Glasgow council to prioritise cycle routes for gritting

Glasgow council has announced it will make the clearance of two cycle routes in the city a priority this winter.

The routes have been identified for priority one action for the first time as part of a pilot programme to support active travel over the winter months.

A new web-based story map has also been developed which will explain how and where the council allocates it resources in response to wintery weather.

Under the Winter Maintenance Plan, the council uses daily tailored weather forecasts to gauge the predicted impact of snow and ice on the city, which then feeds into the priorities for action.

The primary focus on each day of winter action is to treat over 900 kilometres of priority one carriageways, about half of all roads within the city, priority one footways and the priority cycle ways.

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said that after the battering Beast from the East delivered to Glasgow earlier this year, the city will be bracing itself for round two.

But she stressed the city’s residents should take confidence from the preparations that are already in place.

She said: "Last winter was one of the worst on record, but we managed to keep the city moving in the toughest of circumstances.

"As ever our gritting teams had a vital role to play and were out day and night to keep roads and footways as safe as possible.

“The volunteer winter wardens rose to the challenge, marshalling public spirited individuals in neighbourhoods all across the city to tackle local snow and ice.

“And the city’s 1500 grit bins were an invaluable resource for members of the public determined to do their bit.

"As ever we always seek to refine and improve our plans and people can have faith that we are prepared in case the worst happens again.

"I am delighted there will be greater support for those who travel to and from the city centre by bike.

“It’s vitally important that active travel is still an option even during the depths of winter.”

The pilot programme for cycle routes will cover South West City Way, West City Way and the link with Kelvingrove Park.

These routes will be gritted or cleared any time there is an instruction for winter action on the city’s priority one footways.

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