r/Glasgow Tools

I think what you're describing is in large part the Spaces For People programme, rolled out during the pandemic.

The primary goal is to create more space for pedestrians in areas of high footfall, so they don't have to crowd together.

This is sometimes along main streets in the centre, and outside rows of shops in quieter neighbourhoods.

Another aspect is creating "pop-up" cycle lanes. Initially using cones, though most of these are now being upgraded with armadillo bumps and/or bollards.

This is part of a nationwide programme of funding. There's a central funding pot with money from Sustrans and Transport Scotland being granted to councils to make these changes, if they apply. Most councils across Scotland have don't it.

In terms of goals, there's two really:

1. More space for pedestrians to not have to huddle together.

2. Creating a better, more comprehensive safe(ish) cycling network almost overnight, primarily to help people who are avoiding public transport. There was a huge uptake in cycling at the start of the pandemic, so cities are (thankfully) catering to that demand.

It looks a mess, but it's all just temporary, ad hoc infrastructure, which as I say is being upgraded and proved bit by bit. Ultimately though, a lot of the temporary extended pavements and cycle lanes may stick around for a while after the pandemic, until the council can raise funding to make them permanent (extended paving and redrawing kerbs, actual kerb segregated cycle lanes, etc).