Consultation Digest Issue 66, 04 August 2020: an abundance of new Consultations, some very topical and some old "favourites". So do get involved in improving where you live.

Glasgow City Council seem to have exhausted themselves with providing pop-up cycle lanes etc for social distancing and now we are back to "normal" with 5 proposals for traffic calming in different parts of the city. Plus GoBike members have been proactive in informing us that we need to protect what we've got in terms of current cycle provision and to consider changes to the Highway Code. And there's even more, so do please read on.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** We ask what you think of the GoBike Digests, closes 18 August
2. **NEW** Share the Road – Support the Increases in Space for Safer Walking and Cycling, no closing date, but please don't delay if you wish to sign the petition
3. **NEW** Glasgow. Mount Florida Community Council, Letherby Triangle project in Mount Florida, no closing date given
4. **NEW** Scottish Government, Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group, closes 21 August
5. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Gartocher Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
6. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Prospecthill Circus (Toryglen) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
7. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Ladyloan Avenue - Extension (Drumry) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
8. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Warriston Street (Carntyne) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August
9. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Greenfield Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 27 August
10. **NEW** UK Department for Transport, Review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. East Renfrewshire, Cycling UK Virtual Cycling, Walking and Wheeling in East Renfrewshire Networking Event, 13th August

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park, Introduction of Active Travel Management Plan including formation of parking, infrastructure and landscaping, acknowledgement of GoBike submission by Development & Regeneration Services
2. North Lanarkshire Council, City Deal Proposed East Airdrie Link Road, response to GoBike submission
3. North Lanarkshire Council, Active Travel Stakeholder Group online workshop 30 July

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses (where given)

1.1 **NEW** We ask what you think of the GoBike Digests, closes 18 August

Yes, as mentioned in Digest 65, Item 2.1, we are being introspective and asking our members their views on these fortnightly Digests.
~ If you are already a current GoBike member and on Slack then the survey is there waiting for you in the Consultations channel
~ If you are already a current GoBike member but not on Slack, or don't wish to be, then email consultations@gobike.org and the link to the survey will be sent out to you
~ Not yet a GoBike member but you wish to comment on the Digests? It's easy and very cheap to join and by joining you are helping the campaign for improved cycle facilities.

1.2 **NEW** Share the Road – Support the Increases in Space for Safer Walking and Cycling, no closing date, but please don't delay if you wish to sign the petition

GoBike member, Iona, sent this link: https://www.bikeisbest.com/petition and we hope you will all sign!

Here's the info from the website:

"SHARE THE ROAD – SUPPORT THE INCREASES IN SPACE FOR SAFER WALKING AND CYCLING

During the Covid-19 crisis, across the UK there has been a rapid roll out of measures to make walking and cycling feel safer, as public transport capacity was reduced and all but essential journeys were curtailed. Space for walking and cycling has been taken directly from motor vehicles, rebalancing our roads to benefit people, not traffic.

This approach is proving hugely popular - a recent YouGov survey by #BikeIsBest showed that 77% of Brits are in support of road space reallocation to enable safer cycling and walking. We want to cycle more - during lockdown, some areas of England have seen cycling increase by 200%.

Governments have issued funding and guidance for local authorities across the UK. Despite this, some local authorities are ripping out temporary measures after just a few days because of a few emails and petitions from motoring pressure groups and grumpy residents. The silent majority who would like nicer and healthier places to safely cycle are not being heard.

Our research shows that there are 6.5 people in favour of measures to enable cycling and walking for every 1 person against. But these voices aren't being heard.

Only 6% of us want to return to pre-pandemic times, says another YouGov poll. There is a rare opportunity to change our streets for the better; for health, for air quality, for the economy and for the community. To not just go back to traffic-dominated communities swathed in smog. But this opportunity for change is in jeopardy and urgent action is required. We need to show local political leaders there is widespread support for these measures.

By signing, you're saying: "I support infrastructure that will help everyone cycle and walk more."

Show your local politicians you support projects that will help everyone cycle and walk more. Please sign and share this petition today to make your voice heard.

This petition is open to all UK residents. This petition is being run by the #BikeIsBest campaign on behalf of 50 cycling organisations. We will use the accumulative totals of the petition to present the support to local and national government and other key stakeholders. Your email address will not be shared with third parties or these organisations directly. You can choose to receive campaign email updates but this is optional as an opt in."

We can all hear people saying "Oh, the bike boom won't last, wait until the rain, the dark mornings etc". The bike boom will last if we can get good infrastructure, so please sign and let's keep what we've got and campaign for more through GoBike.

1.3 **NEW** Glasgow. Mount Florida Community Council, Letherby Triangle project in Mount Florida, no closing date given

GoBike member, Calum, alerted us to this survey:

Here's the wording from the website:

"Mount Florida Community Council has been consulting with the local community for a
number of years on how to improve the Letherby Triangle - the area at the junction of
Cathcart Road and Carmunnock Road beside Mount Florida Primary School. Last year we
received funding from Sustrans to allow us to develop it to the stage where we can submit a planning application. The proposal aims to:

• Create an attractive civic space for the local community to meet and hold events
• Enhance the image of Mount Florida as a vibrant and welcoming community
• Reduce traffic speeds in the area
• Make it easier to walk, cycle and scoot

Now we need your input on how the final design might look. Please complete the
survey".

The survey is being run by Mount Florida Community Council - please do respond if you live in the area and/or know the area well.

1.4 **NEW** Scottish Government, Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group, closes 21 August

We were alerted to this consultation by GoBike member Tia:

Call for Evidence: revitalising Scotland's town centres in the wake of COVID-19

The Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group is looking for views & ideas to develop thinking about Scotland's vision for town centres.

The majority of us live in towns and cities, so this will be of interest to most of us. Please do look at the website and put in your views as to how you wish your urban areas to be, either with the changes we have already made or how they should be developed.

Here are the questions we are asked to consider:

1. What are the challenges and opportunities facing town centres in Scotland and how should these be addressed?
2. What are the barriers to developing town centres suitable for their communities and how can these be removed?
3. To what extent has the Town Centre Action Plan (TCAP) delivered against its stated ambitions? In what areas has delivery been successful? In what areas is there room for progress and/or barriers to overcome?
4. To what extent are the stated objectives and policy challenges TCAP seeks to address relevant for the new challenges for our towns?
5. If TCAP were to be revised, what additional or replacement areas and objectives would you recommend should be included and how should these be addressed?
6. Can you provide details and contacts of any examples of excellent practice in town centres which you believe have wider potential?
7. Is there anything else you would like to add?

This list makes it relatively simple to organise your thoughts! GoBike will be developing a response that we aim to publish in our next Digest.

Items 1.5 - 1.9, Traffic Calming in Glasgow

The following 5 items are all similar. They are all roads in the outskirts of the city where drivers are exceeding the speed limit and where the local community have requested, via their Community Council and/or City Councillors, that something be done. GoBike understands that only 1 solution is offered by the City Council and that is speed cushions.

GoBike fully understands the concern about fast and dangerous driving but we consider that there are several options available to reduce speed and even remove through traffic and that each location should be considered for a bespoke solution.

The emails that accompanied the consultation documentation are in a standard format; we only publish it in full for the first of the 5.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Gartocher Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

Here's the email on this one, the first of 4 received on 29 July:

"MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam,

The Glasgow City Council, (Gartocher Road), Traffic Calming Scheme

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Calming Scheme and I wish to establish the views of your organisation.

Please note that these proposals will also be released to the public by displaying on-street notices within the affected area.

Background to the proposed Scheme
The scheme is aimed at improving road safety by reducing vehicle speeds.

Road affected by the proposed Scheme
The road affected by these proposals is:-

• Gartocher Road

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plans) will comprise of:-

• 2 sets of 3x1.8m wide cushions
• 1 set of 3x2m wide cushions
• 3 sets of 2x2m wide cushions

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 28 days.  

Please reply directly to LESTraffic@glasgow.gov.uk

In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, please also e-mail LESTraffic@glasgow.gov.uk

Should the Council proceed with these proposals, I will write to you again and confirm this.

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability"

The plans referred to in the email are: Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3.

From these plans it may be seen that the gap at the gutter between the cushion and the kerb ranges from 0.5m up to 1.0m with the majority being 0.6m. Thus anyone trying to avoid the cushion has to cycle either out in the middle of the road or in the narrow gap at the edge along with all the grit etc.

As you can see from the map and the photograph the overall roadway narrows to go under the bridge carrying the railway line from Glasgow Queen Street Low Level out to Airdrie and via Bathgate to Edinburgh. But look, the road itself, on which the high motor speeds are occurring,  maintains its width, while one footway disappears and there is no cycleway at all.

An alternative proposal is to use one road lane as a footway plus cycleway for the narrowed length under the bridge. The other lane would be controlled by traffic lights for a one-way motor traffic system. Such a solution would slow the motor traffic down and would deter drivers from using Gartocher Road as a rat run.
A further, easier-to-do alternative is to simply close the road to through traffic but only allow pedestrians, bikes and emergency vehicles through the railway bridge.

It's time we moved away from the standard one size fits all solution of speed cushions.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Prospecthill Circus (Toryglen) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

This area has only just been redeveloped with a mix of houses and flats, so why is the road such that motor cars are allowed to drive too fast?

Here are the relevant sections of the email from the City Council:

"

The road affected by this proposal is:-

• Prospecthill Circus

The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 1 set of 3x1.7m wide cushions
• 2 sets of 2x2m wide cushions
• 3 sets of 3x1.8m wide cushions
• 2 sets of 3x1.9m wide cushions"

Here's the plan that is referred to: TC proposals

Sadly, there appears to be a discrepancy between the email and the drawing. The email lists 8 sets of cushions and the drawing shows 12.

A further point of concern is the positioning of the cushions. For 10 of the 12 sets the gap between cushion and kerb is only 0.5m with 1 at 0.65 and 1 at 1.0m. GoBike has been told that the recommended gap is 1.2m, so it looks as if the City Council have found a new guidance document?

We first mentioned the involvement of Urban Roots in Digest 31, Item 6 and there are further mentions in subsequent Digests of the local consultation they carried out for this area,  right on the edge of Glasgow, bordering on South Lanarkshire.
Urban Roots were hoping to have their proposal for a cycle lane to be constructed right round the circus included in the development of the area.

All the houses have a run-in for a car, so why are all these developments designed for car use and not for active travel and the use of public transport? This really is a damning indictment of the current planning systems that have led to many such schemes in Glasgow and around Scotland, where the car is seen as king. In Crossbank Crescent, in the same development, a much better way of slowing traffic has been found, see below:

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Ladyloan Avenue - Extension (Drumry) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

This proposal is an extension to a scheme that we first featured in Digest 37, Item 1.3 in June last year. which was for the eastern section of Ladyloan Avenue; this proposal is for the western end. Last year GoBike submitted an objection suggesting that active travel in this less affluent area of the city should be encouraged by the construction of cycle lanes. We also asked why there was no proposal for car-free areas round the schools in this area. However, the installation of speed cushions won, and now there is a proposal for even more. Here's the pertinent section of the City Council's email of 29 July:

"

The road affected by this proposal is:-

• Ladyloan Avenue

The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 2 sets of 2x1.8m wide cushions
• 2 sets of 2x1.9m wide cushions"

Here is the plan referred to: Ladyloan Avenue full proposals

Unfortunately, there again appear to be errors on the plan. There is a total of 5 sets of cushions, not 4, and the cushion to kerb spacing varies on the drawing from 1.0m down to 0.6m (there is a dimension of 0.55m shown but a check on the arithmetic shows this should be a more generous 0.65m!) Still not sufficient to keep bikes out of the detritus at the edge of the road, though.

Plenty of room for cycle lanes on this view!

1.8 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Warriston Street (Carntyne) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 26 August

Here's a nice, long street, just right for getting up a bit of speed in the motor, irrespective of any of the residents trying to cross the road, or cycle along! Obviously something has to be done, but why speed cushions?

Here's the relevant section of the City Council email:

"

The road affected by these proposals is:-

• Warriston Street

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plans) will comprise of:-

• 15 sets of 3x1.9m wide speed cushions
• The supply and installation of 30 bollards."

Here are the 5 plans that were attached:
Section-1-btwn-Cumbernauld-Rd-and-number-68
Section-2-btwn-number-102-and-number-156
Section-3-btwn-number-186-and-number-250
Section-4-btwn-Gartcraig-Road-and-number-324
Section-5-btwn-number-342-and-Ruchazie-Road

The gaps at the side are mostly 1.0m, with 5 sets at 0.9 and 1 at 0.8, but they should be better.

One look at the map shows that, with the judicious use of filters and bus gates, if required, this whole area could be made impermeable to through motor traffic, while still maintaining access for cycles, buses, emergency vehicles and refuse lorries. Instead the City Council propose a dodgems run.

1.9 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, Greenfield Road (Shettleston) Traffic Calming Scheme, closes 27 August

This, the fifth, arrived a day later, on 30 July and here's the critical section of the City Council email:

"

The road affected by these proposals is:-

• Greenfield Road

Details of the proposed Scheme
The proposed Scheme (as depicted on the attached plan) will comprise of:-

• 6 sets of 3x1.8m wide speed cushions
• 1 set of 3x1.9m wide speed cushions
• 1 set 2x2m wide speed cushions
• The installation of 16 bollards

And here are the plans that were attached to the email:
Section-1-btwn-number-1-and-11
Section-2-Btwn-number-19-and-41
Section-3-btwn-number-43-and-61
Section-4-btwn-number-63-and-Tynecastle-Street

The gaps between the gutter and the nearest cushion are generally 0.5m, with one set being 0.6 and another being an astonishing 1.2m, ie the standard we were told the City Council worked to!

Greenfield Road runs parallel to Springboig Road, so could readily be closed to through motor traffic, making the area pleasanter for the local residents, thus dispensing with the need for speed cushions.

Items 1.5 - 1.9, Traffic Calming in Glasgow

The 5 roads covered above are similar in that they are relatively straight, which can lead drivers to exceed the speed limit, but there are solutions other than speed cushions. Also, of course, drivers who do endanger life by excessive  speed should be penalised. GoBike will be developing responses over the next 2 weeks and should be able to publish them in the next Digest.

1.10 **NEW** UK Department for Transport, Review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, closes 27 October 2020

The Highway Code, which applies to all road users across the UK, is about to be updated for the first time since 2007.

The UK Government website tells us there is:

"Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to The Highway Code to improve safety for vulnerable road users, particularly the groups of:

• cyclists
• pedestrians
• horse riders

The main alterations to the code being proposed are:

• introducing a hierarchy of road users which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
• clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road,
• providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead
• establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders"

Here's the link to the Government website. GoBike is now starting its review and we hope to have this ready in good time for you to use as the basis of your submission. We are aware that other active travel organisations, such as Cycling UK and Living Streets, are developing their responses, so we will be using all the information open to us to make sure we don't miss any crucial aspects of this consultation.

The disconcerting aspect of this is not just that there is no legal, only a moral, obligation on any of us to read the Highway Code, but that motor drivers do not require any update after passing their driving test. Most of us who do a driving test will do it in their late teens or twenties, with no further test ever being required.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consulations

2.1 East Renfrewshire, Cycling UK Virtual Cycling, Walking and Wheeling in East Renfrewshire Networking Event, 13th August

GoBike member, Iona, brought this to our notice and here's the detail:

Cycling UK would like to invite you to our Virtual Cycling, Walking and Wheeling in East Renfrewshire Networking Event.
The event will run from 4pm – 6pm on Thursday 13th August on Microsoft Teams

The Covid Crisis brought increased levels of Cycling, Walking and Wheeling with unprecedented numbers of people getting out of their cars and on to the streets, paths and parks for both travel and exercise. As we emerge from lockdown we now have the opportunity to capitalise on this momentum and make more active travel and leisure part of the new normal.  Many more people now want to cycle for leisure, health and everyday travel. We have the opportunity to shape practical measures which will help us to sustain this more active culture.
The global pandemic has shown us that where there is a political will and a sense of urgency things can change quickly. Pop up infrastructure and Spaces for People are just the start of what can be done to get more people cycling, walking and wheeling more often in East Renfrewshire.

This event is for anyone with an interest in walking and cycling in East Renfrewshire We hope to bring together representatives from Cycling UK, East Renfrewshire Council, local grassroots cycling and walking groups, community cycling organisations, Cycling UK affiliated and Member groups and local residents. Our aim is to discuss cycling and walking provision in the area and look towards improving infrastructure and opportunities.
There are also opportunities for organisations to present at the event so if you would like the chance to showcase your work in the area just let me know.
Please feel free to share with your friends and networks, as well as any walking and/or paths groups who might be interested in shared initiatives.
I look forward to seeing you there!
If you are unable to make it to the event but would like to take part in future events and discussions then please feel free to drop me a line
Many thanks and best regards
Eileen"

Eileen may be contacted by email at: bigbikerevivalscotland@cyclinguk.org

Here's the link to join the meeting.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park, Introduction of Active Travel Management Plan including formation of parking, infrastructure and landscaping, acknowledgement of GoBike submission by Development & Regeneration Services

In Digest 64, Item 3.1, we published our response to the planning application for changes to the traffic system in Pollok Park. On 24 July we received this letter of acknowledgement. We'll keep you updated with any further news.

3.2 North Lanarkshire Council, City Deal Proposed East Airdrie Link Road, response to GoBike submission

In Digest 59, Item 1.2 we published this letter of opposition to the building of a new road to the east of the town of Airdrie. On 27 July we received this long email explaining why the Council find it necessary to proceed with the road.

"City Deal Proposed East Airdrie Link Road (Ref TF/D57
Attn: Tricia Fort

Thank you for your letter of 14 April 2020 in response to the public consultation exercise on the proposed East Airdrie Link Road.

We note your opposition to the scheme, primarily on the basis that there requires to be a change of emphasis away from provision of new road capacity and more towards public transport and active travel.  You also note that recent government policies aim to reduce pollution, reduce the use of the private motor vehicle, improve public health and effect a modal transfer.

These aims are acknowledged in the recently published National Transport Strategy which, although at the bottom of the investment hierarchy, still supports road building, particularly in support of inclusive economic growth.

Please be assured that the Council is supportive of these shifts in policy and these are recognised in the aims and objectives of the East Airdrie Link Road project.

As stated in the over-arching project objective, the project seeks to contributing to a co-ordinated and strategic approach to upgrade transport infrastructure and promote economic regeneration through the Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital Transport Corridor project.

Firstly, the objective explicitly acknowledges the aim to support economic regeneration in the area and, specifically, any proposals are assessed against how well they “support development opportunities for existing businesses and assist in unlocking stalled development sites”.  This aligns with the overall aim of the Glasgow City Deal to support economic growth and job creation; in fact, the achievement of this objective is critical in securing City Deal funding.

The project is also envisioned as a key plank in supporting the Council’s wider aim of encouraging modal shift through the greater use of public transport and active travel.  Again, these aims are explicitly acknowledged in options appraisal through assessment against the following project objectives:

Public Transport - Facilitate improvements to public transport infrastructure and reliability,
encouraging modal shift

Active Travel - Provide active travel infrastructure linking to existing networks, encouraging modal shift

The expansion of public transport and active travel provision in and along the existing A73 is limited by the prevailing physical constraints and traffic congestion and it is anticipated that the relief provided by the new link road will allow increased road space to be assigned to buses and active travel.  Providing travel choices is key to encouraging modal shift and efficient, fast public transport services are central to encouraging people to not use private cars.

Another of the objectives is to improve air quality pollution within the Chapelhall AQMA and the project will achieve this for residents and those walking, cycling and wheeling.  Indeed, there is also an opportunity for the project to reduce noise pollution for a number of residents and remove freight movements through these densely populated areas.

Any option taken forward will be designed to include active travel routes connecting to existing paths and networks and thereby contributing to the overall active travel network in the region.  There is an opportunity through the environmental assessment work to provide a range of enhancements in terms of landscaping, ecology and flooding and to create pleasant segregated routes alongside the new road.

We also note your comment about rail, however, the initial options appraisal concluded that rail options made only limited contribution to project objectives.  Nevertheless, the study (Strategy 8) did acknowledge there were opportunities to potentially improve connectivity links at Coatbridge these will be considered further out with the scope of the East Airdrie Link Road project.

In summary, it is our view that the proposed project is aligned with many of the objectives outlined in your letter. As we move in to Stage 2 of the current study, we will be seeking to ensure the optimum performance against the overall project objectives and to explore opportunities for maximising benefits of the new scheme towards modal shift.  To that end, have invited  welcome constructive engagement with GoBike on how your organisation considers these goals might be achieved.

We have set up stakeholder consultation groups, including on active travel, and acknowledge that your colleague Derek York has agreed to participate in the Active Travel Group.

We hope the above addresses some of your concerns and that you will be able to contribute further as the project develops through Stage 2.

In the meantime, if I can be of any further assistance, please contact the undersigned.
Regards

Yvonne Baker
Senior Project Manager (Enterprise Projects)
Enterprise & Communities
North Lanarkshire Council"

While this is not the result we had dreamed of, it is probably what we expected, but GoBike has been listened to. The inclusion of GoBike member, Derek, in North Lanarkshire's Active Travel Stakeholder Consultation Group is very welcome.

3.3 North Lanarkshire Council, Active Travel Stakeholder Group online workshop 30 July

Quick on the heels of that email was the first meeting of the Active Travel Group last Thursday, held online and attended by Derek, on behalf of GoBike. The focus of discussion was the East Airdrie Link Road, a new A-road planned by North Lanarkshire Council funded by City Deal.
The screenshot above shows the possible route alignments; the final decision is yet to be made. The northern section is quite barren, 600ft above sea level and over peat bog. The southern section is nearer settlements, including Airdrie, Chapelhall, Plains and  Calderbank. Mike Batley of the Central Scotland Green Network suggested the southern section could follow the western route for active travel-only (with road separate to east). It wasn't clear if this will be taken on board. The next meeting will be in August but no word on next steps.
The proposed shared path would be wider than sections on A73 near Carluke. It's nothing to write home about but obviously better than the section between Newhouse and Cleland/Bellside, which has no pavement at all. Other stakeholders were underwhelmed – Sustrans, SPT, Central Scotland Green Network, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership (https://www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk/guide-to-the-partnership/the-partners).

Derek's also given us some background to the proposals:

The road was initially proposed as a bypass over ten years ago to get HGVs off the current A73 through Airdrie. The Sustrans rep at the meeting asked whether NLC had considered not building road in light of the  climate emergency. North Lanarkshire's response was that the  new road was about “redistribution” of traffic, not adding. Active travel infrastructure was added later in process (reminiscent of Stewartfield Way in South Lanarkshire). The proposed line of the road passes two potential sites for a new Monklands hospital (Glenmavis and Wester Moffat). The presentation mentioned economic development but not cycle commuting (aims come from old NLC cycling strategy). Aecom (the design consultants) and North Lanarkshire Council claim they want a modal shift to cycling - hence their proposal for a shared use path on one side (3m+buffer). They are proposing roundabout junctions with uncontrolled crossings (road is single lane 60mph). Est. 9k motor vehicle flows - 10k+ would require grade separated junctions - traffic modelling is to be confirmed.
The proposed shared path would be wider than sections on A73 near Carluke. It's nothing to write home about but obviously better than the section between Newhouse and Cleland/Bellside, which has no pavement at all. Other stakeholders were underwhelmed – Sustrans, SPT, Central Scotland Green Network, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership (https://www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk/guide-to-the-partnership/the-partners).

A decision about a new Monklands hospital site still hasn't been taken. If it's at one of the sites on the above corridor then that might change things. FYI see: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/get-involved/consult-engage/monklands-engagement/

That's it for now, a welcome return of consultations and plenty to get our teeth into.