Glasgow set to follow the Dutch example as West End cycling scheme wins funding

A healthy transport scheme inspired by continental cycling culture has won funding in a national competition.

The Woodside Mini-Holland project will support walking, running and cycling with the aim of kick starting healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport in the city.

It will connect parts of the West End that are currently difficult to access on bike and foot to the city centre.

Intersection: as the routes would look at St George's Road

The project is now one of five schemes sharing a £22.5 million grant from Transport Scotland and set to be delivered by sustainable transport charity Sustrans Scotland.

It takes inspiration from the Netherlands and hopes to make the Woodside area a cycle friendly community.

Part of the scheme will involve a cycle route along St George’s Road from Charing Cross to Possil Road connecting to the Sauchiehall Street.

The city council plan also includes expanding the city’s cycle network into the city centre, Great Western Road, Maryhill, Garscube Road and the Forth and Clyde Canal to boost cycling.

Commuting: How the scheme would look along Garscube Road

Pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at St George’s Cross Subway station would undergo major redesign to improve access to the station and surrounding streets.

SNP MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, Sandra White, welcomed the news of the Glasgow boost.

“This is very welcome news for Glasgow and will undoubtedly help support local jobs and our local economy, as well as of course boosting efforts to get more people in Glasgow involved in walking, running and cycling.

“This funding announcement will play a key role in getting people active across Glasgow, helping to reduce air pollution caused by traffic while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

“And it follows the SNP Scottish Government’s announcement that the total active travel budget is to be doubled to £80 million as part of the Active Nation strategy.

Vision: How the new cycle-friendly layout would look on Woodside Road

“This project will help create a more integrated transport network in Glasgow and beyond, supporting cyclists with a Netherlands-inspired segregated cycle route from Charing Cross to Possil Road, connecting into the Sauchiehall Street ‘Avenue’, as well as expanding the cycle network into the city centre, Great Western Road, Maryhill, Garscube Road and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

“Active travel is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s transport strategy – and the funding for the Woodside Mini-Holland will be a great boost to people across Glasgow as we seek to become a more active nation and society.”