is the Underline, which will directly connect Woodside to the City Centre via a revamped St George’s Cross and improved New City Road. Initial design consultations took place at the end of last year and we are working closely with the City Centre Avenues team to ensure a strong connection into the area.