Causewayhead or Dunster Road?
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Which of the two routes are you most likely to use if heading north out of Stirling by foot, wheel or bike and why?
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Profile of Petronela Jones
Posted by:Petronela Jones
5 years ago
The local government is the main delivery agent of road safety; thus the local authorities have a statutory duty under section 39 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act, 8 to [quote] “take steps both to reduce and prevent accidents”.
It is evident as a day to day bystander, that a higher number of cyclists, unfortunately at their own risk, opt for Causewayhead Road as a preferred cycle route to and from University of Stirling, even though the infrastructure is poor, unsafe and the condition of the cycle lanes are appalling. The fact is that this road is the most obvious and direct route from A to B.
Thus, the local authorities have a statutory duty of care to ensure they are providing a flexible and safe way of commuting to all its road users, be inclusive and non-discriminatory regardless of its end user, be it pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.
Dunster Road is already used as a quiet and safe cycle route option, however Causewayhead Road is the one that needs to be upgraded as it provides by far the greatest opportunity to and gain for the community and road users alike.
Profile of David Jones
Posted by:David Jones
5 years ago
As an experienced cyclist I currently use Causewayhead road as it is the most direct and obvious route in both directions and the benefits of overhauling this stretch in its entirety would be substantial indeed. Cyclists currently navigate a busy and dangerous route that would be drastically improved by the changes proposed. A reduced speed limit on Causewayhead road would be essential to support the measures.
Profile of Ian Ainsworth
Posted by:Ian Ainsworth
5 years ago
Fact..........Dunster Road is a designated cycle route with a 20mph speed limit.
In part the maximum speed of traffic on Dunster Road is contained because of traffic having to stop or slow down at the Dumyat Road, Castle Road, Cleuch Road and Easter Cornton Road junctions. I'm certain that most if not all cyclists feel extremely safe on this road. I haven't seen any comments to oppose this view.
Under the proposals these road junctions would change their priority and allow Dunster Road users to drive from end to end with no restrictions. Even allowing for the floral islands, road narrowing etc these options will not slow the cars, vans etc down and it will encourage a rat run mentality on Dunster Road especially at peak traffic times on Causewayhead Road. I'm really fearful for school children using this road if the plans as proposed go ahead.
There is no doubt that Causewayhead Road from Dumyat Road to and through the railway bridge at Cornton Road end requires some form of change. That should be seen as the priority, and if Stirling Council were really serious about cycle lanes then the most urgent would be from Causewayhead to Manor Powis Cottages. ( Beyond the roundabout.)
Profile of Martin Quirke
Posted by:Martin Quirke
5 years ago
@Ian Ainsworth Agree with these points too. Perhaps here is need to add modal filter part of the way along duster road, so cyclists maintain a ROW all the way through, residents can still access their properties, and ran-running is prevented.
Profile of Terry Macdonald
Posted by:Terry Macdonald
5 years ago
Dunster Road where possible as it's quieter than Causewayhead Road and less polluted. It's the better choice for the cycle route as putting it on Causewayhead Rd. will just encourage drivers to use Dunster Road and both roads will become unpleasant for pedestrians and cyclists. (I imagine that buses and bin lorries will block the carriageway on Causewayhead Road when they stop.)
Profile of James F
Posted by:James F
5 years ago
Think I echo most of the comments here when I say Dunster Road is the better option. It is already quiet enough to cycle on comfortably in my opinion, so the proposals would only make it more pleasant for cycling.
However, I can't help but feel that the section underneath the railway bridge (bi-directional cycle path and footpath) is too cramped in these designs and might be more dangerous than having a shared path in the same place with advice for cyclists to slow down and give way to pedestrians until they are able to join the cycle path on the other side.
Posted by:unknown author
5 years ago
When heading north out of Stirling by bike, my current preference is to use Dunster Road. I would prefer it if there was priority for traffic turning right into Dunster Road. I have never found the road to be anything other than quiet but I don't tend to use it at peak times. However, it is my observation that, even though it is the designated route to Wallace High, there are cycles using the pavement the full length of Causewayhead Road, in both directions. It is difficult to discourage this behaviour especially if the Co-op is a port of call. I don't think the plans for Dunster Road would necessarily change that behaviour especially if the pavement along Causewayhead Road is improved.
The other reservation I have about Dunster Road is the proposal for traffic calming. I would want to see a detail of the proposal to ensure that cyclists don't find themselves facing an oncoming car.
Profile of Ashleigh
Posted by:Ashleigh
5 years ago
I think I would prefer Dunster road because it is quieter, but I don't think shared road use is the answer for a truly cycle friendly city. We need safe cycle paths, connecting all major routes.
The cycle paths on Causewayhead road need to be wide enough to accommodate trikes (family cargo bikes, delivery cargo bikes, and trikes used by older people or people with disabilities). These are not usually much wider than the handlebars on a regular bicycle, but they rider should not be forced to have one wheel in the gutter to be able to use the path (as is currently the case on Causewayhead road and on parts of the cycle lane on Airthrey road).
Profile of Fayzan Rehman
Posted by:Fayzan Rehman
5 years ago
Think of the culture-change success of the cycle superhighways in London. A two-way fully segregated cycle lane the length of Causewayhead Road will be the most practical and most safe option. There must be physical separation from both traffic lanes and the pavement.
The Dunster Road option will not safe. There cannot be safe shared usage of pavements between pedestrians and cyclists.
Profile of Lisa Haddow
Posted by:Lisa Haddow
5 years ago
I worry that making a dual cycleway on Causewayhead will need so much awareness raising for all users plus it would be the only location in Stirling but many users may think it applies elsewhere. I have seen many student cyclists cycle up the wrong way as they are not familiar with our roads. I would prefer improving Dunster road.
Profile of David Robertson
Posted by:David Robertson
5 years ago
I think the Dunster Road proposal makes the most sense. Most cyclists would still prefer to use Dunster Road as it is quieter and less polluted. As it would need less investment, more could be done to the east to transform the Causewayhead roundabout and links towards Cambuskenneth. There are just too many concerns and negatives with the proposal for Causewayhead Road, its too busy and not suited to what is being proposed.
Profile of Ashleigh
Posted by:Ashleigh
5 years ago
@David Robertson I agree that links towards Cambuskenneth are urgently needed. There is no safe way to get from Causewayhead road to Ladysneuk road.
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