Yorkhill Kelvingrove Cycling Village (1.3) 1) Introduction In recent years our community has been transformed. We have seen additional student and residential accommodation constructed. The redevelopment of Kelvin Hall, the opening of the Riverside Museum and an improved Kelvingrove Museum, all of which have helped to increase visitor numbers. Our neighbour, the Scottish Events Campus has added the SSE Hydro, resulting in part, to a flurry of new businesses opening along our streets. Increasingly, our community now attracts people from all over the City, the UK and further afield. With this boom in tourist numbers and with more and more Glaswegians choosing to spend their recreational time here with us, there is a need to invest in our streetscape to combat the effects of increased congestion and pollution, thereby allowing our residents to live in a greener, safer environment. Our vision for Yorkhill, Kelvingrove and Finnieston is that our streets will be a safe and attractive place for visitors and residents to discover and enjoy; where the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are considered a priority, where people are able to move around easily between their homes, transport hubs, community facilities and local businesses. We strongly believe our residents and visitors should be able to access all of our services and attractions, through a series of connected, protected cycle lanes, which link to the national infrastructure. To achieve this vision, we are pursuing ways to improve our streetscapes, to provide cycling facilities (including connections to promoted cycle routes), to assist navigation, to enhance our architectural heritage, and to introduce green elements to our local environment. Working with Sustrans and Glasgow City Council, our efforts have already resulted in: Improvements to a number of roads and footways, making them safer for pedestrians and novice cyclists A signage audit has been conducted with a view to improving directional signage Recently installed in our community are 2 new Nextbike stations, bringing the total number to 5 The installation of a number of cycle stands for secure parking Two on-street bike pumps have been funded by Balfour Beatty 1
We have also created an Area Map which can be viewed electronically or used as a leaflet to help visitors and residents find local services and attractions. See attached Appendix for details of what the Community Council has achieved so far. 2) The Next Steps: We propose improving the public realm in streets such as St Vincent Crescent, Corunna and Minerva St, to create a more appropriate setting for the architectural heritage and a better gateway to the area for people arriving from/going to the SEC. Within this we propose the possible introduction of street trees. Within Yorkhill we would like to encourage greater footfall in Old Dumbarton Road making it a destination, to help support residents and the local business community. Additionally, working together with local residents and Yorkhill Housing Association, we propose public realm improvements for Lumsden Street, together with on street, secured cycle storage for Arthur Street. Transiting through our community are three National Cycle routes, through Kelvingrove Park (NCN 754), along the Clyde side (NCN 7/75) and the West City Way (NCN 756). We propose linking these routes. During April 2018 to March 2019, in conjunction with Sustrans, we will conduct a feasibility study to understand how cyclists navigate our community to identify new routes for infrastructure improvements. The initial public consultation will occur at Bike for Good, 65 Haugh Rd, Glasgow G3 8TX. Saturday 9 th June -09:00 to 17:00 Wednesday 13 th June - 15:00 to 20:00. 3) Proposals for specific locations 3.1) St Vincent Crescent, Minerva and Corunna Street We suggest retention of all parking. Our proposed route for the cycleway: The entrance of the Red Tunnel (linking the SEC/Hydro and Finnieston), northwards along the western side of Minerva Street, to its junction at St Vincent Crescent. Along the southern side of St Vincent Crescent to its junction with Corunna Street. Along the southern side of Minerva Street from its junction with Finnieston Street to its junction with St Vincent Crescent. 2
The red line delineates the suggested protected bi-directional cycleway Suggested road alterations: 2.0 metre footway. Respecting the architectural heritage and conservation status of this area we support the reintroduction of Caithness Stone for Corunna Street and the north side footway along St Vincent Crescent and Minerva Street. Together with trees for that part of Minerva Street, at its junction with St Vincent Crescent to Exhibition Railway station. 3 metre bi-directional cycle lane. No green surface only road markings. 1 metre safe strip for people to access their vehicles e.g. Image A Image A 3
Potential benefits Connecting the Clyde side cycleway (NCN 7/75) to the West City Way (NCN 756) in Anderson and the national cycle route through Kelvingrove Park (NCN 754). Connecting the Nextbike station at the junction of Finnieston Street to the wider cycle network. Public realm works to create a suitable gateway for visitors to the SEC/Hydro. Reduction in road width to prevent double parking during event nights. Reduction in road width to reduce idling during event nights. Reduction in road width to reduce excessive speed. Red Tunnel Entrance/Exit, looking north. Image 1 Northbound along Minerva Street Image 2 At this point the cycle lane could split to the West and East. Image 3 Junction of Minerva Street and St Vincent Crescent, looking north. 4
Image 4 Westbound along the southern edge of St Vincent Crescent Junction of St Vincent Crescent and Corunna Street (Westbound) 3.2) Corunna Street Corunna Street, looking north to its junction with Argyle Street. At this point the road narrows, reducing the opportunity of a protected bi-directional cycle lane We do not suggest a reduction in car parking spaces. Image 5 The road appears too narrow to accommodate a separate bidirectional cycleway. We do not suggest a reduction in car parking spaces. Image 6 5
3.3) Eastbound along the southern edge of Minerva Street Leading to the Nextbike Station, at the junction of Finnieston Street. The protected, bidirectional cycle lane could continue on the southern edge. Image 7 3.4) Connecting St Vincent Crescent/Minerva Street to the West City Way (NCN 756) via Finnieston and Holdsworth Streets. To improve access to the West City Way (NCN 756), we seek improvements to the junction of Finnieston Street and Argyle Street, similar to that proposed by Glasgow City Council at Kelvinhall. Working with Anderston Community Council, the route could continue along Holdsworth Street, connecting with existing infrastructure at Anderston Cross, for the City Centre. Image 8 Finnieston Street, looking north towards Argyle Street. Image 9 6
Image 10 Image 11 Holdsworth Street, looking east, leading to the West City Way (756) 7
3.5) Kelvinhaugh, Yorkhill and Gilbert Streets Potential benefits Connecting the Nextbike station on Argyle Street with NCN 7/75. Connecting the bi-directional cycle lane on Old Dumbarton Road with Finnieston and NCN 754 and 756. 3.6) Kelvinhaugh Street Due to there being no adjoining roads, we suggest the addition of a cycle lane on the southern edge of the street. As can be seen from the images below, parking along this side of the street is perpendicular to the pavement, with tree s separating parking areas. It is our suggestion to retain these trees, along with those parking spaces situated between the junctions of Argyle and Yorkhill Streets. We propose the council investigate re-aligning those parking spaces which are perpendicular to the pavement, on the southern side. Re-alignment could lead to a reduction in the number of parking spaces. However, many residential developments in this location have their own parking. Consequently, due to the remaining properties being student accommodation, we do not anticipate any issues. In the first instance, subject to investigations, we suggest a protected, bi-directional cycle lane inserted between the trees and footway, see image A. 8
Should this not be possible, we suggest a marked cycle lane with an associated buffer strip to protect cyclist from car doors, see image B: Image B Kelvinhaugh Street, looking west, towards Sandyford Street. Image 12 Image 13 Kelvinhaugh Street with perpendicular parking bays, looking west. 9
Image 14 In image 14, the southern side parking bays could be removed to accommodate a bi-directional cycle lane. Kelvinhaugh Street, looking west. Image 15 Kelvinhaugh Street, looking west (after its junction with Yorkhill Street) From here, there are no planted areas. We suggest the re-alignment of those bays which are perpendicular to the pavement, on the southern side, to accommodate a protected, bi-directional cycle lane. Image 16 The junction of Kelvinhaugh and Sandyford Streets, looking south. The protected, bi-directional cycle lane could continue south, into Sandyford Street to connect with Pointhouse Bridge. We believe Glasgow City Council may be developing a proposal to alter this bridge, to better accommodate cyclists. We would be in support of such a development. 3.7) Yorkhill Street Taking into consideration the proposed alterations to Old Dumbarton Road, which could see the removal of parking bays along the southern side, to facilitate the installation of a 3 metre bi-directional cycle lane, we 10
suggest the continuation of this cycle lane, but suggest investigations into the most suitable design. The Old Dumbarton Road cycle lane, proposed as part of the City Deal investment will stop at the pedestrian crossing (below): Image 17 Image 18 Yorkhill Street after the junction with Dalnair Street, looking south. We suggest all parking bays be retained. With the retention of the parking bays, the road may be too narrow to accommodate a protected, bidirectional cycle lane. In this instance we suggest the installation of a marked cycle lane with associated buffer strip, see image B. This could operate on both sides of the street. 11
3.8) Yorkhill Street and its junction with Gilbert Street Here cyclists could turn left on to Haugh Road or right towards Gilbert Street. Image 19 Yorkhill street looking south, at its junction with Gilbert St and Haugh Road Gilbert Street, looking west Image 20 We propose retention of all parking, with the following suggested road alterations: Installation of a marked cycle lane with buffer zone on either side of the street, see image B or, a protected bi-directional cycle lane, see image A. This could continue to the junction of Sandyford Street. Here cyclists could continue towards Ferry Road through the path linking Gilbert Street and Centurion Way. We understand there is a proposal for this path is to be resurfaced with street lighting installed, see image 21 Image 21 Path linking Gilbert Street with Centurion Way 12
3.9) Gilbert and Sandyford Streets Sandyford Street, looking south. Image 22 We propose retention of all parking, with the following suggested alterations to the road: Installation of a marked cycle lane with buffer zone on either side of the street, see image B or, a protected bi-directional cycle lane, see image A. 3.10) Yorkhill Street, between Haugh Road and Kelvinhaugh Street Image 23 Yorkhill Street, looking south to its junction with Kelvinhaugh Street. We propose retention of all parking, with the following suggested alterations to the road: Installation of a marked cycle lane with buffer zone on either side of the street, see image B. At the junction with Kelvinhaugh Street, there could be a connection into the suggested protected, bi-directional cycleway operating along its length. 13
3.11) Haugh Road Haugh Road looking north, towards Argyle Street. Image 24 We propose retention of all parking, with the following suggested alterations to the road: Installation of a marked cycle lane with buffer zone on either side of the street, see image B or, a protected 3m bi-directional cycle lane, see image A. 4) Areas requiring further consideration: It is our vision to create a safe route for cyclists heading from Kelvingrove Park (NCN 754), to the Clyde side (NCN 7/75) and to the West City Way (NCN 756). To facilitate this, improved crossings are needed at Sauchiehall and Argyle Streets, both of which are busy, congested roads with currently little cycle provision. There are two points for the crossing of Argyle Street: Junction with Kelvingrove Street, looking east. Image 25 14
Image 26 Junction of Kelvinhaugh, Derby and Argyle Streets, looking north. To help facilitate a safe crossing of both Argyle and Sauchiehall Streets we wish to investigate the creation of a one-way system, operating on Derby and Kelvingrove Streets, between Argyle and Sauchiehall Streets: Through the creation of a one-way system the following road alterations could be made: 2.0 metre footway 3 metre bi-directional cycle lane. No green surface only road markings. 1 metre safe strip for people to access their vehicles Note: where possible, we suggest all parking spaces be retained. The cycle lane would be located between the footway and parking spaces, see image A. 15
Image 27 Kelvingrove Street, looking north: suggest the road traffic is restricted to a southbound direction. Image 28 Derby Street, looking north: suggest the road traffic is restricted to a northbound direction. At this time we believe Derby Street to be the most appropriate for improvement. We wish to investigate a cycle crossing at its junction with Kelvinhaugh and Argyle Streets, through the possible adaptation of the existing pedestrian crossing, situated outside the Thai Siam restaurant. Potential benefits: Connection to the Nextbike station Potential access to a protected, bi-directional cycle lane on Kelvinhaugh Street North of Sauchiehall Street, Derby Street is a quiet road. Image 29 Junction of Argyle street and Kelvinhaugh Street, looking west. 16
Junction of Sauchiehall and Derby Streets, looking north. Image 30 Image 30 identifies the junction requiring improvements, to enable cyclists a safe crossing point on Sauchiehall Street. Assuming a crossing for cyclists can be created at the junction of Kelvinhaugh, Argyle and Derby Streets, we suggest the removal of those parking spaces between numbers 1147 116, on the southern side of Argyle Street (Ben Nevis bar to Kelvingrove Café). This could facilitate the installation of a short protected, bi-directional cycle lane, helping cyclists navigate from Corunna Street into Kelvinhaugh and Derby Streets, thereby linking NCN 7/75, NCN 754 and NCN 756, as well as the existing Nextbike stations. Junction of Corunna and Argyle Street, looking west. Image 31 5) Lumsden Street Public realm improvement We would like to see improvements to the small area of Lumsden Street which is designated as a turning space. Whilst retaining the turning circle, our ideas include the removal of the bollards, new surfacing, seating, a cut through for cycle access and planting. 17
6) Arthur Street Public realm improvement Working with Yorkhill Housing association we would like to investigate the possible introduction of secured cycle storage for residents. 7) Rising Bollard at the junction of Minerva Street and the Clydeside Expressway Due to the Success of the SEC/Hydro, residents along St Vincent Crescent and Minerva Street endure significant disruption during the hours of 21:30 to 23:00, on event nights. Disruption includes illegal idling, on-road double parking and pavement parking. Due to the ease of access from these streets on to the Clydeside Expressway, we seek investigations into the installation of a rising bollard which would close the junction of Minerva Street, by Exhibition Station, to the Clydeside Expressway, between the hours of 21:30 and 23:59 on event nights. The closure of this junction could enable visitors exiting the SEC/Hydro, to leave the red tunnel in a safe manner. Unlike today, where thousands of concert visitors leave the red tunnel, straight into the path of queuing vehicles, all of which, wish to use the rapid exit on to the Clyde Side Expressway. Minerva Street, looking north. 18
Appendix Details of achievements to date: Road Infrastructure: A number of roads within our community have been resurfaced or sufficiently patched to be of good quality for cycling. The roads which have been repaired include: Hastie Street Full Length Derby St Sauchiehall Street to Park Grove Terrace Carfrae Street Full Length Yorkhill Parade Full Length Old Dumbarton Road at Ferry Road/Benalder Street (300sqm of patching) Old Dumbarton Road leading onto Yorkhill Street Bunhouse Road Kelvinhaugh Street Directional Signage: In October 2017, Working in conjunction with DRS and Sustrans, an audit of current and aspirational directional signage was undertaken. To support the directional signage the Community Council has created an electronic/paper Area Map, to assist visitors and residents in locating key services and tourist attractions. The map will be stored with the SEC, SkyPark business centre, hotels and through Glasgow City Council outlets. 19
Nextbike: Through active engagement with the Nextbike program, we have secured 5 Nextbike stations for our community: Finnieston Street; Argyle Street; Riverside Museum; Kelvingrove Museum and at the SEC. Many of these stations are remote from the National Cycle networks and are located along congested roads. It is our aim to link these via safe corridors. Bicycle Pump: Situated on Argyle Street, by the Sandyford Post Office, we secured Glasgow s first onstreet, free to use bike pump. We have now secured funding for a second pump which we hope to install outside the Bunhouse Road entrance to the Kelvinhall. Cycle Parking: Working with Sustrans and Glasgow City Council, to facilitate an active lifestyle for residents and visitors we have installed a number of new bike parking stands. Cyclists can now safely secure their bikes at key locations within our community, including; social venues, services i.e. banks & visitor attractions. 20
A safe space for novice cyclists: Following resurfacing works along Carfrae Street and Yorkhill Parade, these streets have enabled a safe learning space. Area Map Drop Kerbs Working with local artist Rosemary Cunningham, we have created an interactive map to help residents and visitors access our community s services and attractions. The SEC and local hotels have agreed to hold the map and we are seeking two on-street locations for physical versions. We are currently creating a schedule, detailing where drop kerbs are required. 21