Cycle contraflow could turn corner for Riverside Way Project
An Inverness active travel project that supports the Highland Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency; the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan; the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan and National Transport Strategy has received further support from Inverness Councillors today.
Members of Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee have voted to approve that Council officers introduce an Experimental Road Traffic Regulation Order (ERTRO) for the introduction of a cycle contraflow on the Riverside Way Project.
The contraflow would be introduced on part of Ness Walk and part of Bught Road (between Bishops Road and Bught Drive) allowing a low-cost trial and detailed monitoring for a report to be brought back to a future committee meeting.
The proposed ERTRO involves the introduction of a series of 7 ‘plugs’, signs, markings and ‘splitter’ island along the Riverside Way Project route which would allow motorists to travel in one direction, southwards (towards Bught Park) through the plugs while cyclists would be able to travel in both directions to encourage active travel through the area. Police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services have made no objections to the proposed ERTRO, and several key local stakeholders are supportive of the trial
Ongoing engagement with the local Community Council and others will be continued during the introduction of the ERTRO cycle contraflow.
Members were updated on other improvements to active travel planned for the Riverside Way Project area including the installation of 20mph road signs and markings due for installation by the end of February 2020; and a consultation on the proposal to install speed ‘cushions’ on Bught Road.
Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “The Riverside Way Project clearly supports our own and national desires to improve active travel. The trial cycle contraflow will help inform the Council on future decision-making priorities for this project.”
Sustrans Scotland infrastructure manager Chiquita Elvin said: “We hope that this trial will encourage more people in Inverness to make walking, cycling and wheeling part of their everyday journey. We will be working with The Highland Council to monitor how the changes affect traffic in the local area and we look forward to seeing the results.”
The Riverside Way is part of the Inverness City Active Travel Network, part of a wider series of active travel projects through the city, in which the council are working in partnership with Sustrans Scotland, following the successful funding from Transport Scotland.
More information on the wider project can be found at www.invernessactivetravel.commonplace.is