More space for walkers and cyclists as city roads changed

Changes will be made in Glasgow to support social distancing for those walking and cycling in the city.

The city council has confirmed Kelvin Way will close to traffic from Saturday to allow space for people doing exercise in and around Kelvingrove Park.

Plans are at an advanced stage to widen Clyde Street and Broomielaw to make sure pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users can safely distance themselves from others at all times.

The council revealed Kelvin Way and Clyde Walkway have been heavily used for exercise during the coronavirus lockdown, with concerns expressed about maintaining a two metre distance in these places.

Other areas with high pedestrian footfall such as Byres Road, Partick, Dennistoun, Shawlands and Maryhill have been identified as places where temporary measures can be introduced.

Pollok, Drumchapel, Easterhouse and Castlemilk have also been earmarked.

Council leader Susan Aitken said: “When lockdown begins to ease, it is vital that we do everything we can as a city to keep the coronavirus at bay.

“We want to ensure that people are confident that they can move safely around the city, and access workplaces, shops, pubs, restaurants and other business when they begin to reopen.

“This is crucial not only for the health of our citizens, but also the health of our economy.

“Rethinking road space to allow for wider footways will be essential for people accessing businesses, public transport and other facilities, and these types of measures will be an important tool in getting the city up and running again.”

The Scottish Government this week announced a £10m support fund for pop-up active travel infrastructure.

Councillor Aitken added: “The imminent closure of Kelvin Way and plans to widen footways along Clyde Street and Broomielaw are the shape of things to come and I welcome the funding from the Scottish Government, which will enable us to accelerate these plans.

“We will be looking at communities in all parts of the city to see what measures can be put in place in the weeks and months ahead.”