Issued by icecream architecture
Back in May of 2021, the public were asked to take part in a survey to help a team of designers identify a new and improved walking, cycling and wheeling route from Helensburgh to Garelochhead.
The team has now collated the responses and used these to inform the initial design proposals. Now the public can visit helensburgh-garelochhead.info to find out more; view the designs; and submit comments and questions.
The opinions of the community are essential to the project, as they will provide valuable insights into what is needed to create a safe and enjoyable experience for travellers of the route. The route also aims to connect local amenities such as businesses, schools, transport, and tourist spots.
The project is funded by Argyll and Bute Council, with the support of Sustrans Scotland's Places for Everyone programme, which is funded by Transport Scotland.
Emily Gait, Infrastructure Coordinator from Sustrans Scotland said: “This is a great opportunity for people in the local area to shape the designs from Helensburgh to Garelochhead. Your feedback will help design an active travel route as well as create attractive places to spend time in and travel through.”
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of the Council:
“Encouraging active travel will help to reduce our carbon footprint and provide safer walking, cycling and wheeling options for residents and visitors to the area. I would encourage anyone with an interest to meet the design team to have their say.”
The chance for community members to meet the design team will take place on Thursday, 9th September. The Route Relay will see the team cycle the existing 7.7 mile route from Helensburgh to Garelochhead, stopping throughout the day at key locations (see below).
Locals, visitors, and commuters are invited to come along to these key locations at the times indicated, to chat with the design team about the project and the proposals. The focus of the event is to garner feedback and suggestions from the public.
Stop by on the day to contribute your thoughts to this exciting initiative.
|
Time |
Location |
|
9.30am – 11.20am |
The Perch Café, Garelochhead |
|
11.30am – 12pm |
Garelochhead Train Station |
|
1pm – 2pm |
Rhu Primary School |
|
2.15pm-2.45pm |
Beachcomber Café |
|
3pm- 5pm |
Helensburgh Cycles |
|
5pm-6pm |
Helensburgh Central Station |
The event also has an exciting offer for those who meet with the design team at Helensburgh Cycles. Bring a bike along to the Helensburgh Cycles shop between 3pm and 5pm to get a free bike check from the wonderful owners.
Isla Jackson, from the design team of Civic Engineers:
“The design team are extremely keen to use this event as an opportunity to consult with the community in an engaging and fun way about how best to design an attractive route along this fantastic and scenic coastal area.”
Community members know the area best and the team hope many will visit the website and/or meet them on September 9th to provide their unique perspectives, and help create a route that will have a lasting, positive impact for all.