Article Source: Glasgow City Council
Last Updated: 30 May 2020 10:14
Funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans, the 'Spaces for People' programme will provide additional space for physical distancing in public places for people to walk, wheel or cycle while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.
Temporary Travel Infrastructure
The money will go towards temporary travel infrastructure in the city centre, city neighbourhoods and active travel routes, and will form a key part of the city's strategy for economic recovery. These measures will help to ensure sufficient space on footways for businesses and their customers while the requirement for 2 metres of physical distancing between people remains in place.
This funding award follows on from the recent closure of Kelvin Way to vehicles, and the creation of the Clydeside cycle lane which runs from Saltmarket to the Clyde Arc, and is designed to ease pressure for pedestrians on the Clyde Walkway.
Additional Space for Physical Distancing
In practice, Space for Distancing will see footways widened at pinch points to facilitate safer pedestrian movement and easier access to community facilities and public transport hubs. Consideration will also be given to the positioning of temporary strategic cycling routes to highlight cycling as an attractive, viable commuting choice.
Areas with high pedestrian footfall such as Byres Road, Partick, Shawlands, Maryhill and Dennistoun have already been identified as places where short-term measures can be introduced. Other neighbourhood hubs such as Pollok, Drumchapel, Easterhouse and Castlemilk will also be examined for suitability.
Longer Term Aims
Longer term, and once restrictions begin to ease, it is anticipated that walking and cycling will continue to be considered a safe and convenient mode of transport that benefits health and air quality.
Susan Aitken, Council Leader and City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth said: “While we are planning a long-term recovery and renewal for Glasgow's economy, it is also vital that we consider the short-term measures we need to take to manage our road network differently - now, and as lockdown restrictions are eased.
“From reconfiguring our roads and footways to provide extra space for pedestrians, mobility and wheelchair users to the creation of temporary cycle lanes; different combinations will be considered to fit the needs and characters of different neighbourhoods, as well as our city centre.
“I'm delighted that our bid to Sustrans Scotland was successful, meaning we can move forward at pace with our plans to implement physical distancing measures, making essential travel and exercise safer during COVID-19.
“These changes can also be a catalyst to encourage more and more of us to consider sustainable travel as a viable long term choice that not only benefits our economy and our environment but also our health and wellbeing too.”
Karen McGregor, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said; “It's clear that people across Scotland want to do the right thing during Coronavirus. They want to look after their physical and mental health.
“They also want to make sure that they are keeping to physical distancing guidelines while still being safe on our streets.
“Providing funding support to Glasgow City Council through our Spaces for People programme will make it easier and safer for Glaswegians to travel around their city for essential travel and exercise.”
Funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans Scotland, Spaces for People is a new, temporary infrastructure programme in Scotland which offers funding and support to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during Covid-19.
Following the announcement that the initial £10m funding pot will be extended to £30m, the council intends to submit a further bid to the fund.
Find out more about Space For Distancing at www.glasgow.gov.uk/spacefordistancing
Staring X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey and Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in May!
READ MORECreative Oceanic powered by Oceanic Awards is proud to announce the 7th Scottish Hospitality Awards 2024.
READ MOREScotland's first listening bar opens this weekend with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack Glasgow.
READ MOREElaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREGlasgow gourmands, the wait is over! After shaking up the street food scene in the Scottish capital, Ozen is now bringing its Eastern fusion flavours westside and launching in Glasgow!
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MOREThere will be no Aye Write book festival this year after its application for funding was rejected by Creative Scotland.
READ MOREBuchanan Galleries, together with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, has donated 500 chocolate Easter Eggs for children in hospital to enjoy.
READ MOREAn independent evaluation published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has highlighted significant, wide-ranging benefits delivered by the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund.
READ MOREVEGA, Glasgow's sky-high bar and restaurant, has unveiled a jam-packed new weekly music programme to welcome those sunny spring nights!
READ MOREMulti-platinum selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor, Matt Cardle, will play the role of Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre, Glasgow have announced additional dates for this year's high-flying pantomime adventure, Peter Pan.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREMacdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.
READ MORELeadership specialist Gavin Bryce announces the launch of the second Unmasking Leaders Workshop of 2024 on Thursday 11th April in Glasgow returns by demand.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREScotland's inaugural Polestar Showroom officially opened at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn on Friday 22nd March.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGlasgow Film Festival (GFF) 2024 wrapped up on Sunday 10 March by celebrating a bumper year of ticket sales and local and international talent.
READ MORESix by Nico's upcoming menu promises to take guests on a quintessential New York gastronomic excursion.
READ MOREFrom an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.
READ MOREStrathclyde University were crowned winners of Scotland’s largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, after edging out city rivals Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREAward-winning performance Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger, about living with chronic pain, and moving with care, returns to tour Scotland.
READ MOREMore than fifty of Glasgow's leading restaurants and cafes have revealed their exclusive menus to mark the countdown to Glasgow Restaurant Week!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"