ROUNDABOUTS in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Wallyford and a junction on the Stirling University campus are among 20 cycling “collision hotspots” identified by new research.
Sustainable transport campaigners at the charity Sustrans Scotland compiled the list of locations by examining areas with a relatively high number of collisions compared to the amount of cycling activity between 2005 and 2014.
The organisation weighted the results according to the severity of the injuries sustained and assessed the number and severity of cyclist causalities at each location, scoring this against the population in each area and the number of people in the vicinity who had reported they cycled to work in the 2011 census.
Sustrans Scotland is now calling for improved cycling infrastructure at junctions, after the research found roundabouts and T junctions were the main hotspots.
Roundabouts appeared frequently in the danger list – comprising nine of the 20 hotspot locations – while seven of the sites were at T or staggered junctions.
The Arkleston Road/A761 junction in Paisley topped the list, followed by the A726/Parkway roundabout near Erskine and the A199/B1361/A6094 roundabout at Wallyford. The A8/Cathedral Street junction in Glasgow and Drumbrae roundabout in Edinburgh were also flagged up as dangerous for cyclists.
The findings, published by Sustrans’s Scottish Research Programme, will be presented at the Scottish Transport Applications and Research conference in Glasgow on Wednesday.
John Lauder, national director for Sustrans Scotland, said: “Safety is often cited as the main reason why people don’t cycle for more of the journeys they make every day.
“This research highlights the importance of having high-quality cycling infrastructure in place at junctions, so that collisions can be prevented. We know that better cycle infrastructure increases the feeling of safety and ultimately the number of people on bikes.
"Through our Community Links, Street Design and National Cycle Network funding, which is provided by Transport Scotland, Sustrans helps to ensure this happens. Put quite simply, the more people in a place who cycle, the safer it becomes for everyone.”
Sustrans Scotland has been working with local authorities to reduce accidents at some of the hotspots, and responded to a consultation on improving Sheriffhall roundabout, one of Edinburgh's busiest junctions.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to undertaking improvements at Sheriffhall roundabout having announced the preferred route option earlier this year. As part of the scheme, grade separation at Sheriffhall will improve access for pedestrians and cyclists compared to the existing arrangement.
“By allowing Edinburgh City Bypass traffic to pass over, it will significantly reduce congestion and improve accessibility for all modes of transport including pedestrians and cyclists.”
TOP TEN DANGER SPOTS
1) Arkleston Road, Paisley
2) Parkway, near Erskine
3) A199/B1361/A6094 roundabout, Wallyford
4) Robertson Street, Dundee
5) Barrhead Road/Peat Road/Braidcraft Road/Brockburn Road roundabout, Glasgow
6) Glasgow/Viewlands Road, Perth
7) A8/Cathedral Street, Glasgow
8) High Street, Tranent
9) Main Street/Newbattle Road mini roundabouts, Newtongrange
10) Mearns Road, Clarkston
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel