ONLINE ISSUE 311 DEC 2020

local community, local life ............... 42
Plans published for two temporary cycling routes in Renfrewshire
Detailed designs for two new temporary cycling
routes from Howwood to Paisley and Bridge of Weir
to Houston have been published by Renfrewshire
Council.
They are the first of a series being introduced on
key commuter routes to encourage people to cycle
for essential journeys to and from work and school,
for exercise and to visit local shops during the
Coronavirus pandemic.
Each route is funded through the Scottish
Government Spaces for People programme and
supported by Sustrans Scotland.
A summer survey shaped design of the 35-minute,
10km cycle between Howwood and Paisley, which
passes St Anthony’s Primary School, Johnstone
Train station and through Elderslie, before
connecting with National Cycle Route 7 into Paisley
town centre.
And the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been
brought forward following a request from Houston
Community Council to provide a safe cycling option
between the two villages.
The 10-minute cycle along Houston Road includes
a combination of existing pavement converted into
a shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists and
on-road cycling, finishing in Houston outside Gryffe
High School.
Letters have been issued to residents, schools,
businesses and communities on each route detailing
the plans and asking for any feedback to shape the
final plans, with the routes to be installed in early
2021.
Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire
Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment
Policy Board, said: “Cycling brings so many benefits
for our wellbeing and for our environment and
these two new routes will encourage more people
to cycle and wheel for essential journeys during the
Coronavirus pandemic.
“Both routes have been carefully considered, with
parking and access maintained for local shops,
and over four weeks we are engaging with local
residents, businesses, schools and communities,
sharing the developed designs and listening to
feedback to improve and adjust each route to
ensure they are welcomed and well-used.”
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