Glasgow council bosses hope to build 160 miles of cycle lanes in city

Glasgow council bosses hope to build 270 kilometres of cycle lanes across the city, it has been revealed.

The 160 miles of cycle routes are part of a huge mission to tackle the climate crisis and promote active travel. They would measure roughly the distance from Glasgow to Inverness.

Details of the plans are included in the new draft active travel strategy, which is due to be released by Glasgow City Council for consultation soon.

SNP councillor Anna Richardson said: “The new draft active travel strategy will begin its democratic scrutiny and public consultation within the next month. It will include a proposed city network.

“This network will require approximately 270 kilometres of safe cycle lanes to be implemented city-wide if we are to achieve the coherent network required to create significant modal shift onto cycling by 2030.”

The city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction discussed the new network of paths at the City Administration Committee last week.

The proposals emerged as councillors decided to retain 17 pop-up cycle lanes and other street schemes erected as part of the Spaces for People scheme during the pandemic.

Councillor Richardson said making the cycle routes permanent would contribute to the rollout of paths around the city.

Speaking at the meeting, the Langside politician said: “The Spaces for People lanes offer the potential to make permanent the first 30 to 40 kilometres in that huge task.”

She told the committee “every one of our constituents will be affected by air pollution and climate change”.

Councillor Richardson added: “As we hopefully move out of the Covid crisis we must take the necessary steps to address the climate crisis and decarbonising transport must be an absolute priority.”

In 2019, Glasgow City Council set a target of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.

The council’s plans to reach the goal include using electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and introducing a low emission zone.

By local democracy reporter Sarah Hilley