I tried a new Glasgow cycle lane but one thing is confusing

Glasgow Times

6 days ago

With progress being made toward 270km of new safe cycle infrastructure, main roads and leading to the centre from all directions, it has never been better for those using two wheels and pedal power to get around.
The most recent completion is the redesign of a busy Glasgow city centre junction with improved cycle safety in mind.
The junction, at the King George V Bridge, Broomielaw/Clyde Street and Oswald Street has new signals and road markings.
READ NEXT:George V Bridge cycle lanes now open in Glasgow city centre
A reminder of why this is needed is mere yards away.
A white "ghost bike" is fixed to the railings in memory of 22-year-old student, Emma Burke Newman, who was killed when she was hit by a lorry while she was on her bike in January 2023.
The Glasgow Times tested the new layout and the wider cycle lane network in the city centre.
(Image: Newsquest)
Starting with the King George V Bridge.
Heading north across the bridge feels safe, in a wide, one-way, segregated cycle lane towards the city centre.
You can turn left and down onto the cycle path along the river walkway past the Tradeston Bridge or right onto Clyde Street, continuing east on a dedicated bike lane.
READ NEXT: We fact check the claim no-one uses Glasgow's cycle lanes.
Heading straight on, into Oswald Street, is less straightforward.
Coming from Glasgow Green, heading west along Clyde Street is ideal, with a segregated route all the way to the King George V Bridge.
The only problem is when you want to turn right towards the city centre, again onto Oswald Street.
There is a cycle traffic signal, but I was unsure if it was for going ahead only and had to wait to make absolutely sure no traffic was coming head-on towards me.
The route to follow is a curved, painted, narrow bike crossing going diagonally across the yellow box junction.
(Image: Newsquest)
But it leads to nowhere and appears to be sending cyclists onto the pavement.
The much heralded cycle infrastructure, making the bridge safer, just stops and the curved lane across oncoming traffic does not look like the safe option.
The council said: 'The junctions at the bridge's ends have been redesigned to offer extra protection for cyclists.
'The northbound cycle lane is set to connect to a future Broomielaw/Clyde Street 'Avenue', while the southbound lane already links with the popular South City Way.
'In addition, traffic signals have been upgraded, and footway enhancements have been made to create a more appealing environment for active travel.'
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All the above is true; we just need to have a safe cycling option for Oswald Street towards Hope Street.
(Image: Newsquest)
In the wider city centre, there have been many new cycle lanes created, separating bikes from other road traffic and keeping them away from the pavement.
It is not completely joined up yet.
Sauchiehall Street was the first segregated lane, part of the Avenues project.
But when you get to the top of the lane at Rose Street, you are met with a sign guaranteed to grind a cyclist's gears.
It says 'End of Route,' so where are you supposed to go?
(Image: Newsquest)
The answer is to go down the pedestrian precinct, which is a "pedestrian and cycle zone".
I did this and was met with the disapproving looks of many people on foot.
And it is hard to disagree with them. The recently redesigned street is too busy with people walking to have bikes on it, too.
Cyclists, many are delivery riders heading to and from the fast food outlets, slalom and snake down the street, often at speeds inappropriate for the zone.
In Pitt Street and along Waterloo Street, there is another excellent bike lane.
But some people are having difficulty understanding what a bike lane is for.
Heading down the lane, I had to negotiate not one but two vehicles parked in the bike lane.
(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
Since the pandemic, when temporary cycle lanes were popping up across Glasgow, there have been huge improvements made in Glasgow.
What it needs now is to separate cyclists from pedestrians and fully join up all the great routes that are being created.
Then Glasgow can truly be a cycle-friendly city.