COUNCIL officers have revealed their proposals for an active travel route in Helensburgh, making use of the town centre, Waterfront and John Muir Way.
A concept design report has been compiled following “engagement with the community and other key stakeholders”.
It is said that the planned route offers “many opportunities for improvements to cater for a pedestrian priority route, as well as improved cycling infrastructure for safer travel by bike”.
Subject to securing external funding, council officials are set to undertake a tender exercise to progress the design further over the next two years.
The route forms phase three of the project to build a cycle path linking Helensburgh with Dumbarton. If no private land is required, the phase is projected for completion by the spring of 2031, with the entire path being completed two years later.
Councillors are asked to approve the concept design at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, September 9.
The report by Civic Engineers said: “Opportunity for cycling infrastructure has been identified by examining existing infrastructure, areas with no cycling provisions, footbridges which are inaccessible to cyclists [and] car parking that could be re-located to allow space for a cycle lane.
“One of the key challenges for cycling infrastructure are the pedestrian bridges that cross the railway on Lomond Street and George Street.
“There is some cycling provision along streets such as West Clyde Street. However, lanes are often too narrow and not fully segregated.
“This infrastructure is also typically seen on roads that are very wide and can afford to give space back to pedestrians and cyclists.
“Similarly, the majority of roads with no cycling infrastructure could also be narrowed to reclaim the space for cyclists.
“Finally, there is an opportunity to review the allocation of car parking spaces, particularly along Sinclair Street and East Clyde Street. If spaces are re-allocated, it will create sufficient space for cycling infrastructure.”
The report added: “Opportunity for pedestrian infrastructure has been predominantly identified by assessing the quality of key crossing points which are existing signalised crossing, existing continuous footway, crossing improvement point [and] opportunity for school street.
“While the streets in Helensburgh are well connected, and many junctions are signalised or have pedestrian infrastructure in place, some of the busier junctions can be improved by narrowing the kerb radii and identifying clear crossing implements, such as tactile paving and crossings that prioritise pedestrians over vehicles. Larger junctions have been identified as a priority for improvement.
“There is also a key crossing over the railway on Lomond Street and a crossing on Station Road that are inaccessible for people with disabilities.
“Finally, opportunity for a school street has also been identified in order to create a safer environment for children and encourage walking/cycling to school.”
