r/Glasgow Tools

Drivers need to understand that these changes (which aren't just happening in Glasgow, but are being rolled out in cities the world over) aren't about persecuting them, or making their lives difficult for the sake of it.

We all have to share the same urban environment. How space is used within a city has an impact on choices that people make. For the last 50 years, there has barely been any element of choice offered. Glasgow, like many other cities, was almost entirely reconfigured from the bottom up to suit car use as the main mode of transit - at the expense of all other options.

The changes suggested in this plan are part of rebalancing the situation, making cycling, public transport, and yes even walking, way more viable and appealing as options than before.

There are choices to be made for how we use what is ultimately limited street space.

Do we continue to have maximum space devoted to car travel, or even car storage?

Or do we use some of that space to provide a safe cycling route connecting whole neighborhoods to one an other, or maybe even a space for outdoor hospitality?

It's not even just about the utility of space in and around the city. We're in a climate crisis, and hard choices have to be made. Something like 70% car journeys are 10 mins or less. Essentially journeys which could be walked or cycled.

That's not to say the aim is for *everyone* to switch transport modes. It's not, and it's frustrating to see this always talked about as a black and white thing. Drivers vs everybody else.

It's just about giving you the opportunity to travel a different way if you can or if you want to. Once that genuine choice is offered to people, you'll see the number of car journeys tumble, which in turn benefits the people who absolutely do need to drive as there will be less congestion.