East Neuk

Member since 17 March 2021

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East Neuk2 years ago The Manor Powis Alloa Rd section of the NCN76 route definitely needs amended. There’s no doubt that it is an unsafe commute for anyone who wants to cut back on car journeys (a behaviour we want to encourage because we will all benefit from less emissions and traffic congestion).It’s really important that in addressing this problematic section of road, we don’t miss the main point of active travel as part of Stirling Council’s climate emergency declaration in 2019, whereby the push for cycle infrastructure is part of the long term strategy to move us towards net zero emissions.Research by Anable and Gatersleben (2005) found that travellers consider different factors when selecting their preferred mode of transport for a leisure or commuter trip. For work trips, convenience is paramount, while for leisure trips, relaxation, a sense of freedom and ‘no stress’ are as important as convenience.By pushing this active travel route onto country roads people will have to deviate unnecessary distances. https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/50323/cycling-by-design-update-2019-final-document-15-september-2021-1.pdf (section 1.5) You’ll have a fair gradient zig-zaging down embankment (up if travelling east) through sprung gates (necessary for livestock safety) onto narrow roads (see photo) where there’s a fair chance you will need to stop at intervals to allow for farm traffic, before crossing the railway, where the barriers go down twice in every half hour for the Alloa to Stirling train, before rejoining the NCN76 adjacent to Alloa Rd. There’s also the autumn maintenance of the hawthorn hedge which runs along the proposed section. For at least a month after the hedge receives it’s yearly trim, bring a puncture repair kit with you. If you’re commuting to or from work in the winter this will all be in the dark, as there is no street lighting on this stretch. Neither is it a route designed to welcome mobility scooters or parents with kids in tow or tandems or modified trikes etc. The proposed route has little to recommend it either for people who already commute by bicycle (or similar) and provides little to encourage someone to ditch their car for an active travel option.This route, which is one of a possible three routes shown to the local community council in 2023 is not designed for commuter convenience. It will add time and delay hazards to the types of CO2 reducing journeys which the council should be encouraging. It is being presented here in a way which suggests keeping the route a long way from the road will build in safety, while in fact there are several hazards associated with the route, as mentioned; no lighting, narrower than recommended shared road, regular flooding across a section of selected route.In order for this to be a fully informed intelligent public consultation https://www.gov.scot/publications/consultations-in-the-scottish-government-guidance/ (N.B. 11 principles...)all three existing proposals and plans would need to be made available on this site and in other formats in the wider community, with additional time to allow for an actual consultation process.

East Neuk5 years ago 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.