Plans to regenerate Causeyside Street in Paisley and introduce a cycle path have been branded “complex and disruptive” by community leaders.
Renfrewshire Council is working on a project which aims to boost active travel and public transport connections in the town centre area for residents, businesses and visitors, while improving parking and traffic flow.
A key aspect of the proposals is a two-way cycle route between Canal Street and Gilmour Street stations, linked into National Cycle Route 7, which would be separated from both the main road carriageway and pedestrians.
However, concerns have been raised about factors such as pedestrian safety, with cyclists expected to give way to people crossing the path at points, disruption to businesses during the works and level of demand for the plans.
Questions have also been asked about the project’s potential impact on traffic and risks posed if vehicles have to overtake stopped buses on the opposite carriageway.
John Wilby, chair of Paisley West and Central Community Council and a keen cyclist, said: “This complex and disruptive project is founded on a false premise that demand exists for cycle lanes between Canal Street and Gilmour Street railway stations.
“In fact, cyclists using the train from Glasgow, and from the west, wishing to access Paisley town centre will choose Gilmour Street station, not Canal Street station.
“From there, cyclists can access cycle route 7 north, and south, on the existing signed cycle path via the UWS and Canal Street fire station. Cyclists arriving by train at Canal Street station have existing direct access to cycle route 7.”
Just last month, elected members expressed worries about the project – particularly the prospect of individuals getting on or off a bus being forced to navigate a cycle lane, albeit via a pedestrian crossing.
Councillor Ben Smith, a Labour rep for Paisley Northwest, told the infrastructure, land and environment policy board: “It could happen to anyone to walk off a bus on to a cycle track and not hear a bike coming. It just seems like an accident waiting to happen.”
At the meeting, Gerard Hannah, council infrastructure, transportation and change manager, tried to allay concerns by saying a recent engagement exercise wasn’t a “one and done” and there would be a “continued conversation” during the design process.
When contacted by the Paisley Daily Express this week, the local authority reiterated its commitment to listening to the views of members of the public.
A council spokesperson said: “As we progress with the planned improvements for Causeyside Street, we are continuing to liaise with the local community to incorporate their feedback into the final designs – and we will be attending the next meeting of the community council to discuss the plans with them again.
“The upgrades to Causeyside Street will provide improved access to the town centre and its train stations for anyone walking and cycling, as well as providing 46 new parking spaces, eight loading bays for businesses and a resurfaced road.
“The dedicated cycle lane will provide cyclists with a safe connection between Paisley Gilmour Street, the town centre and the National Cycle Route 7 and improvements to bus stops will make it easier to use public transport in the area.
“We will be engaging with local businesses to provide the support they would need to operate as normally as possible during the period of works, including carrying out the works in sections to limit the impact at any one time, and we will be in contact with them directly as the project progresses.
“The improvements will enhance walking, cycling and public transport connections for residents, businesses and visitors as we encourage sustainable travel in Paisley.”
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