Commuting infrastructure needs to favour non polluting transport.

If active travel routes are for getting commuters out of cars they need to be much more functional i.e. fastest most direct route possible.

Accessing green spaces and active travel are two fundamentally different types of activity. Too many of the current cycle routes round Stirling are designed as pleasant walkways; pedestrian shared and with no demarcations. Cyclists are already at a time disadvantage when commuting, so it seems unreasonable that we listen to car drivers complaining about being slowed down by cycles, but cyclists sharing with walkers, commuters and exercisers, are expected to slow their journeys even more on way to work, or from the dog walkers perspective to be on constant alert when trying to enjoy some leisurely exercise.

It's worthwhile mentioning here that even on rare bits of pavement that are marked as cycling only, pedestrians seem to feel comfortable to roam.

How about having many more city roads limited to one way traffic and leaving one lane for cycling and mobility scooters (another group of road users poorly served)? That would make traveling short distances by car less attractive and active transport more attractive. It has been shown in other countries to greatly reduce the traffic on roads, meaning for people who really have to drive (very few) the journey is longer, but better and for cyclists and walkers and people on disability scooters the journeys are quicker. It wouldn’t cost anything other than some signage and a bit of grit in putting up with the initial grumbles from hard core polluters. It would also greatly reduce wear and tear on the city centre roads.

Stirling strategic park and ride study case found that 56% - 62% of all car journeys in Stirling are local. While park and ride seeks to address cars coming into the city from outside, there is a huge improvement to be made where people could potentially walk, cycle, mobility scooter or bus, and what happened to the brilliant suggestion of a Stirling city electric car hire scheme, as proposed by the council at a previous consultation over three years ago.

In addition your own research on what motivates people to stop taking their cars for short journeys, has shown that the most effective deterrent (according to the drivers who responded) is to make parking very expensive and driving in the city less convenient. The council has a duty to be more active in alerting people honestly to the future we are facing if we don’t stop making decisions based on short term comfort and convenience.

I know the council is already well informed on the health benefits, including those derived from much lower noise levels, all of which are amply evidenced by scientific research.

I am 60. I do have a car, but hardly ever use it for transport into Stirling or anywhere within a 10 mile radius. I cycle, carrying shopping in a basket, wearing waterproofs when it’s raining and use lights when it’s dark. Surely there are a good many people other than myself capable and fit enough.

The car would often be easier in the short term, but there is a huge hidden cost to that convenience.

As an individual I can only set a small example of encouragement to other people. You as a council can implement change that will make a difference. Be brave!…….and another thing. Plant those trees faster please.

And can Melville place please have a 10mph speed limit to deter car drivers from trying to overtake cyclists on what should be primarily for access and parking. Drivers often endanger pedestrians and cyclists with misuse of that particular stretch of road.