Readers have their say on active travel routes planned for Dundee’s busiest roads.

Last week, new drawings were released that depict how portions of Arbroath Road and Lochee Road could be altered.

Readers of The Courier have expressed their opinions on plans to develop active travel pathways on Dundee’s major roadways.

Last week, new photos were released that showed how parts of Arbroath Road and Lochee Road could be changed as part of the project.

This could entail constructing “bi-directional” cycle tracks, shared use footpaths, and adding bus lanes. However, the ideas have prompted hundreds of comments on The Courier and Evening Telegraph social media sites, as well as our website.

‘The number of cyclists is minimal’

Some readers questioned how many cyclists would utilise the lanes if they were installed in Dundee. Madge wrote: “Where are all these bikes and walkers who have suddenly become top priorities for consideration?

“The percentage of this generation interested in cycling and walking is low since they want to get a car and drive as soon as they reach the age of majority. “Prior to this, their parents operated a cab service for them.

We need to absorb extra-wide pavements to accommodate parking and traffic lane growth, not the other way around.

“Arbroath is a classic example of these suggested new systems, and it is not viewed positively. “The number of cyclists and pedestrians is minimal compared to the amount of cars.”

AGC explained, “I live in Carnoustie and work in Arbroath. The new cycle pathways in Arbroath look fantastic. “But I rarely see any cyclists on them (I counted 0 coming home tonight), and I usually travel during rush hour, which should be the busiest.

“Also, this is during the height of summer when they are fresh and original. “I don’t see usage increasing in January when the rain is blowing sideways.”

Parking questions raised

Another user, Billforthill, questioned how the infrastructure would function in actuality. They wrote: “A lovely image of Arbroath Road, often known as Scott Fyffe, with the Boars Rock pub and stores in the background.

“One concern, though: where have all of the south side residents’ cars gone? “Many of these cars are usually parked in designated ‘disabled parking’ areas. “Also, where are the vehicles that are parked on the North side going to go?”

Jerry48 added: “The pictures show that parking will be nearly impossible on a roadway with cycle lanes. “Will the Council remove the occasional building to construct off-street parking? “I believe shops along these cycle paths may face a drop in business due to a shortage of parking.

“Final point – a question really for experienced cyclists to respond to: is it not better to have a separate cycle lane at the side of the road in each direction, rather than the two-way path on one side of the road as illustrated?”

‘This is the future’

However, others welcomed the proposals.

“This is the future, what needs to be considered is large numbers of people will not have cars in 10-20 years”, one wrote.

“Life will change and this is what it looks like. Look to the future.”

Another said, “The more cycle lanes, the better. “E-bike sales are strong and they will eventually become the default form of transport.”

You can charge an e-bike for 10 pence and travel 40 miles on it. Compare it to an automobile.”

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